Annual growth in US bottled water will be less than 1% for the next five years, UK beverage researcher Canadean Ltd. forecasts, though the thirsty Asian market will help the category attain 2.8% growth worldwide this year.

“In the decade up to 2008, the US bottled water market accounted for 20% of the growth in global PET demand in beverages,” according to Emily Neill, Canadean’s business development director. “This growth driver has been switched off.” The economic downturn and environmental campaigns urging people to drink tap and filtered water are retarding bottled water growth, analysts say.

In Europe, legislation and health concerns are curtailing growth of beer, wine and spirits, researchers conclude, though annual growth of about 5% in Asia will blunt a global slide for beer. The bright spot for beverages is energy drinks. With strong marketing support and the entry of more private label and secondary brands, category growth is expected to top last year’s 9.3% rate.

For more information:

Emily Neill, Canadean Ltd., 44-1256-394210, sales@canadean.com