The global sports drink market is anticipated to exhibit strong growth from 2017 to 2025, the forecast period, owing to growing health consciousness, inclination toward fitness and sports activities, and high demand from younger generation. Sports drinks are flavored beverages containing added vitamins and minerals that help in restoring energy levels and keep the body hydrated after or during a physical activity. They are easily available in convenience, drug, departmental, and online stores. E-commerce, as a distribution channel, accounts for a prominent share in the market owing to rising demand among athletes and individuals involved in intense physical activities.
Rising disposable income, particularly in emerging regions like Asia Pacific, and increasing number of fitness clubs across the globe are also projected to drive the market. The market has undergone various shifts over the years and is expected to witness novel growth opportunities in functional beverages. Growing preference for natural ingredient-based beverages due to changing lifestyles has led to product innovations with varied flavors and additional health benefits. In addition, rising demand for functional beverages among consumers has compelled manufacturers to offer new and healthier products.
For instance, Innophos Holdings Inc. (Cranbury, NJ), a prominent international producer of nutritional specialty products, introduced the Aminogen Advanced protease blend drink mix, which improves protein absorption and encourages active lifestyle. PepsiCo Inc., an international food and beverage company, launched Gatorade Zero, a sugarless form of Gatorade, which caters to the needs of health-conscious consumers. Some of the most popular flavors in sports drinks are lemon, orange, mixed berries, grape, fruit punch, and mixed fruits. Hypertonic, isotonic, and hypotonic are the three major product types. Isotonic drinks hold a prominent share in the market owing to increasing popularity among consumers. North America is the leading consumer in the market due to presence of a large target population base, rising inclination for sports, and extensive R&D by leading manufacturers for development of healthier products.
In addition, rising health concerns, particularly among younger generation, and subsequent shift in dietary habits are estimated to fuel demand for energy drinks. Countries such as Canada and U.S. are major revenue-generators in the region. Asia Pacific is anticipated to emerge as a promising region in the market owing to growing population, rising consumer disposable income, and increasing awareness regarding benefits of the product. Emerging countries such as India, Japan, and China are contributing significantly to market growth. A number of international companies are focusing on establishing production units in these countries to expand their business in APAC. Europe is also likely to witness significant growth from 2017 to 2025 on account of strong presence of key market players.
Key companies in the global sports drink market include Arctico Beverage Company International, Inc.; Coca-Cola; Abbott Nutrition Co.; Arizona Beverage Company; Champion Nutrition, Inc.; and Fraser & Neave Holdings BHD. Leading manufacturers are adopting strategies such as mergers and acquisitions, partnerships, and new product launch in order to gain a competitive edge and strengthen their market position.
