A warm summer saw UK soft drinks sales increase by 4% according to the 2014 UK Soft Drinks Report “Creating new choices”, published by the British Soft Drinks Association today.
Despite the tough economic climate 2013 confirmed that warm, sunny weather remains the single most effective driver of soft drinks consumption with the heatwave in July helping to increase bottled water sales by 10.4 per cent, the report said.
The good weather also had a positive impact on the industry overall. Retail value of the soft drinks industry rose by 4.1 per cent in 2013 to £15.6 billion. Overall volumes were up 2 per cent, to more than 14.5 billion litres.
Aside from bottled water, still and juice drinks and energy drinks stand out as the winners from 2013 with 6.2 per cent and 5.1 per cent increases respectively. Despite being a good year overall for soft drinks sales of fruit juice and sports drinks continued to fall.
Low calorie and no added soft drinks made up 61 per cent of the market in 2013, while drinks containing added sugar represent 39 per cent.
"Last year’s sales increase, buoyed by some much needed warm, sunny weather should serve as a reminder that this sector continues to provide opportunities for growth,” said Gavin Partington, BSDA director general. “However, product innovation has also been key to this sector’s success. By investing in new product development, reformulation and smaller portion sizes our sector continues to lead the way in providing more choices for health-conscious consumers.”
