Bottled water sales have shown signs of growth as the category recovers from the effects of the recession. Overall, the bottled water category increased 2 percent for $7.8 billion in sales for the 52 weeks ending Aug. 7 in supermarkets, drug stores, gas and convenience stores and mass merchandise outlets, excluding Wal-Mart, according to SymphonyIRI Group, Chicago.
Sundance Beverage Co., a subsidiary of the National Beverage Corp., launched its eighth LaCroix Sparkling Water flavor: Coconut. The beverage is all-natural, caffeine-free, calorie-free and sugar-free.
Something Natural, an all-natural flavored sparkling water from Blue Coast/Great State Beverages, launched in New England with plans for East Coast expansion by the end of next year.
As companies continue to position bottled water as a healthier refreshment, the category saw sales rebound across segments leading to an overall category boost of 2.9 percent for more than $7.7 billion in sales, according to SymphonyIRI Group, Chicago, for the 52 weeks ending May 15 in U.S. supermarkets, drug stores, gas and convenience stores and mass merchandise outlets, excluding Wal-Mart.
