Soft Drinks - Europe

The Soft Drinks market in Europe is experiencing significant growth and development, driven by changing customer preferences, emerging trends, and local special circumstances. Customer preferences in the Soft Drinks market in Europe are shifting towards healthier and more natural options. Consumers are becoming more health-conscious and are seeking beverages that are low in sugar, free from artificial ingredients, and made from natural or organic ingredients. This shift in preferences is driving the demand for products such as natural fruit juices, herbal teas, and functional beverages that offer health benefits. Additionally, there is a growing demand for premium and craft soft drinks, as consumers are willing to pay more for unique and high-quality beverages. Trends in the Soft Drinks market in Europe are influenced by global and regional market trends. One major trend is the rise of functional beverages, which offer health benefits beyond hydration. Functional beverages such as energy drinks, sports drinks, and probiotic drinks are gaining popularity among consumers who are seeking products that can enhance their performance, improve their well-being, or address specific health concerns. Another trend is the increasing popularity of plant-based and non-alcoholic alternatives to traditional soft drinks. This trend is driven by the growing number of consumers adopting vegetarian, vegan, or flexitarian diets, as well as those who are looking to reduce their alcohol consumption. Local special circumstances also play a role in shaping the Soft Drinks market in Europe. Each country in Europe has its own unique cultural, social, and economic factors that influence consumer preferences and purchasing behavior. For example, in countries with a strong coffee culture such as Italy and France, coffee-based soft drinks and ready-to-drink coffee products are particularly popular. In Nordic countries, where the consumption of water is high, there is a growing demand for flavored and functional waters. Additionally, in countries with hot climates such as Spain and Greece, there is a higher demand for refreshing beverages such as carbonated soft drinks and iced teas. Underlying macroeconomic factors also contribute to the development of the Soft Drinks market in Europe. Economic growth, increasing disposable incomes, and urbanization are driving the demand for convenience and on-the-go beverages. The rise of e-commerce and online grocery shopping is also impacting the market, as consumers are increasingly purchasing soft drinks online. Furthermore, government regulations and taxation policies on sugar and other ingredients are influencing the formulation and marketing of soft drinks, as companies are adapting their products to meet the changing regulatory landscape. In conclusion, the Soft Drinks market in Europe is evolving to meet the changing preferences of consumers. Healthier options, functional beverages, and plant-based alternatives are gaining popularity, driven by a shift towards healthier lifestyles. Local special circumstances and underlying macroeconomic factors further shape the market, creating unique opportunities and challenges for soft drink manufacturers and retailers in different countries across Europe.

Data coverage:

The data encompasses B2C enterprises. The at-home market covers retail sales via super- and hypermarkets, eCommerce, convenience stores, or similar sales channels. The out-of-home data encompasses all sales to hotels, restaurants, catering, cafés, bars, and similar hospitality service establishments. Combined numbers encompass both the at-home market and the out-of-home market. Both the at-home and the out-of-home market are valued at retail selling prices including all sales and consumption taxes.

Modeling approach:

Market sizes are determined through a Top-Down approach, building on specific predefined factors for each market segment. As a basis for evaluating markets, we use resources from the Statista platform as well as in-house market research, national statistical offices, international institutions, trade associations, companies, the trade press, and the experience of our analysts. In addition, we use relevant key market indicators and data from country-specific associations, such as GDP, consumer spending (e.g. consumer spending on Non-Alcoholic Drinks, consumer spending at Hotels, Restaurants etc.), and price level index. This data helps us estimate the market size for each country individually.

Forecasts:

In our forecasts, we apply diverse forecasting techniques. The selection of forecasting techniques is based on the behavior of the relevant market. For example, the exponential trend smoothing is well suited for forecasting the Non-Alcoholic Drinks market with a projected steady growth. The main drivers are GDP per capita and consumer spending per capita.

Additional notes:

The data is modeled using current exchange rates. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war are considered at a country-specific level. The market is updated twice a year.