Soft Drinks in China

November 2025
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Overview:

Understand the latest market trends and future growth opportunities for the Soft Drinks industry in China with research from Euromonitor International's team of in-country analysts – experts by industry and geographic specialisation.

Key trends are clearly and succinctly summarised alongside the most current research data available. Understand and assess competitive threats and plan corporate strategy with our qualitative analysis, insight and confident growth projections.

Data and analysis in this report provides further detailed coverage dedicated to the following key categories, where applicable:

  • Bottled Water
  • Carbonates
  • Concentrates
  • Juice
  • RTD Coffee
  • RTD Tea
  • Energy Drinks
  • Sports Drinks
  • Asian Speciality Drinks

If you're in the Soft Drinks industry in China, our research will help you to make informed, intelligent decisions; to recognise and profit from opportunity, or to offer resilience amidst market uncertainty.

The Soft Drinks in China report includes:

  • Analysis of key supply-side and demand trends
  • Detailed segmentation of international and local products
  • Historic volume and value sizes, company and brand market shares
  • Five year forecasts of market trends and market growth
  • Robust and transparent research methodology, conducted in-country

This report answers:

  • What is the market size of Soft Drinks in China?
  • To what extent are health considerations impacting consumption of Soft Drinks in China?
  • How are changing social attitudes and legislation (eg sugar tax) reshaping demand and consumption?
  • How are changing demographics (for example, an ageing or predominantly young population) determining consumption of Soft Drinks in China?
  • Which are the leading brands in Soft Drinks in China?
  • What potential exists for multinational or domestic soft drinks companies to expand in China?
  • How are products distributed in Soft Drinks in China?
  • How is the rise of e-commerce changing the retail and competitive landscape?
  • How have home seclusion and social distancing measures following COVID-19 impacted sales of Soft Drinks?
  • How are sustainability issues, such as environmentally-friendly packaging, legislation on recyclability, or the amount of plastic in bottles, impacting the soft drinks industry?
  • Where is future growth expected to be most dynamic?

