Ready-to-Drink Beverages Market

Global Ready-to-Drink Beverages Market:

The global ready-to-drink beverages market size reached USD 240.0 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 419.2 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 6.39% during 2025-2033. The market is experiencing steady growth driven by the escalating demand for beverages that incorporate natural and functional ingredients, such as vitamins, antioxidants, probiotics, and herbal extracts, changing consumer lifestyles and preferences, rapid urbanization and busy working schedules of individuals.

Ready-to-Drink Beverages Market Analysis:

• Major Market Drivers: The increasing health consciousness among the masses and changing consumer lifestyles are propelling the market growth. Moreover, the growing adoption of modern lifestyles, characterized by hectic schedules and on-the-go consumption habits, favors RTD beverages as quick and easy refreshments.
• Key Market Trends: A rapid shift towards healthier RTD beverages, driven by consumer demand for options that are low in sugar, natural, organic, and fortified with functional ingredients like vitamins, antioxidants, and probiotics, is anticipated to drive the industry's growth. Moreover, the growing focus on using innovative and exotic ingredients in RTD beverages coupled with the rise of e-commerce platforms and digital marketing of RTD brands are stimulating the market demand.
• Competitive Landscape: Some of the prominent ready-to-drink beverages market companies include Asahi Group Holdings Ltd., Brown–Forman Corporation, Keurig Dr Pepper Inc., Nestle S.A., O-AT-KA Milk Products LLC, PepsiCo Inc., Red Bull GmbH, Suntory Holdings Limited, and The Coca-Cola Company, among many others.
• Geographical Trends: According to the ready-to-drink beverages market dynamics, Asia Pacific exhibits a clear dominance in the market. Rapid urbanization, busy lifestyles, and increasing disposable incomes are driving demand for convenient and on-the-go beverage options.
• Challenges and Opportunities: High competition among key players, and the rising health and regulatory concerns regarding the impacts of RTD beverages are hampering the market growth. However, the growing trend towards healthier lifestyles presents opportunities for RTD beverages that offer functional benefits, natural ingredients, low sugar content, and other health-enhancing properties.
   

Ready-to-Drink Beverages Market Trends:

Rising Working Population

The rising working population is one of the key factors propelling the ready-to-drink beverages market growth. For instance, according to the India Employment Report 2024, published jointly by the Institute for Human Development and the International Labor Organization (ILO), India's working population climbed from 61% in 2011 to 64% in 2021, and is expected to reach nearly 65% by 2036. As more people join the workforce, there is a growing demand for convenient and time-saving food and beverage options. RTD beverages fit well into this trend as they are ready to consume without any preparation, making them ideal for on-the-go consumption. These factors are further positively influencing the ready-to-drink beverages market forecast.

Health and Wellness Trends

People are seeking beverages that not only quench their thirst but also provide health benefits. As a result, there is a growing demand for ready-to-drink beverages that incorporate natural and functional ingredients, such as vitamins, antioxidants, prebiotics, and herbal extracts. For instance, in 2021, Danone India AptaGrow launched a ready-to-drink health drink for children with 37 nutrients and prebiotics. Also, in May 2024, Fast&Up, an active nutrition brand, launched its latest invention, Fast&Up Reload Ready-to-drink. This new product is ideal for athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and anybody who lives an active lifestyle. It provides a convenient and effective approach to keep energized and sustain optimum performance. These factors are further contributing to the ready-to-drink beverages market share.

Increasing Urbanization

The global trend of urbanization is leading to a rapid increase in urban populations. For instance, according to Statista, in 2023, the global urbanization rate was 57%. Also, in the same year, nearly a third of the total population in India lived in cities. In urban areas, people often lead fast-paced lives, with long commutes and busy work schedules. This shift in demographics and lifestyles is strengthening the growth of the market. Moreover, ready-to-drink beverages offer a convenient solution for urban consumers who may not have the time or facilities to prepare beverages from scratch. These factors are bolstering the ready-to-drink beverages market revenue.

Global Ready-to-Drink Beverages Industry Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the market, along with forecasts at the global, regional, and country levels for 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on product type, packaging, and distribution channel.

Breakup by Product Type:

• RTD Tea
• RTD Coffee
• Energy Drinks
• Yogurt Drinks
• Dairy-based Beverages
• Others
   

RTD tea accounts for the majority of the market share

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the product type. This includes RTD tea, RTD coffee, energy drinks, yogurt drinks, dairy-based beverages, and others. According to the ready-to-drink beverages market report, RTD tea represented the largest segment.

The perceived health benefits of tea, including antioxidants and natural flavors are propelling the demand for RTD tea. Consumers are turning to RTD tea as a refreshing and healthier alternative to sugary sodas. This segment includes a wide range of options, ranging from traditional black and green teas to herbal and fruit-infused varieties. For instance, in July 2024, Uncle Matt's Organic launched three ready-to-drink refrigerated brewed black tea varieties.

Breakup by Packaging:

• Bottles
• Tetra Pack
• Sachet
• Tin Can
• Others
   

Bottles hold the largest share in the industry

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the packaging have also been provided in the report. This includes bottles, tetra pack, sachet, tin can, and others. According to the report, bottles account for the majority of the market share.

