The Entrance of Britvic Plc and Princes Soft Drinks Into the Bottled Water Industry has Reshaped the UK Market

Dublin (PRWEB) April 13, 2006

Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c35574) has announced the addition of the Zenith International latest report: UK Bottled Water 2006 to their offering.

The UK bottled water market has entered a transitional phase. According to Zenith’s fifteenth UK Bottled Water report, the entrance of Britvic Plc and Princes Soft Drinks through strategic acquisitions has seen an inevitable restructuring of the industry.

At the same time, UK weather has not shone that favourably on the industry over the past two years. An average summer in 2005, and a poor summer in 2004, followed the spectacular gains made by the bottled water industry during the summer heat wave in 2003. Recently therefore, the strength of the UK bottled water industry has been tested. Yet, the long term outlook for bottled water remains fundamentally strong. Bottled water is about purity, health and hydration. In an obesity aware world, these remain in demand now more than ever.

Although the top five companies claim around two thirds of overall market volume, the UK has a wide range of operators carving out their own niches. The increasing involvement by international players and recent acquisitions by Britvic and Princes, alongside a number of new product launches, are giving a continued impetus to the market. The UK bottled water industry remains on the brink of further consolidation.

At the same time, this is intensifying competition, with a number of companies eager to claim a stake in the lucrative bottled water market. As consolidation, price pressures and distribution challenges remaining ongoing industry themes – 2006 looks set to be yet another interesting year.

The merits of proper hydration and the benefits of bottled water to health and well being, especially in the face of increasing concerns about obesity, continue to gain recognition amongst consumers. Bottled water provides a convenient and zero calorie way of delivering hydration. Still water in smaller formats, for on the go consumption, are notably providing the main impetus for growth.

Zenith International reports offer you the most reliable market figures and in-depth analysis of trends. This comes from a bottom up approach to the research process, and detailed discussions undertaken with industry players.

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c35574

Laura Wood

Senior Manager

Research and Markets

Fax: +353 1 4100 980

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