Soft Drinks in China

Relatively bright performance for soft drinks

KEY DATA FINDINGS

Health factors bear heavy influence on soft drinks
Consumers are willing to pay for convenience and instant delivery
Local cultural traditions increasingly shape product developments
Stable outlook for soft drinks
Players will capitalise on more discerning tastes
High growth of reduced-sugar RTD tea will continue
Nongfu Spring Co Ltd strengthens position with growth in RTD tea
Domestic companies gain traction in highly competitive landscape
Soft drinks is heavily reliant on the traditional channel
Rising expectations over convenience and immediacy
Foodservice vs retail split
Table 1 Off-trade vs On-trade Sales of Soft Drinks (RTD) by Channel: Volume 2020-2025
Table 2 Off-trade vs On-trade Sales of Soft Drinks (RTD) by Channel: % Volume Growth 2020-2025
Table 3 Off-trade vs On-trade Sales of Soft Drinks by Channel: Value 2020-2025
Table 4 Off-trade vs On-trade Sales of Soft Drinks by Channel: % Value Growth 2020-2025
Table 5 Off-trade vs On-trade Sales of Soft Drinks (as sold) by Category: Volume 2025
Table 6 Off-trade vs On-trade Sales of Soft Drinks (as sold) by Category: % Volume 2025
Table 7 Off-trade vs On-trade Sales of Soft Drinks by Category: Value 2025
Table 8 Off-trade vs On-trade Sales of Soft Drinks by Category: % Value 2025
Table 9 Off-trade Sales of Soft Drinks (RTD) by Category: Volume 2020-2025
Table 10 Off-trade Sales of Soft Drinks (RTD) by Category: % Volume Growth 2020-2025
Table 11 Off-trade Sales of Soft Drinks by Category: Value 2020-2025
Table 12 Off-trade Sales of Soft Drinks by Category: % Value Growth 2020-2025
Table 13 Sales of Soft Drinks by Total Fountain On-trade: Volume 2020-2025
Table 14 Sales of Soft Drinks by Total Fountain On-trade: % Volume Growth 2020-2025
Table 15 NBO Company Shares of Total Soft Drinks (RTD): % Volume 2021-2025
Table 16 LBN Brand Shares of Total Soft Drinks (RTD): % Volume 2022-2025
Table 17 NBO Company Shares of On-trade Soft Drinks (RTD): % Volume 2021-2025
Table 18 LBN Brand Shares of On-trade Soft Drinks (RTD): % Volume 2022-2025
Table 19 NBO Company Shares of Off-trade Soft Drinks (RTD): % Volume 2021-2025
Table 20 LBN Brand Shares of Off-trade Soft Drinks (RTD): % Volume 2022-2025
Table 21 NBO Company Shares of Off-trade Soft Drinks: % Value 2021-2025
Table 22 LBN Brand Shares of Off-trade Soft Drinks: % Value 2022-2025
Table 23 Penetration of Private Label in Off-trade Soft Drinks (RTD) by Category: % Volume 2020-2025
Table 24 Penetration of Private Label in Off-trade Soft Drinks by Category: % Value 2020-2025
Table 25 Distribution of Off-trade Soft Drinks (as sold) by Format: % Volume 2020-2025
Table 26 Distribution of Off-trade Soft Drinks (as sold) by Format and Category: % Volume 2025
Table 27 Forecast Off-trade vs On-trade Sales of Soft Drinks (RTD) by Channel: Volume 2025-2030
Table 28 Forecast Off-trade vs On-trade Sales of Soft Drinks (RTD) by Channel: % Volume Growth 2025-2030
Table 29 Forecast Off-trade vs On-trade Sales of Soft Drinks by Channel: Value 2025-2030
Table 30 Forecast Off-trade vs On-trade Sales of Soft Drinks by Channel: % Value Growth 2025-2030
Table 31 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Soft Drinks (RTD) by Category: Volume 2025-2030
Table 32 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Soft Drinks (RTD) by Category: % Volume Growth 2025-2030
Table 33 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Soft Drinks by Category: Value 2025-2030
Table 34 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Soft Drinks by Category: % Value Growth 2025-2030
Table 35 Forecast Sales of Soft Drinks by Total Fountain On-trade: Volume 2025-2030
Table 36 Forecast Sales of Soft Drinks by Total Fountain On-trade: % Volume Growth 2025-2030
Fountain sales in China

COUNTRY REPORTS DISCLAIMER

Summary 1 Research Sources

Bottled Water in China

KEY DATA FINDINGS

Strong progress for the bottled water category
Bottled water consumption occasions are on the rise
Product launches drive category growth
Wider distribution strategies drives sales of carbonated natural mineral bottled water
Bright outlook with diverse products aimed at different segments
Advancements in packaging will enhance sustainable credentials
Technology offers scope to enhance transparency, traceability and enhance production efficiencies
Wahaha builds on its resurgence in 2025
Nongfu Spring Co Ltd solidifies its leading position
Accessibility and convenience pushes most sales through small local stores
Vending growth reflects rising demand for instant access
Table 37 Off-trade Sales of Bottled Water by Category: Volume 2020-2025
Table 38 Off-trade Sales of Bottled Water by Category: Value 2020-2025
Table 39 Off-trade Sales of Bottled Water by Category: % Volume Growth 2020-2025
Table 40 Off-trade Sales of Bottled Water by Category: % Value Growth 2020-2025
Table 41 NBO Company Shares of Off-trade Bottled Water: % Volume 2021-2025
Table 42 LBN Brand Shares of Off-trade Bottled Water: % Volume 2022-2025
Table 43 NBO Company Shares of Off-trade Bottled Water: % Value 2021-2025
Table 44 LBN Brand Shares of Off-trade Bottled Water: % Value 2022-2025
Table 45 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Bottled Water by Category: Volume 2025-2030
Table 46 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Bottled Water by Category: Value 2025-2030
Table 47 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Bottled Water by Category: % Volume Growth 2025-2030
Table 48 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Bottled Water by Category: % Value Growth 2025-2030

