Carbonated soft drinks (CSDs), a staple of the beverage market, have experienced 15 years of volume declines as consumers have shifted preferences. The trend is not slowing. Volume sales are expected to continue declining, and value sales will continue to grow, but will slow slightly each year over the next five years. The perception of carbonates as unhealthful will only accelerate among consumers, leading to falling consumption rates, experts say. Manufacturers are likely to increase unit prices, mainly from smaller pack sizes, and focus on single-serve through convenience and at register displays. Other trends – functional non-cola carbonates, diet drinks, natural ingredients, craft soda launches, hybrid brands, caffeinated energy offerings, etc. – will help pick up the slack. The combination of pricing, packaging mix, and increased immediate consumption have improved category revenues in recent years. But volume is likely to remain soft, according to the experts.
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