Soft Drinks in China

Soft Drinks in China


In 2024, both off-trade volume and current value growth of soft drinks in China are set to maintain mid single-digit increases. Health remains a crucial factor influencing the consumption behaviour of Chinese consumers, especially in soft drinks. A key driver behind the growth in volume and value sales is therefore the prevalence of sugar-free and reduced sugar beverage options. According to data from Euromonitor’s Passport system, in several categories, including RTD tea, carbonates, and sports...

Euromonitor International's Soft Drinks in China report offers a comprehensive guide to the size and shape of the market at a national level. It provides the latest retail sales data (2019-2023), allowing you to identify the sectors driving growth. It identifies the leading companies, the leading brands and offers strategic analysis of key factors influencing the market – be they legislative, distribution, packaging or pricing issues. Forecasts to 2028 illustrate how the market is set to change.

Product coverage: Asian Speciality Drinks, Bottled Water, Carbonates, Concentrates, Energy Drinks, Juice, RTD Coffee, RTD Tea, Sports Drinks.

Data coverage: market sizes (historic and forecasts), company shares, brand shares and distribution data.

Why buy this report?
* Get a detailed picture of the Soft Drinks market;
* Pinpoint growth sectors and identify factors driving change;
* Understand the competitive environment, the market’s major players and leading brands;
* Use five-year forecasts to assess how the market is predicted to develop.


Soft Drinks in China
Euromonitor International
November 2024
List Of Contents And Tables
SOFT DRINKS IN CHINA
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Soft drinks in 2024: The big picture
2024 key trends
Competitive landscape
Retailing developments
Foodservice vs retail split
What next for soft drinks?
MARKET DATA
Table 1 Off-trade vs On-trade Sales of Soft Drinks (RTD) by Channel: Volume 2019-2024
Table 2 Off-trade vs On-trade Sales of Soft Drinks (RTD) by Channel: % Volume Growth 2019-2024
Table 3 Off-trade vs On-trade Sales of Soft Drinks by Channel: Value 2019-2024
Table 4 Off-trade vs On-trade Sales of Soft Drinks by Channel: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 5 Off-trade vs On-trade Sales of Soft Drinks (as sold) by Category: Volume 2024
Table 6 Off-trade vs On-trade Sales of Soft Drinks (as sold) by Category: % Volume 2024
Table 7 Off-trade vs On-trade Sales of Soft Drinks by Category: Value 2024
Table 8 Off-trade vs On-trade Sales of Soft Drinks by Category: % Value 2024
Table 9 Off-trade Sales of Soft Drinks (RTD) by Category: Volume 2019-2024
Table 10 Off-trade Sales of Soft Drinks (RTD) by Category: % Volume Growth 2019-2024
Table 11 Off-trade Sales of Soft Drinks by Category: Value 2019-2024
Table 12 Off-trade Sales of Soft Drinks by Category: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 13 Sales of Soft Drinks by Total Fountain On-trade: Volume 2019-2024
Table 14 Sales of Soft Drinks by Total Fountain On-trade: % Volume Growth 2019-2024
Table 15 NBO Company Shares of Total Soft Drinks (RTD): % Volume 2020-2024
Table 16 LBN Brand Shares of Total Soft Drinks (RTD): % Volume 2021-2024
Table 17 NBO Company Shares of On-trade Soft Drinks (RTD): % Volume 2020-2024
Table 18 LBN Brand Shares of On-trade Soft Drinks (RTD): % Volume 2021-2024
Table 19 NBO Company Shares of Off-trade Soft Drinks (RTD): % Volume 2020-2024
Table 20 LBN Brand Shares of Off-trade Soft Drinks (RTD): % Volume 2021-2024
Table 21 NBO Company Shares of Off-trade Soft Drinks: % Value 2020-2024
Table 22 LBN Brand Shares of Off-trade Soft Drinks: % Value 2021-2024
Table 23 Penetration of Private Label in Off-trade Soft Drinks (RTD) by Category: % Volume 2019-2024
Table 24 Penetration of Private Label in Off-trade Soft Drinks by Category: % Value 2019-2024
Table 25 Distribution of Off-trade Soft Drinks (as sold) by Format: % Volume 2019-2024
Table 26 Distribution of Off-trade Soft Drinks (as sold) by Format and Category: % Volume 2024