According to the ready-to-drink beverages market outlook, the convenience, portability, and sustainability associated with these bottles are proliferating the market’s growth. Plastic PET bottles are commonly used for soft drinks and juices, while glass bottles are favored for premium and specialty beverages. The popularity of bottles is driven by their ability to preserve the freshness and flavor of the beverage, along with their recyclability. They are widely available in various sizes, making them suitable for single servings and larger quantities, catering to a diverse consumer base. For instance, in February 2024, Johnnie Walker launched a trio of premium ready-to-drink (RTD) bottled cocktails in the UK.

Breakup by Distribution Channel:

• Business to Business (Foodservice)
• Business to Consumers
  • Supermarkets and Hypermarkets
  • Convenience Stores
  • Specialty Stores
  • Online Stores
  • Others
     

Business to consumers represent the leading market segment

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the distribution channel. This includes business to business (foodservice) and business to consumers (supermarkets and hypermarkets, convenience stores, specialty stores, online stores, and others). According to the report, business to consumers represented the largest segment.

According to the ready-to-drink beverages market overview, the growth of business to consumers is characterized by direct sales to individual consumers through various retail channels. This includes supermarkets, convenience stores, gas stations, and online retail platforms. B2C distribution caters to the diverse and widespread consumer base, offering a wide range of ready-to-drink beverages, ranging from traditional sodas to healthier options like RTD tea and coffee.

Breakup by Region:

• North America
  • United States
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • United Kingdom
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Others
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • Indonesia
  • Others
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Others
• Middle East and Africa
   

Asia Pacific leads the market, accounting for the largest ready-to-drink beverages market share

The market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include North America (the United States and Canada); Europe (Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, and others); Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, and others); Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and others); and the Middle East and Africa. According to the report, Asia Pacific accounted for the largest market.

According to the ready-to-drink beverages market statistics, the growth of the region is driven by factors, such as rising disposable incomes, urbanization, changing lifestyles, and a growing preference for convenient beverage options. Additionally, the popularity of traditional Asian beverages like iced tea, herbal drinks, and milk teas is contributing to the dominance of this region in the market. As a result, numerous international and local brands are expanding their presence in Asia Pacific, thereby fueling the market growth. For instance, in 2021, Danone India AptaGrow launched ready-to-drink health drink for children with 37 nutrients and prebiotics.

Competitive Landscape:

Key players in the market are actively engaged in several strategic initiatives to maintain their market share and cater to evolving consumer preferences. These initiatives include product innovation, with a focus on healthier and more diverse beverage options, such as low-sugar, organic, and functional drinks. Sustainability efforts are also rising, with many companies investing in eco-friendly packaging and supply chain practices to address environmental concerns. Additionally, expansion into emerging markets and strategic partnerships with foodservice outlets, e-commerce platforms, and retailers remain crucial for widening distribution channels and enhancing accessibility to consumers. Furthermore, marketing and branding efforts are playing a vital role in building consumer loyalty and differentiating products in this competitive market.

The market research report has provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape. Detailed profiles of all major companies have also been provided. Some of the key players in the market include:

• Asahi Group Holdings Ltd.
• Brown–Forman Corporation
• Keurig Dr Pepper Inc.
• Nestle S.A.
• O-AT-KA Milk Products LLC
• PepsiCo Inc.
• Red Bull GmbH
• Suntory Holdings Limited
• The Coca-Cola Company
   

(Please note that this is only a partial list of the key players, and the complete list is provided in the report.)

Ready-to-Drink Beverages Market Recent Developments:

• July 2024: Avolta partnered with Quintessential Brands for the exclusive travel retail launch of premium Kir Royale ready-to-drink cocktail Chamère featuring in the hit Netflix series Emily in Paris.
• May 2024: Fast&Up, an active nutrition brand, launched its latest invention, Fast&Up Reload Ready-to-drink. This new product is ideal for athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and anybody who lives an active lifestyle.
• February 2024: Johnnie Walker launched a trio of premium ready-to-drink (RTD) bottled cocktails in the UK.

Ready-to-Drink Beverages Market Report Scope:

Key Questions Answered in This Report:

• How has the global ready-to-drink beverages market performed so far, and how will it perform in the coming years?
• What are the drivers, restraints, and opportunities in the global ready-to-drink beverages market?
• What is the impact of each driver, restraint, and opportunity on the global ready-to-drink beverages market?
• What are the key regional markets?
• Which countries represent the most attractive ready-to-drink beverages market?
• What is the breakup of the market based on the product type?
• Which is the most attractive product type in the ready-to-drink beverages market?
• What is the breakup of the market based on the packaging?
• Which is the most attractive packaging in the ready-to-drink beverages market?
• What is the breakup of the market based on the distribution channel?
• Which is the most attractive distribution channel in the ready-to-drink beverages market?
• What is the competitive structure of the market?
• Who are the key players/companies in the global ready-to-drink beverages market?

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC's report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the ready-to-drink beverages market from 2019-2033.
• The research study provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the global ready-to-drink beverages market.
• The study maps the leading, as well as the fastest-growing, regional markets. It further enables stakeholders to identify the key country-level markets within each region.
• Porter's five forces analysis assists stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the ready-to-drink beverages industry and its attractiveness.
• The competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides insight into the current positions of key players in the market.