The late 2000s have proven to be a challenging period for the US liquid refreshment beverage category, but growth persists as do opportunities. The changes in the US marketplace often present leading indications as to where the Australian market is headed. Many factors confront the industry, which consists of carbonated soft drinks, bottled water, milk, fruit beverages, sports beverages, ready-to-drink tea and coffee, and energy drinks. Some relate to broader economic and social conditions, while... ...Read more »
Frucor, Groupe Danone’s Australian and New Zealand beverage business, has reportedly drawn the attention of a number of trade suitors as private equity firms drop out of the bidding. Danone has not yet officially put Frucor on the market but they announced a thorough review was underway in August and, with their recent refocus on health and wellness products, speculation of a sale has been strong. Frucor, New Zealand’s second largest non-alcoholic beverage manufacturer, is valued by analysts... ...Read more »
Although brands account for the majority of volume with most types, private label permeates virtually every beverage category in the United States. Private label beverages, also known as store or home brands, can now be found in the largest and the smallest of beverage categories. Although carbonated soft drinks remain popular, as the market has evolved and consumer tastes have shifted, retailers in private label have moved into more non-carbonated products, like bottled water and fruit beverages,... ...Read more »
Reports suggest that strong interest has been generated in both the potential sales of Cadbury’s Australian beverage division and Frucor - owned by Danone. Companies consistently linked to bids have included P&N Beverages, Coca-Cola Amatil and National Foods, although competition concerns could play a factor in the process, with Coca-Cola Amatil likely to be the most heavily scrutinised by the ACCC - according to analysts. Groupe Danone reported at the end of August that a review of their... ...Read more »
The US carbonated soft drink market’s long battle to achieve growth persists and marketers are consequently placing greater emphasis on increasing the channels of distribution, according to the Beverage Marketing Corporation - a leading market research and consulting firm. After six straight years of sub-1% growth, volume declined for the third straight year in 2007. Prior to 2005, the market had not declined in at least 20 years. US carbonated soft drink volume has not increased at... ...Read more »
Rumours continue to circulate that Pepsi are sounding out new bottlers for their brands in New Zealand and Australia. The Australian Financial Review last week reported that PepsiCo was discussing their options with potential bottlers in the wake of news that both their New Zealand and Australian partners were reviewing their operations. Frucor, a subsidiary of Danone, is Pepsi’s current New Zealand bottler and Danone recently indicated that a review of operations is underway, with... ...Read more »
Despite the wettest summer since records began in 1914, UK soft drinks consumption dipped by less than 1% in 2007 to 14,215 million litres, achieving a retail value of £12,940 million, according to the latest UK soft drinks report from leading drinks consultancy group Zenith International. The fall was due in no part to ‘health drinks’, which managed to gain ground on other sectors within the sector despite the overall fall in sales. “Health, wellbeing, functionality and convenience... ...Read more »
France has ended a twelve year ban on the sale of the Red Bull energy drink in its original formula. Until now, the Austrian company was required to sell the drink in France without Taurine, one of the key ingredients. The EU forced the French Government’s hand, claiming that, in the absence of any conclusive evidence that the drink is harmful, it should be allowed to be sold. Any product made or sold in the EU cannot be banned unless there is reputable evidence of a health risk. The French... ...Read more »
The energy drink market has been growing considerably over the past five years with the success of Red Bull symbolic of the potential of the sector. However, as more competitors enter, the need for product differentiation will continue to increase but the ability to provide an option which varies noticeably from the competition appears limited. Dr Pepper Snapple Group (DPS) has now introduced Venom, a new energy drink into the ever expanding marketplace. DPS, the North American beverage company,... ...Read more »