Market share of light products growing

According to the Nielsen Retail Index, sales of carbonated soft drinks were down by 4 percent in terms of quantity last year, with total sales stagnating around HUF 56 billion. The cola flavour remained the most popular, accounting for over 50 percent of sales in terms of value. Orange was the second most popular flavour with a market share of 17 percent, with grape in third place. Demand for light products has been growing slowly, with these reaching a 21 percent market share in terms of value last year. Average price was up from HUF 114 per litre in 2007 to HUF 116 in 2008. Modern stores accounted for over 50 percent of the total quantity sold. Though the market share of hyper markets was down by 0.5 percent in 2008, the 401-2,500 square meter channel produced growth of 2 percent. The market share of private labels was 23 percent in terms of quantity last December.