Carbonates in China

KEY DATA FINDINGS

Carbonates faces structural changes
Health concerns and lack of meaningful innovation weakens carbonate consumption
Reduced-sugar RTD tea and emergence of domestic brands draws consumers away from cola carbonates
Further structural decline is evident for carbonates
Cross-category innovation to create variety of sparkling beverages
Sustainable initiatives are embraced to resonate with eco-conscious consumers
Dominant multinational brands are seeing some share erosion
Small local grocers remain a key channel for carbonates
Consumers expect instant access and immediacy when shopping online
Table 49 Off-trade vs On-trade Sales of Carbonates: Volume 2020-2025
Table 50 Off-trade vs On-trade Sales of Carbonates: Value 2020-2025
Table 51 Off-trade vs On-trade Sales of Carbonates: % Volume Growth 2020-2025
Table 52 Off-trade vs On-trade Sales of Carbonates: % Value Growth 2020-2025
Table 53 Off-trade Sales of Carbonates by Category: Volume 2020-2025
Table 54 Off-trade Sales of Carbonates by Category: Value 2020-2025
Table 55 Off-trade Sales of Carbonates by Category: % Volume Growth 2020-2025
Table 56 Off-trade Sales of Carbonates by Category: % Value Growth 2020-2025
Table 57 Total Sales of Carbonates by Fountain On-trade: Volume 2020-2025
Table 58 Total Sales of Carbonates by Fountain On-trade: % Volume Growth 2020-2025
Table 59 NBO Company Shares of Off-trade Carbonates: % Volume 2021-2025
Table 60 LBN Brand Shares of Off-trade Carbonates: % Volume 2022-2025
Table 61 NBO Company Shares of Off-trade Carbonates: % Value 2021-2025
Table 62 LBN Brand Shares of Off-trade Carbonates: % Value 2022-2025
Table 63 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Carbonates by Category: Volume 2025-2030
Table 64 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Carbonates by Category: Value 2025-2030
Table 65 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Carbonates by Category: % Volume Growth 2025-2030
Table 66 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Carbonates by Category: % Value Growth 2025-2030
Table 67 Forecast Total Sales of Carbonates by Fountain On-trade: Volume 2025-2030
Table 68 Forecast Total Sales of Carbonates by Fountain On-trade: % Volume Growth 2025-2030

Concentrates in China

KEY DATA FINDINGS

China’s rising coffee culture has positive impact on concentrates
Coffee concentrates draw on China’s rapid growth of coffee consumption
Desire for healthier beverages supports liquid concentrates
Consumers are attracted by the portability of liquid concentrates
Bright outlook for concentrates
Players will embrace health attributes to bolster appeal
Sustainability will remain high on the agenda
Luckin Coffee (Beijing) Co Ltd reinforces its lead
Dynamic performance of Luckin Coffee linked to multiple factors
Retail e-commerce has strong position in concentrates
Concentrates Conversions
Summary 2 Concentrates Conversion Factors for Ready-to-Drink (RTD) Format
Table 69 Off-trade Sales of Concentrates (RTD) by Category: Volume 2020-2025
Table 70 Off-trade Sales of Concentrates (RTD) by Category: % Volume Growth 2020-2025
Table 71 Off-trade Sales of Concentrates by Category: Value 2020-2025
Table 72 Off-trade Sales of Concentrates by Category: % Value Growth 2020-2025
Table 73 LBN Brand Shares of Off-trade Concentrates (RTD): % Volume 2022-2025
Table 74 NBO Company Shares of Off-trade Concentrates: % Value 2021-2025
Table 75 LBN Brand Shares of Off-trade Concentrates: % Value 2022-2025
Table 76 NBO Company Shares of Off-trade Liquid Concentrates (RTD): % Volume 2021-2025
Table 77 LBN Brand Shares of Off-trade Liquid Concentrates (RTD): % Volume 2022-2025
Table 78 NBO Company Shares of Off-trade Powder Concentrates (RTD): % Volume 2021-2025
Table 79 LBN Brand Shares of Off-trade Powder Concentrates (RTD): % Volume 2022-2025
Table 80 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Concentrates (RTD) by Category: Volume 2025-2030
Table 81 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Concentrates (RTD) by Category: % Volume Growth 2025-2030
Table 82 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Concentrates by Category: Value 2025-2030
Table 83 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Concentrates by Category: % Value Growth 2025-2030

