Cans of Monster Energy Drink are displayed on a shelf at a convenience store on Aug. 14, 2014 in Kentfield, California. (Photo : Getty Images)
Market research firms have recently released their predictions for China's beverage market. With more and more people shifting to a healthier lifestyle, drinks that come from organic ingredients have become popular.
"'Made from 100% pure juice' is a very attractive claim to consumers. Meanwhile, products containing nectar are also popular. These trends tell the market that consumers are attracted to healthy ingredients," said Loris Li, food and drink analyst from marketing research firm Mintel.
The shift to healthier and cleaner lifestyles have motivated consumers world-wide to prioritize health foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, grains and botanicals.
Forbes and Mintel reported that 'about nine out of ten Chinese consumers now drink plant-based concoctions, be it soybean drinks, juices or grain drinks'.
Data from the China Health Care Association has revealed that health foods in China earn around RMB 200 billion annually.
"The emphasis on plant content reinforces the growing interest in vegetarian and vegan products, many of which are chosen by consumers for an occasional drink, snack or meal rather than as part of a wholesale change to a plant-based lifestyle," wrote Mintel in its recent global food and drink trends report.
Bigger Soft Drinks Market
Despite its health impacts, the data released by Euromonitor Shanghai has revealed that the domestic soft drinks market will grow even bigger and faster this year.
According to the data, the retail value of the domestic market is expected to reach $102,880.2 million while the total volume will reach 94,808.4 million liters by the end of this year.
Monster to Become More Competitive in Energy Drink Segment
"Chinese consumers drank an extra 545 million liters of sports drinks over 2014 and 2015, which is nearly four times the amount Americans drank," said Li. This also represented a 25 percent volume growth during the period.
She added that the government has announced the plan of building an $850 billion sports economy by 2025, which presents a huge potential for sports and energy drinks.
Thus, brands like Monster can increase its presence in the domestic market which is currently dominated by the leading Red Bull.
