Summary
In Q4-15, energy drinks continued to expand, while carbonates and sports drinks both showed declines. Energy drinks are attracting consumers with the functional benefits on offer. The carbonates category continued to feel the impact of the 'war on sugar', though this was ameliorated by promotional activity during the Rugby World Cup and milder temperatures over the festive season. Sports drinks continued to decline as competition from other categories drew consumers away.

Key Findings
- Milder seasonal weather contributed to a slower decline in consumption levels of soft drinks for the quarter, though there was growth for the low calorie segment in Q4-15

- Energy drinks has experienced some negative press this quarter, for example linking the bad behaviour of children in the classroom with energy drinks consumption, but in spite of this the category exhibits resilience

- The festive season was an important driver behind beer sales increase

Synopsis
Canadean's Northern Ireland Quarterly Beverage Tracker Q4-15 covering carbonates, sports drinks, energy drinks, beer and cider is an essential tool for keeping up-to-date with the latest industry performance and developments on a quarterly basis, covering:

- Topline consumption volumes for Q4-2015 vs Q4-2014, moving annual totals (MAT), full year 2015 provisional data and 2016 forecasts for all beverage categories

- Carbonates consumption data for Q4-2015 vs Q4-2014, moving annual totals (MAT), full year 2015 provisional data and 2016 forecasts split by regular vs low calorie, and key flavour

- An economic mood indicator with an at a glance assessment of industry confidence levels, private label performance vs brands and price trends

- Insightful and valuable analysis of the drivers behind the latest quarterly trends and assumptions for full year 2016

- Analysis of significant activity in the soft drinks market, including new product introductions (ranked by brand owner and detailing flavour, pack type/size, retail price and selected product shots)

- Update on important soft drinks corporate activity

- Quarterly selected retail price movements for key brands by category covering the most recent five quarters

- Our Q4 special focus update on the latest trends in functional and flavoured waters

Reasons To Buy
- Gain an in-depth understanding of the most up-to-date trends in the Northern Ireland beverage industry to support and enhance your strategic planning

- Investigate the latest quarterly and emerging annual trends in Northern Ireland to back your marketing initiatives

- Analyse the latest beverage category 2015 forecast projections to make well-informed decisions on the outlook in the marketplace for your company

- View a selection of the key quarterly new soft drinks product launches and identify competitor activity

- Access a quarterly Special Focus on a current industry 'hot topic' offering qualitative insight from local consultants to determine opportunities for product innovation