Juice in China

KEY DATA FINDINGS

Players focus on evolving needs in the juice category
Health-awareness in China remains challenging for juice category
Coconut and other plant waters prove attractive to the Chinese consumer
The growing health agenda poses opportunities and threats
Technology will spearhead health-based innovations
Low/zero sugar and functional benefits are stand-out requirements
Leading brand Minute Maid supports strong position of Coca-Cola China Ltd
General Beverage Co Ltd makes waves in the juice category
Supermarkets retain their stronghold in juice category
Stronger reliance on retail e-commerce for juice purchases
Table 84 Off-trade Sales of Juice by Category: Volume 2020-2025
Table 85 Off-trade Sales of Juice by Category: Value 2020-2025
Table 86 Off-trade Sales of Juice by Category: % Volume Growth 2020-2025
Table 87 Off-trade Sales of Juice by Category: % Value Growth 2020-2025
Table 88 NBO Company Shares of Off-trade Juice: % Volume 2021-2025
Table 89 LBN Brand Shares of Off-trade Juice: % Volume 2022-2025
Table 90 NBO Company Shares of Off-trade Juice: % Value 2021-2025
Table 91 LBN Brand Shares of Off-trade Juice: % Value 2022-2025
Table 92 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Juice by Category: Volume 2025-2030
Table 93 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Juice by Category: Value 2025-2030
Table 94 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Juice by Category: % Volume Growth 2025-2030
Table 95 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Juice by Category: % Value Growth 2025-2030

RTD Coffee in China

KEY DATA FINDINGS

Growing appeal of RTD coffee
Healthier lines attract consumers
Rapid rise in coffee culture supports consumer interest
Sophisticated products will deliver healthier offerings
Technologies will enhance flavours, quality and traceability
Players to roll out sustainable packaging solutions
Nestlé (China) Ltd retains lead through regular new flavour extensions and formats
Starbucks harnesses local culture to ensure relevancy
Small local grocers offer key benefits to RTD coffee brands
Retail e-commerce draws in consumers with quick delivery and competitive prices
Table 96 Off-trade Sales of RTD Coffee: Volume 2020-2025
Table 97 Off-trade Sales of RTD Coffee: Value 2020-2025
Table 98 Off-trade Sales of RTD Coffee: % Volume Growth 2020-2025
Table 99 Off-trade Sales of RTD Coffee: % Value Growth 2020-2025
Table 100 NBO Company Shares of Off-trade RTD Coffee: % Volume 2021-2025
Table 101 LBN Brand Shares of Off-trade RTD Coffee: % Volume 2022-2025
Table 102 NBO Company Shares of Off-trade RTD Coffee: % Value 2021-2025
Table 103 LBN Brand Shares of Off-trade RTD Coffee: % Value 2022-2025
Table 104 Forecast Off-trade Sales of RTD Coffee: Volume 2025-2030
Table 105 Forecast Off-trade Sales of RTD Coffee: Value 2025-2030
Table 106 Forecast Off-trade Sales of RTD Coffee: % Volume Growth 2025-2030
Table 107 Forecast Off-trade Sales of RTD Coffee: % Value Growth 2025-2030

