Soft Drinks Concentrates Market to Reach USD 69.91 Billion by 2036 as Zero-Sugar Reformulation and Functional Platforms Redefine Industry Structure

The global soft drinks concentrates market is projected to expand from USD 40.04 Billion in 2026 to USD 69.91 Billion by 2036, registering a CAGR of 5.7% during the forecast period. According to Future Market Insights (FMI), the industry is transitioning from commodity syrup supply toward differentiated concentrate platforms shaped by sugar-reduction mandates, functional ingredient integration, and fountain channel expansion.

The structural growth trajectory is reinforced by the global reformulation wave triggered by sugar taxes and reinforced by the World Health Organization's 2024 global nutrition guidelines recommending that free sugar intake remain below 10% of total energy consumption. This sustained regulatory pressure is compelling concentrate manufacturers to invest in alternative sweetener systems and natural flavor technologies capable of delivering acceptable taste under reduced-sugar constraints.

Simultaneously, functional and energy drink concentrate categories are gaining strategic importance, while quick-service restaurant (QSR) and fountain channel expansion in emerging markets is strengthening distribution depth.

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Soft Drinks Concentrates Market Snapshot

Industry Size (2026): USD 40.04 Billion
Industry Value (2036): USD 69.91 Billion
CAGR (2026 to 2036): 5.7%
What Is Driving the Growth of the Soft Drinks Concentrates Market?

FMI projects steady acceleration supported by three structural pillars:

Reformulation mandates tied to sugar taxes and WHO nutrition tracking
Functional ingredient integration including electrolytes and vitamins
Geographic expansion of fountain and mixing channels
The market is evolving toward zero-sugar formulation, stevia-based systems, and regional taste customization. Competitive differentiation increasingly depends on proprietary concentrate platforms, brand exclusivity, and localized flavor profiles rather than bulk syrup supply.

FMI's proprietary forecasting model is based on QSR outlet growth and per capita soft drink consumption correlation, combined with sugar tax implementation mapping.

Market Definition and Scope

The soft drinks concentrates market represents revenue generated from flavored syrups, powder mixes, and liquid concentrates used to produce carbonated soft drinks, non-carbonated beverages, and fountain drinks across bottling plants, QSR outlets, institutional foodservice operators, and consumer retail channels.

Included:

Cola, citrus, fruit-flavored, and energy drink concentrates
Zero-sugar and reduced-calorie formulations
Functional blends with added vitamins or electrolytes
Proprietary fountain syrup systems
Packaging formats such as bag-in-box, drums, and pouches
Excluded:

Finished ready-to-drink beverages
Not-from-concentrate juices
Alcoholic beverage concentrates
Bottling plant equipment and dispensing systems
Carbonated Segment Maintains Dominance

By product type, carbonated concentrates account for a 67% value share in 2026.

Carbonated drinks such as colas, lemonades, and sparkling waters remain staple beverages globally. Their continued accessibility and flavor appeal ensure consistent demand for carbonated concentrates. Major brands' established presence and marketing capabilities further reinforce segment stability.

While healthier and non-carbonated options are gaining traction, carbonated beverages continue to anchor concentrate demand.

Bottle Packaging Leads the Market

By packaging, bottles command a 36% value share in 2026.

Given the liquid nature of concentrates, bottles offer convenience and labeling flexibility. Attractive branding and ease of handling make bottle formats a preferred packaging solution across distribution channels.

Organic and Clean-Label Demand Reshapes Product Positioning

Rising awareness of organic consumption is expanding the market for organic soft drinks. These beverages utilize fresh organic fruits or vegetables grown without pesticides or insecticides and avoid non-ionizing radiation products and a wide range of additives.

Organic soft drinks are marketed for:

High nutritional content
Few calories
Natural sweetening agents
Clean-label positioning
The shift toward holistic health and wellness, alongside negative publicity surrounding excessive caffeine and sugar intake, has reshaped product innovation strategies. Companies are increasingly promoting natural, organic, and functional ingredient claims to attract health-conscious consumers.

Cost Efficiency Fuels Foodservice Adoption

Soft drink concentrates offer significant operational advantages for cafes, restaurants, and fast-food chains. Compared to pre-mixed beverages, concentrates require less storage space and are easier to transport and mix.

This cost-efficiency is particularly valuable for businesses serving large customer volumes. Additionally, operators benefit from the ability to customize beverages according to evolving consumer preferences.

Country-Wise Growth Outlook

The United States holds a significant share of the global market, supported by the largest QSR and fountain distribution network and the dominance of US-headquartered concentrate companies.

Projected CAGRs (2026 to 2036):

China's growth is driven by increasing use of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, herbs, and natural fruit-based ingredients in concentrate production. The product lifecycle positioning suggests strong long-term prospects.

Germany's demand is supported by urbanization, fast-paced lifestyles, rising disposable income, and a broad selection of concentrate offerings.

Industry Restructuring Signals Strategic Realignment

The competitive landscape is entering a phase of restructuring and portfolio optimization.

Tim Cofer, CEO of Keurig Dr Pepper, stated:
"Today's announcement marks a transformational moment in the beverage industry, as we build on KDP's disruptive legacy by creating two winning companies."

PepsiCo inaugurated a USD 100 million modernization project at its concentrate plant in Colonia, Uruguay, exporting to 23 countries using 100% renewable energy.
Keurig Dr Pepper announced the acquisition of JDE Peet's and a subsequent corporate split to create focused coffee and refreshment beverage concentrate entities.
Coca-Cola expanded its zero-sugar portfolio globally, with zero-sugar variants accounting for a growing share of total concentrate shipments.
FMI opines that mega-acquisitions, corporate splits, and zero-sugar portfolio expansion confirm a structural shift toward high-growth functional and premium beverage categories under tightening sugar-reduction mandates.

Competitive Landscape

Tier 1 companies hold 70% of the global market, distinguished by extensive product portfolios, advanced technology, and broad geographic reach. Tier 2 players account for 20%, influencing regional commerce with solid regulatory compliance and business acumen. Tier 3 companies represent 10%, serving niche local markets within a less formalized ecosystem.

Leading manufacturers include Beverage Corp, The Coca-Cola Company, PepsiCo Inc., Cott Corporation, Kraft Foods, Dohler Group, and Dr. Pepper Snapple Group.

Historical vs Forecast Growth

Between 2021 and 2025, the market expanded at a CAGR of 3.3%. From 2026 to 2036, growth is projected to accelerate to 5.7%, supported by premiumization, functional innovation, and portfolio restructuring.

As global beverage players recalibrate strategies around zero-sugar mandates, functional integration, and cost-efficient foodservice delivery, the soft drinks concentrates market is entering a decade defined by reformulation, restructuring, and revenue expansion.

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About Future Market Insights (FMI)

Future Market Insights, Inc. (FMI) is an ESOMAR-certified, ISO 9001:2015 market research and consulting organization, trusted by Fortune 500 clients and global enterprises. With operations in the U.S., UK, India, and Dubai, FMI provides data-backed insights and strategic intelligence across 30+ industries and 1200 markets worldwide.

This release was published on openPR.