Soft options

Sales of soft drinks within UK pubs, clubs and restaurants are matching the general rise in sales of these products. The UK soft drink market grew to a record annual level of 6.9 billion pounds sterling in 1997-98, with carbonates accounting for more than 50% of the 9.9 billion litres sold. The volume of soft drink sales in the hospitality industry grew by 6% between 1992 and 1996, with carbonates accounting for nearly 60% of the volume. Analysts believe that the growth is due to increased food sales and family market targeting in the hospitality industry.