Ready To Drink Non-Carbonated Beverages Market - US

RTD Non-carbonated Beverages - US:

Countries covered: United States

The ready-to-drink, non-carbonated beverage (RTD NCB) market is estimated at $22 billion in 2003 and has experienced 50% indexed growth between 1998 and 2003. It is estimated that the ready-to-drink, non-carbonated beverage grew 4.1% from 2003-04, with the market reaching $23 billion in sales. The RTD NCB market grew by 7.4% in 2002, or nearly double the 4% growth in the carbonated soft drinks market, and NCBs have grown even faster in 2003. Innovation and the launch of new products marked the years 2002 and 2003, which should sustain future performance. For example, line extensions of premium brands such as Gatorade, Minute Maid, and Tropicana were launched or were in the process of doing so early in 2004. Some of the innovation in NCBs is targeted at maintaining market share, but a significant portion is still dedicated to reaching new segments of consumers—typically a sign of an expanding market.