tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3438900550453238104.post-14187921187087636242008-02-04T14:18:00.000Z2008-02-04T14:24:47.597Z2008-02-04T14:24:47.597ZAs the biggest market for most beverages worldwide, US results are always worth watching. Although the Beverage Digest supermarket numbers represent well under 50% of total volume, they offer very strong indications.<br /><ul><li>Energy drinks were up most at 24% - Monster was just 1 share point behind Red Bull.<br /><br /></li><li>Teas rose 20% - with Lipton pulling away from the competition.<br /><br /></li><li>Bottled water gained 10% - Private label has jumped to a 22% share and Glaceau has overtaken Dasani in value.<br /><br /></li><li>Sports drinks increased just 3% - much weaker than in recent years, with Gatorade dipping below 80%.<br /><br /></li><li>Carbonates fell 8% - worse than the 5% decline of 2006. Coke was down 9%, Pepsi 8%, Cadbury 6% and private label 9%.<br /></li></ul>What should one make of this ? Well, these numbers certainly bear out the trends towards healthier and lighter beverages, with contrasting attractions in more natural or more functional propositions.<br /><br />Carbonates undoubtedly have the most work to do, but it should be noted that both Coke and Pepsi did increase their prices by 6% in 2007.<br /><br />Overall, it reinforces the scope for soft drinks to continue growing if they continue adapting and innovating.Richard Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17213418829950623446noreply@blogger.com0