China laps up healthy drinks

Booming sales in Iced-TeaAn increasing emphasis on health in food and beverages is being reflected in sales of iced tea, which now represents ten per cent of all soft drinks volume and is double the global average, according to Canadean. In 2005 sales increased by 30 per cent, with leading players Tingyi, President, Wahaha, Coca-Cola and other leading players promoting their brands heavily and continuing modernisation of tea processing.Bulk/HOD Water sales on the up due to health concerns

Sales of Bulk/HOD water have increased by nine per cent due to mounting fears over quality and pollution in tap water after incidents such as the contamination of the water supply in Harbin, North China.

Coca-Cola and Pepsi continue to show strong sales, with Lemon and Lime performing as the most dynamic flavour last year over unhealthy caffeine containing cola options.

Fruit and herbal drinks and bottled water

Health trends have benefited fruit and herbal flavoured drinks, which has the largest number of producers and is expected to grow in 2006. The bottled water market is growing at a more steady pace, with the largest companies controlling 40 per cent of the market.

Due to China's rapidly growing economy the soft drinks market is forecast to grow by at least 20 per cent, according to the report.