Table 27 Forecast Off-trade vs On-trade Sales of Soft Drinks (RTD) by Channel: Volume 2024-2029
Table 28 Forecast Off-trade vs On-trade Sales of Soft Drinks (RTD) by Channel: % Volume Growth 2024-2029
Table 29 Forecast Off-trade vs On-trade Sales of Soft Drinks by Channel: Value 2024-2029
Table 30 Forecast Off-trade vs On-trade Sales of Soft Drinks by Channel: % Value Growth 2024-2029
Table 31 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Soft Drinks (RTD) by Category: Volume 2024-2029
Table 32 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Soft Drinks (RTD) by Category: % Volume Growth 2024-2029
Table 33 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Soft Drinks by Category: Value 2024-2029
Table 34 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Soft Drinks by Category: % Value Growth 2024-2029
Table 35 Forecast Sales of Soft Drinks by Total Fountain On-trade: Volume 2024-2029
Table 36 Forecast Sales of Soft Drinks by Total Fountain On-trade: % Volume Growth 2024-2029
APPENDIX
Fountain sales in China
Trends
DISCLAIMER
SOURCES
Summary 1 Research Sources
CARBONATES IN CHINA
KEY DATA FINDINGS
2024 DEVELOPMENTS
Off-trade volume growth of carbonates slows significantly, but average unit prices rise
Growth continues for reduced sugar carbonates, yet the rate of increase notably slows
The introduction of new flavours in carbonates has become increasingly frequent
PROSPECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
Carbonates faces fierce competition from other soft drinks categories
Cross-category collaborations between carbonates and alcoholic drinks have emerged as a significant growth opportunity in China
Although the off-trade accounts for the majority of sales in carbonates, on-trade growth is expected to accelerate in the future
CATEGORY DATA
Table 37 Off-trade vs On-trade Sales of Carbonates: Volume 2019-2024
Table 38 Off-trade vs On-trade Sales of Carbonates: Value 2019-2024
Table 39 Off-trade vs On-trade Sales of Carbonates: % Volume Growth 2019-2024
Table 40 Off-trade vs On-trade Sales of Carbonates: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 41 Off-trade Sales of Carbonates by Category: Volume 2019-2024
Table 42 Off-trade Sales of Carbonates by Category: Value 2019-2024
Table 43 Off-trade Sales of Carbonates by Category: % Volume Growth 2019-2024
Table 44 Off-trade Sales of Carbonates by Category: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 45 Total Sales of Carbonates by Fountain On-trade: Volume 2019-2024
Table 46 Total Sales of Carbonates by Fountain On-trade: % Volume Growth 2019-2024
Table 47 NBO Company Shares of Off-trade Carbonates: % Volume 2020-2024
Table 48 LBN Brand Shares of Off-trade Carbonates: % Volume 2021-2024
Table 49 NBO Company Shares of Off-trade Carbonates: % Value 2020-2024
Table 50 LBN Brand Shares of Off-trade Carbonates: % Value 2021-2024
Table 51 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Carbonates by Category: Volume 2024-2029
Table 52 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Carbonates by Category: Value 2024-2029
Table 53 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Carbonates by Category: % Volume Growth 2024-2029
Table 54 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Carbonates by Category: % Value Growth 2024-2029
Table 55 Forecast Total Sales of Carbonates by Fountain On-trade: Volume 2024-2029
Table 56 Forecast Total Sales of Carbonates by Fountain On-trade: % Volume Growth 2024-2029
JUICE IN CHINA
KEY DATA FINDINGS
2024 DEVELOPMENTS
The demand for healthy and natural juices is increasing
Scenario-based marketing for juice
Innovative flavours and combinations
PROSPECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
Future trends in distribution channels for juice
Nutrient supplementation: Juices will continue to become more functional
The continued rise of premiumisation in juice
CATEGORY DATA
Table 57 Off-trade Sales of Juice by Category: Volume 2019-2024
Table 58 Off-trade Sales of Juice by Category: Value 2019-2024
Table 59 Off-trade Sales of Juice by Category: % Volume Growth 2019-2024
