The global market for carbonated soft drinks saw its growth rate halve in 2008, dropping from 3% in 2007 to 1.4%, but research consultants from Canadean are forecasting better times ahead with the market growth rate expected to accelerate next year. In the meantime, 2009 will see growth slow significantly as the world enters the eye of the global financial storm, according to Canadean’s recently published Global Carbonates Report. Despite the slowdown, carbonates remains King of the soft drinks... ...Read more »

A new report from market researcher Mintel shows today’s adults rapidly switching from calorie-laden soft drinks to other, often lighter, beverages. From 2003 to 2008, Mintel estimates that the regular carbonated soft drink market lost 15.6 million adult drinkers. Just 68% of respondents to Mintel’s November 2008 survey in the US said they drank regular soft drinks in 2008, down from 76% in 2003. During the same period, the number of diet soft drink drinkers grew: 7.8 million more adults... ...Read more »

Worldwide consumption of soft drinks rose by 3.9% in 2007 to 552 billion litres, equivalent to 82.5 litres per person, according to the new 2008 Global Soft Drinks report from drinks consultancy group Zenith International. The growth was led by still drinks, the segment embracing a consumer desire for health and wellbeing alternatives, and bottled water, reflecting its natural and calorie free hydration virtues. “Health continues as an increasingly important factor driving purchasing behaviour... ...Read more »

A new study has delved into the changing patterns of beverage consumption of British children, discovering that healthier options are becoming more widely consumed as kids branch out beyond their old favourites. The research, conducted by independent research company TNS for the British Soft Drinks Association, shows that squash has retained its enduring popularity as a low cost, enjoyable beverage choice for children across all ages. Children’s drink choices have also become more varied and... ...Read more »