The soft drinks consumption has dropped by 52.8%
According to a study by the Ministry of Health (¹),soft drink and artificial juice consumption have dropped by 52.8% within an 11-year period. The results of that study, published last year, show that 30.9% of Brazilians were consuming those kinds of beverage but that percentage dropped to 14.6% in 2017. The highest drop rate was observed in adults between 25 to 34 years old (54%).
The fact is that diet and low-calorie beverages have been gaining space in the market, whether for a healthier lifestyle or to experience new flavours. Figures from ABIAD (Brazilian Association of the Industry of Food for Special Purposes and Similar) and Websetorial Consultoria Econômica have shown an increase by 1.8% in the consumption of those products in 2018. In addition, the Brazilian industry is gaining space in the international market by showing an increase of 25.4% in the exports.
Market data shows that consumers are currently choosing healthier beverages, such as functional, kombucha, water and plant milk, including coconut and almond milk.
Low-calorie and diet beverages are included in the non-alcoholic beverage sector, which faced challenging times in recent years due to the economic crisis and it hasn’t recovered yet as it still operates 10% lower compared to 2012 results. However, Websetorial study indicates a growth forecast of 5% during 2019, which gives a confidence boost to the industry.
Sugar X sweetener
Researchers from the Sorbonne University, in Paris, published the results of a study in May of this year in the British Medical Journal (²) reporting a link between the consumption of sugary drinks and cancer risk. The study followed a group of 100 thousand people considering the consumption of any beverage containing more than 5% of sugar in its composition. It should be emphasized that the results haven’t found any link between the consumption of artificially sweetened beverages and cancer cases.
A benefit for all
The high sugar intake can increase the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes, as well as dental cavities. In contrast, people could have a healthier lifestyle by replacing sugary drinks by low-calorie sweetened ones. Obviously considering they are on a reduced-calorie diet.
According to Kathia F. Schmider, technical coordinator of ABIAD, different population groups, including pregnant and breastfeeding women can consume low-calorie and diet beverages. “However, it is important to consider that those women have different caloric needs as their bodies must nourish the foetus or the baby so a visit to a doctor is advisable to learn more about their nutritional needs. Likewise, beverage containing sweeteners are considered safe for children consumption, taking into account that those consumers are part of a group with specific nutritional needs regarding their growth and development”, Kathia says.
The beverage industry will take part in ANUFOOD Brazil 2020 – International Trade Fair Exclusive for the Food and Beverage Industry. The event will offer a special area for Drinks & Hot Beverage, which will bring the latest news of the beverage industry in general, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Brazil ranks third on the list of the largest consumers of beer and soft drinks in the world, only behind USA and China.
In addition to the Conference programme, which is organised in partnership with FGV Projetos and ITAL (Institute of Food Technology), ABIA (Brazilian Association of the Food Industry) and Abir (Association of Soft Drinks and Non-Alcoholic Beverages), the second edition of ANUFOOD Brazil presents parallel events featuring International Business Rounds, ANUFOOD Brazil PRIME Club, Arena Show, Convoys and Confectionery & Bakery Show. Koelnmesse estimates an expansion of the exhibit area of 60% as well as a higher number of decision makers from all over Brazil visiting the event, international buyers from over 40 countries and various sales channels including supermarkets, distributors, wholesalers, restaurants, hotels, collective meals companies, among other channels. “Just as the first edition, ANUFOOD 2020 has set strategic partnerships with the main associations and unions of the food and beverage industry. Furthermore, we have a marketing planning that includes adverts in every Brazilian magazine related to the trade sector as well as a few international media outlets. We focus on expand the event while maintaining the high quality from the first edition. For this purpose, we also benefit from Koelnmesse’s global contact network”, Cassiano Facchinetti, managing director of Koelnmesse Brasil – organiser of the event, says.
Source (¹): Ministry of Health
Source (²): British Medical Journal
