Page 23 - FoodFocusThailand No.224 November 2024

SPECIAL FOCUS

332 sites dedicated to non-alcoholic Non-alcoholic beverages remain one of the most popular drink trends for 2024,
beverages, representing 84% of all as they are easily accessible to consumers of all age groups. Furthermore, the
beverage production plants. These diversity of non-alcoholic drinks in terms of both form and flavor has become a
facilities are concentrated in the central significant point for consumers, allowing them to enjoy beverages without
region and produce a diverse range of worrying about the health impacts of alcohol. As a result, the development of
products. The production and market non-alcoholic products enhances market variety and emphasizes the use of
dynamics vary across different natural ingredients and low-calorie options. This approach aims to provide a
segments, particularly in carbonated fresh experience for the younger generation seeking unique choices that are also
drinks, which hold a market share health-conscious.
exceeding 98.4% of the total market
value for carbonated beverages.
Non-alcoholic beverages often
consumed in Thailand include purified More Information Service Info C001
water, bottled mineral water, soda,
energy drinks, and electrolyte drinks. In
2022, the production index for these
products increased by 0.4%, driven by
rising demand and gradual economic
recovery. However, at the beginning of
2023, there was a noticeable decline in
the production of energy drinks,
electrolyte drinks, and fruit-flavored
beverages, which are significantly
affected by the new sugar tax due to
their high sugar content. Despite these
challenges, the overall production of
non-alcoholic beverages remains
stable, with growth projected within the
range of 0%-0.2%.

Domestic sales of non-alcoholic
beverages
The volume of beverage sales continues
to rise steadily, particularly for bottled
water and mineral water. This growth is
attributed to concerns regarding health,
cleanliness, and the preference for
beverages with safe packaging, as well
as increased temperatures due to heat
waves, which have accelerated the
growth of the bottled water market.
Similarly, the carbonated drinks and
soda segment has also expanded, as
evidenced by the development of
healthier alternatives in soft drinks,
especially formulations with small
amounts or no sugar to align with
consumers’ health-conscious behaviors.
For Thailand’s beverage exports,
growth is projected at 1.5-2.5% annually,
with bottled water and mineral water
remaining the key products. There are
opportunities to expand trade channels
to CLMV countries such as Myanmar,
Laos, and Cambodia which are main
trading partners and still face shortages
of clean water that meets hygiene
standards.

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