Soy beverages rising by over 20% a year
Soy has taken off as an ingredient for innovative beverage manufacturers and is now gaining ground beyond its South Asian origins, according to a new Strategic Review on Soy Beverages from specialist drinks consultancy Zenith International. Growth of over 20% a year has more than doubled soy drinks volumes in West Europe, North America and Japan in five years, from 315 million litres in 1999 to 805 million litres in 2004. North America has seen average increases of 23% a year, while West Europe has been climbing at an even faster 34%.
"Soy’s success owes much to greater appreciation of its potential health benefits, along with advances in technology that can mask or remove the 'off-flavours' associated with soy products," commented Zenith Research Director Gary Roethenbaugh. "Its popularity has been further boosted by the rise in demand for functional beverages, introducing soy to a wider audience than the traditional soy consumer groups who tend to be lactose intolerant or allergic to milk protein. Recent research points to the benefits of soy in a variety of conditions including cancer, diabetes and allergies."
The range of soy beverages available is expanding dramatically, as producers introduce ever more innovative blends and variants. In addition to regular soy milk, consumers can now choose from flavoured variants including chocolate, vanilla or carob and blends with any number of fruit juices. As a result, the soy beverages category has flourished, recording a 24% jump in 2004 volumes across West Europe, North America and Japan.
Zenith notes, however, that consumer groups and the beverage industry continue to debate the role of soy. Issues under scrutiny include concerns over genetically modified organisms as well as inconsistencies between regulators and legislation. "As with all health promoting beverages, educational marketing is vital - particularly as soy beverages flow into the consumer mainstream," concluded Gary Roethenbaugh.
The 2005 Zenith Strategic Review on Soy Beverages assesses market trends in West Europe, North America and Japan, with over 90 company profiles and detailed analysis on the composition and health benefits of soy. Contact Zenith International on tel +44 (0)1225 327900, fax +44 (0)1225 327901 or e-mail info@zenithinternational.com
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
"Soy’s success owes much to greater appreciation of its potential health benefits, along with advances in technology that can mask or remove the 'off-flavours' associated with soy products," commented Zenith Research Director Gary Roethenbaugh. "Its popularity has been further boosted by the rise in demand for functional beverages, introducing soy to a wider audience than the traditional soy consumer groups who tend to be lactose intolerant or allergic to milk protein. Recent research points to the benefits of soy in a variety of conditions including cancer, diabetes and allergies."
The range of soy beverages available is expanding dramatically, as producers introduce ever more innovative blends and variants. In addition to regular soy milk, consumers can now choose from flavoured variants including chocolate, vanilla or carob and blends with any number of fruit juices. As a result, the soy beverages category has flourished, recording a 24% jump in 2004 volumes across West Europe, North America and Japan.
Zenith notes, however, that consumer groups and the beverage industry continue to debate the role of soy. Issues under scrutiny include concerns over genetically modified organisms as well as inconsistencies between regulators and legislation. "As with all health promoting beverages, educational marketing is vital - particularly as soy beverages flow into the consumer mainstream," concluded Gary Roethenbaugh.
The 2005 Zenith Strategic Review on Soy Beverages assesses market trends in West Europe, North America and Japan, with over 90 company profiles and detailed analysis on the composition and health benefits of soy. Contact Zenith International on tel +44 (0)1225 327900, fax +44 (0)1225 327901 or e-mail info@zenithinternational.com
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