Table 60 Off-trade Sales of Juice by Category: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 61 NBO Company Shares of Off-trade Juice: % Volume 2020-2024
Table 62 LBN Brand Shares of Off-trade Juice: % Volume 2021-2024
Table 63 NBO Company Shares of Off-trade Juice: % Value 2020-2024
Table 64 LBN Brand Shares of Off-trade Juice: % Value 2021-2024
Table 65 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Juice by Category: Volume 2024-2029
Table 66 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Juice by Category: Value 2024-2029
Table 67 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Juice by Category: % Volume Growth 2024-2029
Table 68 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Juice by Category: % Value Growth 2024-2029
BOTTLED WATER IN CHINA
KEY DATA FINDINGS
2024 DEVELOPMENTS
Expanding variety of household consumption scenarios fuels the development of bottled water
The concentration of still bottled water in China remains high
The functionality of bottled water tends to be a focus of consumers
PROSPECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
Bottled water brands offer a wider variety of sparkling flavours to attract younger consumers
Chinese consumers’ bottled water consumption scenarios have become increasingly segmented
Rapid growth of large-pack still bottled water shows a good opportunity for the future
CATEGORY DATA
Table 69 Off-trade Sales of Bottled Water by Category: Volume 2019-2024
Table 70 Off-trade Sales of Bottled Water by Category: Value 2019-2024
Table 71 Off-trade Sales of Bottled Water by Category: % Volume Growth 2019-2024
Table 72 Off-trade Sales of Bottled Water by Category: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 73 NBO Company Shares of Off-trade Bottled Water: % Volume 2020-2024
Table 74 LBN Brand Shares of Off-trade Bottled Water: % Volume 2021-2024
Table 75 NBO Company Shares of Off-trade Bottled Water: % Value 2020-2024
Table 76 LBN Brand Shares of Off-trade Bottled Water: % Value 2021-2024
Table 77 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Bottled Water by Category: Volume 2024-2029
Table 78 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Bottled Water by Category: Value 2024-2029
Table 79 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Bottled Water by Category: % Volume Growth 2024-2029
Table 80 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Bottled Water by Category: % Value Growth 2024-2029
SPORTS DRINKS IN CHINA
KEY DATA FINDINGS
2024 DEVELOPMENTS
Popularity of outdoor sports drives the growth of sports drinks
Alienergy sees sustained sales growth, taking the lead in sports drinks in value terms
Focus on electrolytes in sports drinks in China
PROSPECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
Sports drinks expected to offer benefits beyond basic hydration
Packaging and product formats for sports drinks have become a new focus area for brand development
Consumers are expecting new flavour innovations in sports drinks
CATEGORY DATA
Table 81 Off-trade Sales of Sports Drinks: Volume 2019-2024
Table 82 Off-trade Sales of Sports Drinks: Value 2019-2024
Table 83 Off-trade Sales of Sports Drinks: % Volume Growth 2019-2024
Table 84 Off-trade Sales of Sports Drinks: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 85 NBO Company Shares of Off-trade Sports Drinks: % Volume 2020-2024
Table 86 LBN Brand Shares of Off-trade Sports Drinks: % Volume 2021-2024
Table 87 NBO Company Shares of Off-trade Sports Drinks: % Value 2020-2024
Table 88 LBN Brand Shares of Off-trade Sports Drinks: % Value 2021-2024
Table 89 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Sports Drinks: Volume 2024-2029
Table 90 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Sports Drinks: Value 2024-2029
Table 91 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Sports Drinks: % Volume Growth 2024-2029
Table 92 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Sports Drinks: % Value Growth 2024-2029
ENERGY DRINKS IN CHINA
KEY DATA FINDINGS
2024 DEVELOPMENTS
The usage scenarios for energy drinks are becoming increasingly diverse
The competition in energy drinks is becoming increasingly intense
