The UK soft drinks market reached a record value of £26.3 billion in 2025, with manufacturers continuing to invest in innovation and healthier choices despite a challenging economic and policy environment, shows an industry report published on Thursday (July 16).
The British Soft Drinks Association's Annual Industry Insights Report shows the sector continued to demonstrate its resilience in 2025.
Total soft drinks volumes increased by 2.2%, average consumption rose to 232 litres per person and more than seven out of every ten soft drinks sold in the UK were Low/No Calorie, reflecting continued investment in reformulation, innovation and consumer choice.
Andy Bagnall, BSDA Director General, said: "The UK soft drinks industry continues to demonstrate its resilience. Despite rising business costs and an increasingly complex policy landscape, our members continue to invest, innovate and provide consumers with more choice than ever before.
"These figures show an industry that continues to grow while investing in healthier choices for consumers and supporting the transition to 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.
"We want to play our part in supporting Government's ambitions for a healthier nation and a more sustainable economy, and we hope Government will play its role by creating the conditions that enable our industry to continue to flourish."
The report also highlights growth across every major soft drinks category.
Sports and energy drinks delivered the strongest performance, with volumes up 3.9%, driven by continued demand for premium products with functional benefits.
Bottled water volumes increased by 3.3%, supported by strong growth in cafés, restaurants and other hospitality venues. Carbonated drinks also grew by 1.9%, with consumers increasingly choosing a broader range of flavours.
The BSDA represents UK producers of carbonated drinks, bottled water, fruit juice, sports and energy drinks and still and dilutable drinks. Its membership includes the majority of Britain's soft drinks manufacturers, franchisors, importers and suppliers, spanning both multinational brands and independent producers.