Monday, Sep 30, 2013
Dubai:
The stiffest challenge that carbonated beverages face in any market relates to health concerns over what repeated imbibing would lead to. It explains why beverage options such as fruit-based and yoghurt-laced ones are making steady gains in consumer choices.
Tarek El Sakka of Dubai Refreshments acknowledges that the health debate has been on for some time. “But the growth rate for carbonated drinks isn’t impacted by health issues but by population growth and per capita consumption. The region has one of the highest per capita consumption, and there is now much more variety on the shelves and these impact growth rates.
“Energy drinks, for instance, have health-related issues but remain one of the fastest growing in the beverages industry. People in this part of the world do need a treat from time to time and that’s where we come in.”
By Manoj Nair Associate Editor
Gulf News 2013. All rights reserved.
