Decline in market of mineral water

According to the GfK Hungária ConsumerScan, the market of mineral water showed decline both in terms of quantity and value last year. Sales were down by 5.1 percent in terms of value and by 1.7 percent in terms of quantity. Average price dropped in 2008, approaching the level recorded in 2006. Average household consumption was down as a result of a 7 percent drop in the frequency of purchases. Average temperature was also lower in 2008 than in 2007. Private labels increased their market share in 2008 by 5 percent, bringing it to one third of the total quantity consumed. Sales of 2 litre size units was up by nearly a third in the case of private labels last year. No significant change took place in the respective weights of different segments, or in that of distribution channels. Urban households of 1-2 persons, or those lead by housewives over the age of 50 are over represented in the consumption of mineral water.