RTD Tea in China

KEY DATA FINDINGS

Rising consumer interest in RTD tea
Healthy performance as RTD teas gain visibility in stores
Reduced-sugar RTD tea is sweet spot for consumers
Bright outlook for RTD tea
Flavour diversification will bolster appeal
Functional traits give rise to new variants of RTD tea
Master Kong Ice Tea maintains a strong lead
Oriental Leaf pushes into second position with zero sugar variant
Modern channel is key for RTD tea
Snack discount retailers show remarkable growth
Table 108 Off-trade Sales of RTD Tea by Category: Volume 2020-2025
Table 109 Off-trade Sales of RTD Tea by Category: Value 2020-2025
Table 110 Off-trade Sales of RTD Tea by Category: % Volume Growth 2020-2025
Table 111 Off-trade Sales of RTD Tea by Category: % Value Growth 2020-2025
Table 112 Leading Flavours for Off-trade RTD Tea: % Volume 2020-2025
Table 113 NBO Company Shares of Off-trade RTD Tea: % Volume 2021-2025
Table 114 LBN Brand Shares of Off-trade RTD Tea: % Volume 2022-2025
Table 115 NBO Company Shares of Off-trade RTD Tea: % Value 2021-2025
Table 116 LBN Brand Shares of Off-trade RTD Tea: % Value 2022-2025
Table 117 Forecast Off-trade Sales of RTD Tea by Category: Volume 2025-2030
Table 118 Forecast Off-trade Sales of RTD Tea by Category: Value 2025-2030
Table 119 Forecast Off-trade Sales of RTD Tea by Category: % Volume Growth 2025-2030
Table 120 Forecast Off-trade Sales of RTD Tea by Category: % Value Growth 2025-2030

Energy Drinks in China

KEY DATA FINDINGS

Energy drinks are more widely consumed
Eastroc Super Drink drives consumption with low price positioning
Consumption occasions are expanding
Evolving perception of energy drinks will drive sales
Reduced-sugar energy drinks category set to flourish
The ingredients in energy drinks are also becoming more diverse
Intense competition in energy drinks landscape
Shenzhen Eastroc Beverage Co Ltd is most dynamic player
Small local grocers remain dominant channel
Distribution is diversifying in line with consumption occasions
Table 121 Off-trade Sales of Energy Drinks: Volume 2020-2025
Table 122 Off-trade Sales of Energy Drinks: Value 2020-2025
Table 123 Off-trade Sales of Energy Drinks: % Volume Growth 2020-2025
Table 124 Off-trade Sales of Energy Drinks: % Value Growth 2020-2025
Table 125 NBO Company Shares of Off-trade Energy Drinks: % Volume 2021-2025
Table 126 LBN Brand Shares of Off-trade Energy Drinks: % Volume 2022-2025
Table 127 NBO Company Shares of Off-trade Energy Drinks: % Value 2021-2025
Table 128 LBN Brand Shares of Off-trade Energy Drinks: % Value 2022-2025
Table 129 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Energy Drinks: Volume 2025-2030
Table 130 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Energy Drinks: Value 2025-2030
Table 131 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Energy Drinks: % Volume Growth 2025-2030
Table 132 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Energy Drinks: % Value Growth 2025-2030

Sports Drinks in China

KEY DATA FINDINGS

Sports drinks strengthen position amid health boom
Active lifestyles support dynamic sales growth in sports drinks
Reduced-sugar sports drinks attract strong consumer interest
Sustained growth rates reflect a more active nation
Consumers expect additional benefits from sports drinks
Focus on electrolytes in sports drinks
Two players comprise almost half of volume share
Eastroc Hydrating Water shows remarkable growth following entrance in 2023
ajor players leverage broad distribution networks to reach all-important small local grocers
Vending offers convenient solution for active consumers
Table 133 Off-trade Sales of Sports Drinks: Volume 2020-2025
Table 134 Off-trade Sales of Sports Drinks: Value 2020-2025
Table 135 Off-trade Sales of Sports Drinks: % Volume Growth 2020-2025
Table 136 Off-trade Sales of Sports Drinks: % Value Growth 2020-2025
Table 137 NBO Company Shares of Off-trade Sports Drinks: % Volume 2021-2025
Table 138 LBN Brand Shares of Off-trade Sports Drinks: % Volume 2022-2025
Table 139 NBO Company Shares of Off-trade Sports Drinks: % Value 2021-2025
Table 140 LBN Brand Shares of Off-trade Sports Drinks: % Value 2022-2025
Table 141 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Sports Drinks: Volume 2025-2030
Table 142 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Sports Drinks: Value 2025-2030
Table 143 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Sports Drinks: % Volume Growth 2025-2030
Table 144 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Sports Drinks: % Value Growth 2025-2030

