The UK soft drinks market sustained healthy growth in 2006, up 3.6% in volume terms to 14,345 million litres and a retail sales value of £12,860 million, according to the 2007 UK Soft Drinks report from leading drinks consultancy Zenith International. Soaring temperatures last July boosted the market, which saw consumption per person reach 237 litres overall during the year.
“Nature, health and wellbeing are now the key dynamics for consumption growth,” commented Zenith Research Director Gary Roethenbaugh. “Smoothies, chilled juice, still juice drinks and bottled water had the greatest momentum in 2006. The industry has placed particular emphasis on water and juice drinks on the go, chilled drink availability and lower to zero calorie carbonates.”
The trend towards health and wellbeing should drive continued growth for the UK soft drinks industry. By 2011, Zenith anticipates that total soft drinks consumption will exceed 16,000 million litres and 260 litres per person. Pure juice, still juice drinks and bottled water are expected to lead the way.
