Advertisement

U.S. soda sales saw accelerated decline in 2013

U.S. soda sales decline as a heavy campaign from health organizations and activists warn against the heath effects of the sugary drinks.

By Aileen Graef

U.S. soda sales declined for the ninth straight year in 2013 with a 3 percent drop in sales volume.

8.9 billion cases of soda were sold in 2013, marking a 3 percent decline from 2012 and double previous years' declines. Sales dropped 1.2 percent in 2012 and 1 percent in 2011.

Advertisement

Despite the decline, Coca-Cola Co. and Dr. Pepper Snapple Group both gained market share. PepsiCo Inc., Coca-Cola's main business rival, lost market share.

Campaigns to combat the obesity epidemic in the U.S. have warned about the weight gain caused by consuming sodas. But even diet soda took a heavy hit with a 6.8 percent drop in sales for Diet Coke and a 6.9 percent drop for Diet Pepsi. The soda companies blame the continuous decline on concerns over artificial sweeteners.

The companies still believe they can see the industry bounce back. Dan Schafer, a spokesman for Coca-Cola, told ABC News the Atlanta company was "committed to returning our overall sparkling business to growth in the U.S."

[Wochit] [ABC News]

Latest Headlines