Soft drinks industry responds to consumers’ health concerns
Last year sales of smoothies increased by 44 per cent, according to new figures published by the drinks industry.
The British Soft Drinks Association’s (BSDA’s) 2008 UK Soft Drinks Report also noted that sports drinks and more adventurous flavours of fruit juice also did well.
Consumers are more interested in drinks that offer more than refreshment, the BSDA’s comments suggested.
It noted that innovations within the carbonates sector were aiming to offer drinks with added energy and vitamins.
Director general Jill Ardagh said health and well-being drinks would continue to thrive in 2008.
“Soft drinks manufacturers responded to the public’s growing awareness of the need to maintain a healthy diet and active lifestyle,” she added.
She went on to note that 61 per cent of soft drinks are now low calorie or have no added sugar and she expected this trend to continue.
The BSDA represents about 90 per cent of the UK’s soft drink’s manufacturers.
