This report provides industry participants, analysts, and investors with insight into the carbonated drinks market. This in-depth perspective helps stakeholders make informed decisions in targeting consumers, introducing new products and engineering “hybrids.” The knowledge in the report will also help readers develop merchandising and retail strategies that will rejuvenate sales in a very mature market. In this report, Mintel investigates:

Consumer demographic and lifestyle trends that invigorate or diminish sales

How new category entrants in the beverage arena are driving product innovation

The current and future impact of the youth market

Why the segment that once buoyed the category is now sinking it

A comparison of dollar and volume sales and per capita trends

How advertising themes have shifted in recent years

Who is drinking more; who is drinking less

Evaluations and projections for future trends and sales

Mintel has used proprietary consumer research and ascertained consumption and behavioral trends. Awareness of these trends will help marketers in launching new products, targeting appropriate segments, and tailoring marketing messages.

This report divides the market into three segments:

Regular (non-diet) carbonated drinks

Diet carbonated drinks

Seltzer/tonic water/club soda

Regular and diet soft drinks include both colas and non-colas.

In most cases throughout this report, sales figures include only soft drinks sold through food stores, drug stores, and mass-merchandisers. Where possible, Wal-Mart and other non-IRI monitored retailer estimates are included. Also, where available, sales data from the National Association of Convenience Stores is included.

Excluded from this report are carbonated energy drinks, such as Red Bull, and all alcoholic beverages. Also excluded are sales of carbonated beverages through fountains and restaurants.