Coca-Cola, PepsiCo loosing fizz in America
July 25, 2013 01:00
It seems that not even pop star Beyonce or new, lower-calorie options can convince Americans to drink more soda.
Coca-Cola Co., PepsiCo Inc. and Dr Pepper Snapple Group Inc. all sold less soda in the second quarter in North America, dashing hopes for the moment that splashy new marketing and different sweetener mixes could get drinkers back.
Coca-Cola Co. said it sold 4 per cent less soda in North America, while PepsiCo Inc. simply said its decline for the region was in the "mid-single digits." Dr Pepper sold 3 per cent less of the fizzy drinks.
Coca-Cola, based in Atlanta, blamed the sluggish sales on a cold, wet spring. But the declines continue a years-long trend. According to the industry tracker Beverage Digest, per capita soda consumption in the US has been slipping steadily since 1998 amid concerns that sugary drinks fuel weight gain.
Another problem is that people now have so many more choices when it comes to drinks. An endless array of bottled waters, teas of many colors, even energy shots and "relaxation" drinks are vying for the attention of the thirsty, with store coolers getting more crowded all the time.
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