Meanwhile,volume sales of non-sugary drinks almost doubled,mainly because of the rise in bottled water. Non-sugary drinks have outsold sugary drinks since 2015.
The study had funding from the Beverages Council of Australia but matches research from other independent sources. For example,business research firm IBIS World's January 2020 report states that carbonated soft drink sales fell from 104.5 litres in 1994 to 76.1 litres this year,with the decline forecast to continue over the next five years.
The study published inNutrientsfound growth in sugar-sweetened energy drinks,sports drinks and iced tea since the late 1990s,but not enough to offset the decline in fizzy soft drink.
Consumers have also grown wise to the naturally occurring sugar in juice. The research found sales of 100 per cent juice have dropped by 48 per cent since 2009.
Sales of flavoured milk grew 6 per cent a year since 2009,but off a much smaller base than juice.
The report said the trend was driven by health concerns,with consumers not only following dietary advice to reduce sugar to manage weight but also embracing the general concept of"wellness"including a preference for natural ingredients.