Juice, Mineral Water & Soft Drink Wholesaling in the UK - Industry Research Report

Bubbling over: Though soaring inflation limits sales, revenue is inching upwards in 2022-23

Industry revenue is forecast to climb at a compound annual rate of 5.7% over the five years through 2022-23 to £4.8 billion. Juice, mineral water and soft drink wholesalers were hard hit by the downturn in demand caused by COVID-19 restrictions on the hospitality sector in 2020-21, which is a key market. Revenue tumbled over 2020-21 as sales to pubs, caterers and other food-service shrank to zero during their periods of forced closure. However, soaring sales to supermarkets and convenience stores helped offset the drop in food-service sales. The industry bounced back strongly in 2021-22 as restrictions were lifted and price inflation is projected to support revenue growth of 5.6% in 2022-23, although unit sales will likely drop amid the cost-of-living crisis.

This industry includes wholesalers of carbonated soft drinks, bottled water, dilutables, fruit juices, fruit drinks and smoothies. Companies also wholesale still beverages and functional drinks like sports and energy drinks. The industry doesn’t include distribution arms of soft-drink manufacturers.

This report covers the scope, size, disposition and growth of the industry including the key sensitivities and success factors. Also included are five year industry forecasts, growth rates and an analysis of the industry key players and their market shares.