Concerns About Sugar Content Of Soft Drinks Depress Sales In The U.K.

Mintel research finds that fewer British consumers are drinking soft drinks today than six months ago, mainly because of the sugar content. Twenty-five percent of Britons in total – 34 percent of those aged 16 to 34 – are drinking fewer carbonated soft drinks (CSDs). Half said they were cutting back on CSDs because of the high sugar content. The drop in consumption is reflected naturally in the marketplace. Britons drank 5.96 billion liters in 2010, and 6.17 billion liters in 2011, but will drink only 5.95 billion liters in 2014. CSD sales will reach just £7.5 billion in 2014, compared to £8.3 billion in 2011. Nevertheless, 55 percent of CSD consumers still drink them to quench their thirst, and 37 percent drink them with a meal.