ROCKVILLE, MD, U.S. – The US energy drinks market secured sales of $25 billion in 2016, representing an annual increase of seven percent over the last five years, according to market research firm Packaged Facts.
The report entitled ‘Energy & Sports Drinks: U.S. Market Trends & Opportunities’ claimsthat between 2011-2016, year-over-year gains were the result of consumers seeking beverages with functional properties along with novel and healthier-seeming alternatives to carbonated soft drinks.
The promise of a convenient, on-the-go caffeinated beverage is also said to have drawn coffee and tea drinkers to energy drinks.
David Sprinkle, research director of Packaged Facts, said: “Many consumers perceive sports drinks as healthier than sodas and other carbonated beverages due to their association with sports and physical activity in general.
Although originally designed for athletes, these products soon garnered mainstream sales as anytime drinks, particularly among teen and young adult males.
The novel flavour profile of energy and sports drinks also appealed to consumers seeking a change from sodas.”
Producers are also said to have benefited from above-average population growth among 25 to 34 year-olds, who are claimed to be more likely to consume these drinks.