Energy drinks are the biggest moneyspinner in the soft drinks market for UK retailers, according to a report by drinks consultancy Zenith International. Zenith's report on the UK energy drinks market showed UK sales of energy drinks rose more than 23% by volume in 2000 and 39% by value. "There is now no excuse for any grocer or newsagent, pub or other venue not to stock them," said the report. "Indeed, all the evidence points to more space, more choice and more prominence for higher sales, higher margins and higher profits." Five years after UK launch Red Bull has become Britain's third biggest soft drinks brand by value, said Zenith. It outsold Lucozade's combined soft drinks portfolio in the multiples in the run up to Christmas and recently introduced multipacks for larger retail customers. The report says the focus for Red Bull in 2001 would be centred on "filling the gaps" where it was not available ­ for example, in 27% of off licences, in 28% of forecourts, in 8% of multiples and in 36% of CTNs. Red Bull is targeting university campuses in a bid to persuade students of the functional benefits of the drink. {{NEWS }}

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