Health issues drive UK soft drinks market
Health issues are becoming increasingly important for the UK consumer. According to the latest TGI data for April 2003 to March 2004 from leading research agency BMRB, 27% of Great Britain's adult population are actively trying to lose weight and 21% have used diet food or drink products.
The 2004 UK Soft Drinks Report from leading drinks consultancy Zenith International shows these changing attitudes are being reflected in purchasing behaviour. While overall soft drinks consumption increased by 7% in 2003 to reach 13.9 billion litres, 'healthier' beverages such as bottled water and fruit juice/nectars rose by 18% and 10% respectively, compared with 5% growth for carbonated soft drinks. Sports drinks volumes jumped more than 85% between 2001 and 2003.
"Consumers are clearly seeking more from their drinks purchases in terms of health and functionality; the intensifying debate on obesity has heightened this demand," commented Zenith Research Director Gary Roethenbaugh. "Already 63% of current soft drinks consumption is no or low calorie."
One major success story in the UK soft drinks market over the last few years has undoubtedly been bottled water. Zenith‘s 2004 UK Bottled Water Report records that sales have more than doubled from 990 million litres in 1998 to 2,070 million litres in 2003. This is the combined result of existing consumers drinking more and new consumers entering the market. TGI reports that the proportion of British adults drinking bottled water has shot up from 31% in 1998 to 53% in 2003.
"Greater public understanding of health issues has enabled bottled water to capitalise on its hydration benefits," added Gary Roethenbaugh. "Small bottles offer the convenience of zero calorie refreshment on the move. Water coolers are also building scale as a chilled caffeine free refreshment in the workplace."
Zenith International is a leading drinks consultancy, producing a range of reports that cover established markets such as soft drinks, bottled water, water coolers, fruit juice/nectars and energy drinks alongside emerging sectors such as sports drinks, functional drinks, smoothies and oxygenated water. Some reports are country based, others regional and global.
BMRB is one of the UK’s leading research agencies. Its Target Group Index (TGI) syndicated surveys, representing the general population as well as niche audiences, provide single source assessment of consumer behaviour, purchasing habits, attitudes and motivations. Over 30 years, TGI has expanded to become the global standard in its field across over 50 countries around the world.
For further information, please contact:
Gary Roethenbaugh, Zenith International Ltd
7 Kingsmead Square, Bath BA1 2AB, United Kingdom
t +44 (0)1225 327900 f +44 (0)1225 327901 zenithinternational.com
Sandy Livingstone, BMRB International
79-81 Uxbridge Road w London W5 5SU w United Kingdom
t +44 (0)20 8433 4090
The 2004 UK Soft Drinks Report from leading drinks consultancy Zenith International shows these changing attitudes are being reflected in purchasing behaviour. While overall soft drinks consumption increased by 7% in 2003 to reach 13.9 billion litres, 'healthier' beverages such as bottled water and fruit juice/nectars rose by 18% and 10% respectively, compared with 5% growth for carbonated soft drinks. Sports drinks volumes jumped more than 85% between 2001 and 2003.
"Consumers are clearly seeking more from their drinks purchases in terms of health and functionality; the intensifying debate on obesity has heightened this demand," commented Zenith Research Director Gary Roethenbaugh. "Already 63% of current soft drinks consumption is no or low calorie."
One major success story in the UK soft drinks market over the last few years has undoubtedly been bottled water. Zenith‘s 2004 UK Bottled Water Report records that sales have more than doubled from 990 million litres in 1998 to 2,070 million litres in 2003. This is the combined result of existing consumers drinking more and new consumers entering the market. TGI reports that the proportion of British adults drinking bottled water has shot up from 31% in 1998 to 53% in 2003.
"Greater public understanding of health issues has enabled bottled water to capitalise on its hydration benefits," added Gary Roethenbaugh. "Small bottles offer the convenience of zero calorie refreshment on the move. Water coolers are also building scale as a chilled caffeine free refreshment in the workplace."
Zenith International is a leading drinks consultancy, producing a range of reports that cover established markets such as soft drinks, bottled water, water coolers, fruit juice/nectars and energy drinks alongside emerging sectors such as sports drinks, functional drinks, smoothies and oxygenated water. Some reports are country based, others regional and global.
BMRB is one of the UK’s leading research agencies. Its Target Group Index (TGI) syndicated surveys, representing the general population as well as niche audiences, provide single source assessment of consumer behaviour, purchasing habits, attitudes and motivations. Over 30 years, TGI has expanded to become the global standard in its field across over 50 countries around the world.
For further information, please contact:
Gary Roethenbaugh, Zenith International Ltd
7 Kingsmead Square, Bath BA1 2AB, United Kingdom
t +44 (0)1225 327900 f +44 (0)1225 327901 zenithinternational.com
Sandy Livingstone, BMRB International
79-81 Uxbridge Road w London W5 5SU w United Kingdom
t +44 (0)20 8433 4090