Functional sports drinks market set for further growth

Growing consumer interest in maintaining a healthy diet and participating in sporting activities will contribute to growth in the functional sports_drinks (FSD) category over the next five years, according to a new report.

The report forecasts significant new product developments
and more targeting of specific consumer groups by both major drinks
corporations and niche brands. Mounting consumer concern over obesity, diabetes
and cardiovascular disease has already resulted in huge growth in functional
foods and drinks, and the continuing health and wellness trend will mean
further strong growth in the functional sports drinks (FSD) category between
now and 2012.

According to the report, Global Market Review of Functional
Energy and Sports Drinks – Forecasts to 2012, consumption within the global
energy drinks market is forecast to grow by 97% between 2007 and 2012 to reach
7.80bn litres, driven by strong growth in smaller energy drinks markets
including Middle East and Africa (+255.95%), Australasia (+196.08%), Eastern
Europe (+252.94%) and Latin America (+193.92%).