U.S. carbonated soft-drink sales fell in 2006 for second year in row

<p>Sales volume of carbonated soft drinks across all channels in the United States fell 0.6 percent last year, three times the 0.2 percent slide the year before, according to an annual study published Thursday by Beverage Digest.</p><p>The declines of the last two years compare to roughly 3 percent annual growth in U.S. carbonated soft-drink sales in the 1990s.</p><p>The data includes energy drinks. If energy drinks were excluded, the category would be down about 1.5 percent for 2006.</p><p>The data includes carbonated soft drinks only, not bottled water, sports drinks, teas and other non-carbonated drinks.</p><p>By company, Beverage Digest said The Coca-Cola Co., based in Atlanta, saw a 1.2 percent volume drop in U.S. carbonated soft-drink sales last year, while Purchase, N.Y.-based PepsiCo. Inc. saw a 1.3 percent drop. Cadbury Schweppes PLC saw a 1.3 percent volume increase in the category in 2006, Beverage Digest said.</p><p>In recent years, some beverage makers who once relied heavily on carbonated soft-drink sales have been putting more focus on water and sports drinks as consumers show increasing interest in drinks that are lighter and are perceived to be healthier.</p>

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