Bottled water blockbuster
Bottled water in Britain is set to break all records in 1999 with a sparkling 22% rise in consumption to an average of 20 litres per person, according to new research presented by specialist drinks consultancy Zenith International at the annual UK industry conference in Buxton last week. Consumption overtook fruit juice in 1998 and is now 10 times higher than in 1986.
"For the first time, the market has broken through the 1000 million litre barrier and the leading brand Evian is projected to race past the 100 million mark," commented Zenith Chairman Richard Hall. "Two UK companies, Wells Soft Drinks and Highland Spring, are expected to reach 100 million litres of production. Overall volume growth is predicted to be 80% greater than in any previous year."
"Sales have undoubtedly been boosted by better summer weather and an improving economy," added Zenith Research Director Jason Holway. "The industry has also increased its advertising and expanded consumer choice through new products and new packs, such as the sports cap. There should be some further benefit from extra sales over the millennium holiday."
Amongst other insights from Zenith's analysis, still water has increased to a 74% share compared with 43% ten years ago. UK producers coincidentally also account for 74% of the market, compared with 51% in 1989. Natural mineral water represents 66% of the total and spring water 28%. Water coolers have risen to a 16% share. Supermarket own labels are responsible for 30% of packaged water excluding coolers. "We have now revised our forecasts upwards to project sales exceeding 2000 million litres by 2005," concluded Jason Holway.
Notes for Editors
1. For further information, please contact:
Richard Hall or Jason Holway, Zenith International Ltd
7 Kingsmead Square, Bath BA1 2AB, United Kingdom
Tel +44 (0)1225 327900 Fax +44 (0)1225 327901
E-mail info@zenithinternational.com
"For the first time, the market has broken through the 1000 million litre barrier and the leading brand Evian is projected to race past the 100 million mark," commented Zenith Chairman Richard Hall. "Two UK companies, Wells Soft Drinks and Highland Spring, are expected to reach 100 million litres of production. Overall volume growth is predicted to be 80% greater than in any previous year."
"Sales have undoubtedly been boosted by better summer weather and an improving economy," added Zenith Research Director Jason Holway. "The industry has also increased its advertising and expanded consumer choice through new products and new packs, such as the sports cap. There should be some further benefit from extra sales over the millennium holiday."
Amongst other insights from Zenith's analysis, still water has increased to a 74% share compared with 43% ten years ago. UK producers coincidentally also account for 74% of the market, compared with 51% in 1989. Natural mineral water represents 66% of the total and spring water 28%. Water coolers have risen to a 16% share. Supermarket own labels are responsible for 30% of packaged water excluding coolers. "We have now revised our forecasts upwards to project sales exceeding 2000 million litres by 2005," concluded Jason Holway.
Notes for Editors
1. For further information, please contact:
Richard Hall or Jason Holway, Zenith International Ltd
7 Kingsmead Square, Bath BA1 2AB, United Kingdom
Tel +44 (0)1225 327900 Fax +44 (0)1225 327901
E-mail info@zenithinternational.com
