UK water drinks exceed 3 billion litres
In its 24th year analysing the UK bottled water market, specialist food and drink industry consultancy Zenith International has issued three reports to provide its most comprehensive overview of this dynamic sector. In addition its regular coverage of plain bottled water, Zenith has released a separate report on water plus sales and a combined report for the whole category of water drinks.
According to Zenith, UK consumption of all water drinks rose by 10.0% in 2014 to 3,049 million litres, with a retail value in excess of £2,400 million. Volumes are now 40 times the level of 30 years ago and represent over 20% of all soft drinks consumed.
“This is a remarkable achievement by the industry and a great benefit to consumers, offering calorie free convenience as well as a lower environmental impact than other beverage categories,” commented Zenith Chairman Richard Hall.
Plain water sales in retail pack sizes jumped by 10.3% to 2,306 million litres, with consumption per person now over 40 litres a year. Flavoured, functional and juicy water plus drinks rose 11.5% to 461 million litres. Bottled water cooler sales advanced by 4.8% to 282 million litres after a period of decline.
Amongst other findings of the 2015 Zenith reports:
- Still water drinks were responsible for 83% of 2014 volume and sparkling water drinks 17%.
- Plain bottled water accounted for 85% of total consumption, flavoured and functional waters 13% and juicy waters 2%.
- The top 5 plain water brands by volume were Evian, Highland Spring, Buxton, Volvic and Nestlé Pure Life.
- The top 3 water plus brands by volume were Volvic Touch of Fruit, Calypso Clear and Drench Juicy.
“It is really encouraging to see another year of growth in the bottled water category and more evidence that people are choosing to drink water. Naturally sourced still and sparkling waters have zero calories or sugar, and are one of the healthiest ways to hydrate so we believe this shift is making a positive impact on the nation’s health,” commented Natural Hydration Council General Manager Kinvara Carey.
Zenith forecasts continuing overall growth by a further 32% to more than 4,000 million litres by 2019.
The Zenith 2015 UK Water Drinks reports contain 446 pages with full market commentaries, 44 charts, 57 detailed tables and over 30 company profiles. Call Zenith International on +44 (0)1225 327900 or e-mail info@zenithinternational.com.
Notes for Editors:
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Two charts are attached for publication.
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For further information, please contact:
Richard Hall or Simon Johnson, Zenith International Ltd
7 Kingsmead Square, Bath BA1 2AB, United Kingdom
t +44 (0)1225 327900, f +44 (0)1225 327901
zenithinternational.com