Asian Speciality Drinks in China

KEY DATA FINDINGS

Challenging landscape for Asian speciality drinks
Lacklustre appeal notably among younger generations
Competition from freshly brewed tea drinks and RTD tea
Health-oriented developments are emerging
Asian specialty drinks struggle with outdated image
Digital marketing and technologies are leveraged to engage with audiences
Sustainable developments will resonate with consumers
Tiandi No1 Beverage Co Ltd is the leading player
Lvjie strikes a chord with Chinese consumers
E-commerce sales are gaining traction
Table 145 Off-trade Sales of Asian Speciality Drinks: Volume 2020-2025
Table 146 Off-trade Sales of Asian Speciality Drinks: Value 2020-2025
Table 147 Off-trade Sales of Asian Speciality Drinks: % Volume Growth 2020-2025
Table 148 Off-trade Sales of Asian Speciality Drinks: % Value Growth 2020-2025
Table 149 NBO Company Shares of Off-trade Asian Speciality Drinks: % Volume 2021-2025
Table 150 LBN Brand Shares of Off-trade Asian Speciality Drinks: % Volume 2022-2025
Table 151 NBO Company Shares of Off-trade Asian Speciality Drinks: % Value 2021-2025
Table 152 LBN Brand Shares of Off-trade Asian Speciality Drinks: % Value 2022-2025
Table 153 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Asian Speciality Drinks: Volume 2025-2030
Table 154 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Asian Speciality Drinks: Value 2025-2030
Table 155 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Asian Speciality Drinks: % Volume Growth 2025-2030
Table 156 Forecast Off-trade Sales of Asian Speciality Drinks: % Value Growth 2025-2030

COUNTRY REPORTS DISCLAIMER

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The following categories and subcategories are included:

Soft Drinks

      • Carbonated Natural Mineral Bottled Water
      • Carbonated Spring Bottled Water
      • Carbonated Purified Bottled Water
      • Still Flavoured Bottled Water
      • Sparkling Flavoured Bottled Water
    • Functional Bottled Water
      • Still Natural Mineral Bottled Water
      • Still Spring Bottled Water
      • Still Purified Bottled Water
    • Regular Carbonates
    • Reduced Sugar Carbonates
      • Regular Cola Carbonates
      • Reduced Sugar Cola Carbonates
      • Regular Non-Cola Carbonates
      • Reduced Sugar Non-Cola Carbonates
        • Regular Lemonade/Lime
        • Reduced Sugar Lemonade/Lime
        • Regular Tonic Water/Mixers/Other Bitters
        • Reduced Sugar Tonic Water/Mixers/Other Bitters
        • Regular Orange Carbonates
        • Reduced Sugar Orange Carbonates
        • Regular Other Non-Cola Carbonates
        • Reduced Sugar Other Non-Cola Carbonates
    • Liquid Concentrates
    • Powder Concentrates
      • Not from Concentrate 100% Juice
      • Reconstituted 100% Juice
    • Coconut and Other Plant Waters
    • Juice Drinks (up to 24% Juice)
    • Nectars
  • RTD Coffee
    • Carbonated RTD Tea and Kombucha
      • Regular Still RTD Tea
      • Reduced Sugar Still RTD Tea
    • Regular Energy Drinks
    • Reduced Sugar Energy Drinks
    • Regular Sports Drinks
    • Reduced Sugar Sports Drinks
  • Asian Speciality Drinks

Soft Drinks

This is the aggregation of the following categories; Carbonates, Fruit/vegetable juice, Bottled water, Functional drinks, Concentrates, RTD tea, RTD coffee and Asian speciality drinks.

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