The market for soft drinks is divided into three main segments: (1) mineral and drinking water; (2) juices and juice-containing drinks; and (3) fizzy/carbonated drinks. The first segment of the market includes mineral water, well water and purified water (with or without flavouring agents but with no added sugar). The second segment includes fruit and vegetable juices, nectars, juice-containing drinks, and fruit puree. Sweet fizzy/carbonated drinks, based on water and with sugar, include soda, rye beer, fruit drink and alcohol-free champagne for children.
The gross market share of such well-known international corporations as Bonaqua, owned by Coca-Cola and Aqua Minerale, owned by PepsiCo that function in the domestic market, exceeds 50%. It is therefore, very difficult to compete with them. Still, there are possibilities to promote national and international soft drink brands other than Coke and Pepsi.
The profitability of soft drink products is achieved by original investments, good positioning of goods in the market and the quality of the soft drinks. The technology of soft drink production is based on the blending of different ingredients such as water, sugar, fruits and berries, and other semi-finished products. All the components, and especially the production processes, are strictly regulated by special documents and should comply with national and international quality standards to make the products competitive in the market.
Soft drinks are characterized by a wide range of goods. The uniqueness of the formulation is realized by the proper metering of components and the technology of of modern blending equipment.
In today’s world, there are many kinds of blending equipment available for the soft drink market. Industrial-type blending units enjoy wide popularity. For example, the USB unit available from GlobeCore was originally designed for fuel blending. Being mobile and versatile however, this unit has obtained a wide circulation in industrial energy markets and now, food processing markets.
GlobeCore USB units were tested not only on oil products, but also on different types of paints, soaps, vegetable-based fluids and “edible fluids.” The results exceeded expectations! GlobeCore USB units are so versatile, they can be used for blending limitless kinds of different fluids and liquids.
The introduction of liquid components into soft drink production is performed using all the capabilities of the technology. The blending units cycle through different modes of blending with constant monitoring of temperature conditions.
Each component of GlobeCore’s USB units is designed and manufactured with account for the individual needs of each customer. This system may be easily integrated into the existing production processes, or can operate autonomously. According to industry analysts, it could cost you as much as 1.5 million dollars to set up a plant that will produce soft drinks and mineral water. The pay-off period is 5-7 years.
According to different estimates, the profitability of soft drink production is between 10 to 20%. Sales of soft drinks exceeds more than 2 billion litres per year therefore, the market is huge and continues to grow each year.
Though there is a tendency towards drinks that are more healthful such as juices and mineral water, between 70% to 75% of the population still buy soft drinks. It is therefore, a fair assumption to say that GlobeCore’s USB blending systems are an effective investment that will greater benefit the manufacturer of soft drink products.