Hot and holidays, sales of tonic water and iced tea are booming

It will be the hot temperatures, it will be the desire for sociability perhaps over an aperitif: the summer months drive the sales of tonic water and iced tea while the already positive trend of low-sugar drinks is confirmed. “The summer started well, overall we estimate for the market a closure of the summer season with figures higher than that of 2019 pre-Covid, 2% in terms of volumes, in the horeca channel, ie away from home, driven by the growth of tourism – Giangiacomo Pierini, president of Assobibe, an association of Confindustria that represents producers of soft drinks, said to Adnkronos – Sales for domestic consumption and large-scale distribution are in line with the past “. “Some products are better than others, especially tonic waters and iced teas, which are growing transversely: high temperatures have a positive effect on the sale of iced tea while tonic waters are essential for the combination with spirits for aperitifs in the premises and at home – he continues – The trend of recent years is confirmed with regard to drinks with a reduced or no sugar content, which grow more than sugared ones “. Despite the summer recovery, several problems remain on the table which, for companies in the sector, make the less positive picture. “Since October last year we have seen an increase in energy costs, the same goes for the raw materials we use for packaging with increases between 40 and 80% – explains Pierini – We are also concerned about the scarcity of carbon dioxide, an ingredient for us it is fundamental: some companies report problems for finding on the market and rising prices. The risk is that many companies will be forced to slow down or suspend production “. Added to this is the approaching date of January 1, 2023 when “the sugar tax will take effect: the implementing decrees are approved and if the new government does not intervene to cancel it, we calculate an increase in taxation of 28% per liter of drinks”, concludes.