Energy Drinks Sector Struggling to Attract Consumers

CHICAGOThe energy drinks/shots market has experienced a 136-percent increase in sales from 2005 to 2009; however, manufacturers are having difficulties attracting new customers, according to a new Mintel Global Market Navigator report. Data reveals 74 percent of those surveyed said they dont consume energy drinks/shots, and 69 percent of those non-users are not interested in trying them.

The report also found Americans consume 3.05L of energy drinks per capita each year, but energy drink market penetration remained flat at 15 percent of all adults aged 18+ during 2007 to 2009. Energy drinks/shots non-users cite high prices (48 percent), too much caffeine (43 percent) and a general feeling that energy drinks/shots just arent good for you (43 percent) as reasons why they have not consumed any in the past three months.

Sales of energy drinks and shots have remained relatively strong for the last few years, but the same core group of customers continues to buy them," said Garima Goel Lal, senior analyst at Mintel. The category added only 1 million new energy drinks users aged 18+ during 2007 to 2009, compared to 9.3 million new users during 2005 to 2007, so manufacturers are eager to grow that number again."

Sixteen percent of energy drink non-users and 14 percent of energy shots non-users would be encouraged to try an energy drink or shot if free samples were offered at a store where they usually shop. Meanwhile, 14 percent of non-users would be more likely to try energy drinks (11 percent for energy shots) if they had natural ingredients.

Seven out of 10 people are not interested in the energy drink category suggests the need for manufacturers to develop products aimed at a wider audience," Goel Lal added. Providing consumers with more flavors, less sugar and reduced caffeine content are all ways for companies to attract more customers."

Seventy-one percent of energy drink users (80 percent of energy shot users) consume them for an energy boost, 57 percent of energy drink users employ them to stay awake and 60 percent of energy shot users say they drink them for mental alertness. Energy drink/shot consumers are more likely to use energy shots (30 percent) than energy drinks (23 percent) to enhance sports performance.