U.S. Soft Drinks Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Carbonated Drinks, Packaged Water, Iced/RTD Tea Drinks, Fruit Beverages, Energy Drinks) And Segment Forecasts, 2018 - 2025

Industry Insights

The U.S. soft drinks market size was valued at USD 253.7 billion in 2016. It is expected to rise at a CAGR of 5.1% over the forecast period. Soft drinks are non-alcoholic beverages that contain flavoring, sweetener, and water. The market is valued at retail selling price and comprises of applicable taxes as well. According to subject matter experts, the U.S. market for soft drinks accounted for about 28.0% of the global market revenue in 2015. These beverages are packed in cans or bottles and are readily available to consumers.

Factors such as growing need for premium drinks and increasing population are helping the market in U.S. to gain significant momentum. Additionally, easy availability and high competitive rivalry have been supporting market growth.

Rise in consumer disposable income has played an instrumental role in boosting the sales of soft drinks in the U.S. Availability of new products with unique flavors, less sugar, low calories, and natural sweeteners is one of the key trends providing an upthrust to the market.

On the flip side, spiraling health issues such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and obesity due to high sugar content in drinks are limiting the market from realizing its utmost potential. Furthermore, stringent norms by governments pose a threat to the market. For example, in 2015, due to rising obesity concerns, special taxes were imposed on sugary drinks in several states of the country.

Product Type Insights

The carbonated drinks segment dominated the U.S. soft drinks market in 2016. However, shrinking base of population aged below 25 years is likely to have a negative impact on the sales of carbonated drinks in the country. Market players keep on experimenting with products to maintain a competitive edge in the arena. For example, Stubborn Soda, introduced by PepsiCo, contains sweeteners such as stevia and cane sugar and is availbale in different tastes such as orange hibiscus, tarragon, and lemon berry acai.

The iced/RTD tea drinks segment is poised to register the highest CAGR over the forecast period.These beverages are primarily premium soft drinks that have low sugar content. Health-conscious consumers are shifting to premium drinks due to high nutritional value and health benefits.

Popularity of sports and energy drinks is rising among young consumers as an alternative to coffee. Brands such as Monster Energy and Red Bull are focusing on providing new products according to tastes and preferences of consumers. Nondairy milk alternatives such as coconut milk, soy milk, and milk derived from cashews and almonds will drive the demand for soft drinks in the country. Rising awareness regarding increased health benefits of these products will bolster the growth of the overall market.

U.S. Soft Drinks market Share Insights

The players spearheading the market in the U.S. are The Coca-Cola Company; PepsiCo Inc.; Dr. Peppale Snaple Group; Nestle; Danone; and Red Bull GmbH. The majority of the total market value was derived from the leading companies. Key players primarily focus on providing creative, cost-effective, and innovative marketing options for consumers. They have increased their R&D spending to develop unique flavors with health benefits for gaining strategic advantage over other competitors.

Additionally, strong players survive due to robust distribution channel, brand loyalty of consumer, and advertising. Dominant market players have adopted mergers & acquisitions as their key strategy, apart from new product development and building partnerships, to consolidate their position in the market. For instance, in 2016, KeVita was acquired by PepsiCo, Inc. This move helped the latter in expanding its sparkling beverage portfolio.

Report Scope

Segments Covered in the Report

This report forecasts revenue growth for the U.S. market and provides an analysis of the industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2014 to 2025. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the U.S. soft drinks market based on product type:

• Product Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2014 - 2025)

  • Carbonated Drinks

  • Packaged Water

  • Fruit Beverages

  • Iced/RTD Tea Drinks

  • Energy Drinks

  • Sports Drinks

  • Others