Mineral water and energy drinks strengthened their positions

Non-alcoholic thirst-quenching beverages are important parts of a store’s product selection. Among the 90 categories measured by Nielsen, in the top 10 carbonated soft drinks ranked 4th, mineral water was 6th and fruit juice was 7th. The biggest exception from the general trend in December 2008-November 2009 was energy and sports drinks: both value and volume sales grew, by 20 and 31 percent, respectively. This is a growth record in the 90 food categories that Nielsen measures. Private labels’ share fell from 41 to 35 percent, in terms of volume. Mineral waters also strengthened, value and volume sales were both up by 5 percent. Private labels gained 1 percent and landed at 28. Still mineral waters’ share improved to reach 41 percent. Fruit juice sales reduced by 8 percent in value and by 11 percent in volume. Private labels were able to expand to 26 percent from 22. Carbonated soft drink sales were stable above HUF 56 billion in value, but volume sales reduced by 3 percent. The above 2-litre segment grew significantly and reached a 16-percent market share, in terms of volume. Private label products represented 13 percent of value sales (up 1 percent from the previous year) and 26 percent of volume sales (up 4 percent). Ice tea: sales were stable above the HUF 14 billion level, in volume minus 6 percent was registered. Private labels share amounted to 24 percent – up 2 percentage points.