The UK soft drinks sector had an exceptional year in 2025, achieving a historic market value of £26.3 billion, as outlined in the British Soft Drinks Association (BSDA) Annual Industry Insights Report.
The report highlights a persistent surge in health-oriented and functional beverages, with manufacturers consistently pursuing innovation and healthier product options, even amidst a challenging economic and regulatory landscape.
Overall soft drink sales saw a rise of 2.2%, resulting in an average consumption rate of 232 litres per individual.
“The UK soft drinks industry continues to demonstrate its resilience,” stated Andy Bagnall, the BSDA’s director-general. “Despite escalating business expenses and an increasingly intricate policy framework, our members persist in their investment and innovation efforts, offering consumers a greater variety of choices than ever.”
These statistics illustrate an industry that is not only growing but also prioritizing healthier options for consumers and aiding the shift towards a more circular economy. “Maintaining this momentum depends on a stable and proportionate policy environment that gives businesses the confidence to innovate and invest for the long term,” Bagnall added.
He further emphasized, “We want to contribute to the Government’s goals for a healthier nation and a more sustainable economy, and we hope the Government will assist by establishing the conditions that allow our industry to thrive.”
Importantly, the BSDA noted that over 70% of the soft drinks sold in the UK consisted of low or no-calorie options, underscoring significant efforts in reformulation, innovation, and consumer selection.
In an optimistic outlook for the industry, every major product category experienced growth in 2025, with sports and energy drinks leading the pack, showing a volume increase of 3.9%.
Bottled water also saw a notable rise of 3.3%, driven by strong demand in cafés, restaurants, and various hospitality establishments, while carbonated beverages enjoyed a 1.9% increase.