The ingredients in energy drinks are also becoming more diverse
PROSPECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
Reduced sugar energy drinks expected to be an important focus
The distinction between energy drinks and sports drinks is becoming increasingly blurred
Concerns amongst Chinese consumers regarding sugar and caffeine intake may affect the prospects for energy drinks
CATEGORY DATA
Table 93 Off-trade Sales of Energy Drinks: Volume 2019-2024
Table 94 Off-trade Sales of Energy Drinks: Value 2019-2024
Table 95 Off-trade Sales of Energy Drinks: % Volume Growth 2019-2024
Table 96 Off-trade Sales of Energy Drinks: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 97 NBO Company Shares of Off-trade Energy Drinks: % Volume 2020-2024
Table 98 LBN Brand Shares of Off-trade Energy Drinks: % Volume 2021-2024
Table 99 NBO Company Shares of Off-trade Energy Drinks: % Value 2020-2024
Table 100 LBN Brand Shares of Off-trade Energy Drinks: % Value 2021-2024
Table 101 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Energy Drinks: Volume 2024-2029
Table 102 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Energy Drinks: Value 2024-2029
Table 103 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Energy Drinks: % Volume Growth 2024-2029
Table 104 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Energy Drinks: % Value Growth 2024-2029
CONCENTRATES IN CHINA
KEY DATA FINDINGS
2024 DEVELOPMENTS
Lacking product differentiation and innovation, demand for concentrates is weak and falling
Liquid concentrates is highly competitive, while Tang continues to lead powder concentrates
Manufacturers emphasise their health positioning
PROSPECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
Forecast decline in off-trade RTD volume and value sales, driven by powder concentrates
Liquid concentrates set to maintain growth, but will still experience challenges
Lemon Republic launches lemon liquid concentrates to meet consumer preferences amidst intense competition
CATEGORY DATA
Concentrates conversions
Summary 2 Concentrates Conversion Factors for Ready-to-Drink (RTD) Format
Table 105 Off-trade Sales of Concentrates (RTD) by Category: Volume 2019-2024
Table 106 Off-trade Sales of Concentrates (RTD) by Category: % Volume Growth 2019-2024
Table 107 Off-trade Sales of Concentrates by Category: Value 2019-2024
Table 108 Off-trade Sales of Concentrates by Category: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 109 LBN Brand Shares of Off-trade Concentrates (RTD): % Volume 2021-2024
Table 110 NBO Company Shares of Off-trade Concentrates: % Value 2020-2024
Table 111 LBN Brand Shares of Off-trade Concentrates: % Value 2021-2024
Table 112 NBO Company Shares of Off-trade Liquid Concentrates (RTD): % Volume 2020-2024
Table 113 LBN Brand Shares of Off-trade Liquid Concentrates (RTD): % Volume 2021-2024
Table 114 NBO Company Shares of Off-trade Powder Concentrates (RTD): % Volume 2020-2024
Table 115 LBN Brand Shares of Off-trade Powder Concentrates (RTD): % Volume 2021-2024
Table 116 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Concentrates (RTD) by Category: Volume 2024-2029
Table 117 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Concentrates (RTD) by Category: % Volume Growth 2024-2029
Table 118 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Concentrates by Category: Value 2024-2029
Table 119 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Concentrates by Category: % Value Growth 2024-2029
RTD TEA IN CHINA
KEY DATA FINDINGS
2024 DEVELOPMENTS
Health and sugar reduction trends drive rapid growth for reduced sugar still RTD tea
Upgrades and innovations in RTD tea further propel growth
Reduced sugar still RTD tea has become increasingly crowded, leading to intensified competition
PROSPECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
RTD tea expected to capture share from freshly-made tea drinks in the future
Convenience stores is becoming a growing distribution channel for RTD tea
Live-streaming e-commerce may further stimulate sales of RTD tea
CATEGORY DATA
Table 120 Off-trade Sales of RTD Tea by Category: Volume 2019-2024
