As soda and non-fresh juice sales decline, the popularity of plant-based waters continues to rise. This includes standards such as coconut water, which has been a common grocery store find for several years, and newer entries such as maple, birch, cactus, barley or artichoke waters.
Also benefiting from the trend are alternative beverages such as kombucha and tea-based drinks, especially if they are sold alongside fresh produce, according to Nielsen.
Sales of all waters, including these new functional beverages as well as standard sparkling and still water, grew by four per cent in value and almost seven per cent in volume since last July. Meanwhile, beverages that are located in the produce department of the grocery store, including water, smoothies, fresh juices and teas, have experienced a growth of almost 13 per cent.
