Comment - Soft Drinks & Water - What Does Ray Say?
By: Ray Rowlands
Ray Rowlands from market research firm DrinksInfo gives his monthly view on the latest issues affecting the soft drinks & water categories
Comment - Soft Drinks & Water - Energise Me!
19 April 2012
This month, Ray Rowlands of Drinksinfo Ltd revisits the energy drinks category to see what has been going on in the evolution of what has been the soft drinks industry's star performer in recent years.
Comment - Soft Drinks & Water - 4-MEI Inviting 'New Coke' Repeat?
20 March 2012
A change in legislation in California this month has put The Coca-Cola Co and PepsiCo in a soft drink pickle. Ray Rowlands, for one, fears a case of history repeating itself.
Comment - Soft Drinks & Water - Shifting Focus at Coca-Cola Co
1 March 2012
The Coca-Cola Co has spent the last 20 years diversifying its portfolio. Where once the rest of the stable cowered in Coke's shadow, more of the company's brands are now grabbing the spotlight and delivering growth. Ray Rowlands looks at how the firm has benefitted from covering bases.
Comment - Soft Drinks & Water - India Calling
24 January 2012
The soft drinks industry has been buzzing about China for quite some time. But, look in its shadow, and one can see India - a market that could eclipse its neighbour in the future. Ray Rowlands casts his eye over the market.
Comment - Soft Drinks & Water - Stevia Poised to Burst Obesity Bubble?
24 November 2011
This month, Ray Rowlands, of independent research agency Drinksinfo, focuses on the issue of soft drinks-related obesity and the potential opportunities that this offers for stevia, the natural sugar-free sweetener that is hogging the headlines this month.
Comment – Soft Drinks & Water – So, What's Next?
31 October 2011
It's crystal ball time for Ray Rowlands from DrinksInfo. This month, Ray takes a guess at what future trends in soft drinks and water will shape the categories in the months and years to come.
Comment - Soft Drinks & Water - The Future? Plastics!
27 September 2011
The soft drinks and water categories are not short on controversial issues. One of the most actively-argued areas is packaging. This month, Ray Rowlands looks at what direction drinks producers are heading in when it comes to what holds their products.
Comment – Soft Drinks & Water - The Future of Bottled Water
9 August 2011
Drinksinfo's Ray Rowlands takes a look at the impact that the recession has had on the bottled water market and considers the future for the category.
Comment – Soft Drinks & Water – Coca-Cola Amatil and SABMiller: A Profitable Separation
30 June 2011
Ray Rowlands of independent research consultancy Drinksinfo Ltd considers the potential outcome for Australia's Coca-Cola Amatil should SABMiller eventually succeed in its bid for the Foster’s Group's beer business.
Comment - Soft Drinks & Water - Energy Drinks Evolution
10 May 2011
After bursting onto the scene a few years back, energy drinks have lost some of their early buzz. Ray Rowlands, from market research firm DrinksInfo, examines ways that drinks makers have sought to retain consumers' interest and how innovation could shape the future of the category.
Comment - Soft Drinks & Water - Aussies Rule? Think Again
22 March 2011
The recent attempt by Asahi Breweries of Japan to buy P&N Beverages has led Ray Rowlands of Drinksinfo Ltd to delve into the bedrock of the current ownership status of Australia’s beverage industry with some startling results.
Comment - Soft Drinks & Water - Low-Calorie Carbonates Under Fire
22 February 2011
Following the retirement of our soft drinks & water commentator, Annette Farr, at the end of last year, just-drinks has doubled up. Starting this month, we have two new columnists considering the state of the soft drinks & water categories. First up, Ray Rowlands from market research firm DrinksInfo takes a look at the opportunity afforded to low-calorie and no-calorie variants. However, the opportunity is marked by perils and pitfalls, Rowlands believes.