Table 121 Off-trade Sales of RTD Tea by Category: Value 2019-2024
Table 122 Off-trade Sales of RTD Tea by Category: % Volume Growth 2019-2024
Table 123 Off-trade Sales of RTD Tea by Category: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 124 Leading Flavours for Off-trade RTD Tea: % Volume 2019-2024
Table 125 NBO Company Shares of Off-trade RTD Tea: % Volume 2020-2024
Table 126 LBN Brand Shares of Off-trade RTD Tea: % Volume 2021-2024
Table 127 NBO Company Shares of Off-trade RTD Tea: % Value 2020-2024
Table 128 LBN Brand Shares of Off-trade RTD Tea: % Value 2021-2024
Table 129 Forecast Off-trade Sales of RTD Tea by Category: Volume 2024-2029
Table 130 Forecast Off-trade Sales of RTD Tea by Category: Value 2024-2029
Table 131 Forecast Off-trade Sales of RTD Tea by Category: % Volume Growth 2024-2029
Table 132 Forecast Off-trade Sales of RTD Tea by Category: % Value Growth 2024-2029
RTD COFFEE IN CHINA
KEY DATA FINDINGS
2024 DEVELOPMENTS
Changes in consumer preference and competition weaken demand for RTD coffee
More players launch RTD coffee for portfolio diversification
Packaging diversification supports a wide range of consumption scenarios in a highly competitive market
PROSPECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
The introduction of health-oriented RTD coffee and flavour innovations will drive growth
RTD coffee expected to see further segmentation, driven by diverse consumer demand
Omnichannel strategy key for both leading and emerging brands
CATEGORY DATA
Table 133 Off-trade Sales of RTD Coffee: Volume 2019-2024
Table 134 Off-trade Sales of RTD Coffee: Value 2019-2024
Table 135 Off-trade Sales of RTD Coffee: % Volume Growth 2019-2024
Table 136 Off-trade Sales of RTD Coffee: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 137 NBO Company Shares of Off-trade RTD Coffee: % Volume 2020-2024
Table 138 LBN Brand Shares of Off-trade RTD Coffee: % Volume 2021-2024
Table 139 NBO Company Shares of Off-trade RTD Coffee: % Value 2020-2024
Table 140 LBN Brand Shares of Off-trade RTD Coffee: % Value 2021-2024
Table 141 Forecast Off-trade Sales of RTD Coffee: Volume 2024-2029
Table 142 Forecast Off-trade Sales of RTD Coffee: Value 2024-2029
Table 143 Forecast Off-trade Sales of RTD Coffee: % Volume Growth 2024-2029
Table 144 Forecast Off-trade Sales of RTD Coffee: % Value Growth 2024-2029
ASIAN SPECIALITY DRINKS IN CHINA
KEY DATA FINDINGS
2024 DEVELOPMENTS
Rising demand for health-driven Asian speciality drinks – fruit vinegar leads the way
Long-term potential for bird’s nest drinks is questionable
Tiandi No 1 leads sales and growth in Asian speciality drinks, with Aqua More following
PROSPECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
Expansion of retail e-commerce channels
Packaging will continue to see innovation and adaptation to fast-paced lifestyles
Functionality and health benefits will continue to provide opportunities for Asian speciality drinks
CATEGORY DATA
Table 145 Off-trade Sales of Asian Speciality Drinks: Volume 2019-2024
Table 146 Off-trade Sales of Asian Speciality Drinks: Value 2019-2024
Table 147 Off-trade Sales of Asian Speciality Drinks: % Volume Growth 2019-2024
Table 148 Off-trade Sales of Asian Speciality Drinks: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 149 NBO Company Shares of Off-trade Asian Speciality Drinks: % Volume 2020-2024
Table 150 LBN Brand Shares of Off-trade Asian Speciality Drinks: % Volume 2021-2024
Table 151 NBO Company Shares of Off-trade Asian Speciality Drinks: % Value 2020-2024
Table 152 LBN Brand Shares of Off-trade Asian Speciality Drinks: % Value 2021-2024
Table 153 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Asian Speciality Drinks: Volume 2024-2029
Table 154 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Asian Speciality Drinks: Value 2024-2029
Table 155 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Asian Speciality Drinks: % Volume Growth 2024-2029
Table 156 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Asian Speciality Drinks: % Value Growth 2024-2029

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