PET packs a punch in Czech

Sales of packaged beverages in the Czech Republic rose by more than 7 per cent last year with non-refillable PET bottles strengthening their position in most product sectors, according to a report from beverage industry analysts, Canadean.

The rise was attributable to double digit increases in demand for all soft drinks, except juice/nectars and squash/syrups, says the report, which goes on to show that in line with this upward trend non-refillable PET bottles have also grown their share of the market and now account for almost two thirds of beer and soft drinks packaging.

In the largest product sector, Carbonates, demand rose by more than 12 per cent during 2002. Since consumers are buying both for 'on the go' consumption and in bulk, all non-refillable PET sizes contributed to this growth which is predicted to continue at above the average level for packaged beverages this year. The main victim is refillable glass whose percentage fall in share was almost exactly matched by non-refillable PET's percentage increase.

On the other hand both beverage and packaging trends were bucked by the second largest sector: Beer. Bottled beer lost a small amount of sales due to strong exports but non-refillable glass showed a healthy increase of 6 per cent. Although can volume was up almost 5 per cent and the trend is expected to continue, the historical popularity of beer sold in crates will help ensure that refillable glass's share will remain strong in the region of four fifths of pack mix.

Packaged Water, currently the third largest sector, is expected to supplant beer into second place during the course of this year providing a somewhat marginal boost for PET which already accounts for over 90 per cent of sales. Still packaged water, which represents more than a fifth of water fillings, is sold exclusively in PET at the moment.

Still Drinks registered the fastest growth last year with fillings up more than 40 per cent. This was fuelled by many new brands mainly in multivitamin flavours and sold in large non-refillable PET packages. Non-refillable PET now accounts for nearly 70 per cent of pack mix. Strong growth is expected due to the plethora of local brands, competitive pricing and convenience.

Also bucking the trend, despite falling sales, the syrup segment of Squash/Syrups remains substantial thanks to a loyal following in the lower income group. 100-cl refillable glass is gaining with the upward trend aided by an expanding number of DOB's.

Looking to the future, Canadean claim that PET's rise is likely to be unabated for the foreseeable future, since apart from the brewers, the beverage industry has heavily invested in non-refillable PET technology since the mid 1990s, thus making plastic a widely used and viable material for non-refillable packs. Refillable glass will continue to keep a strong presence, entirely due to its traditional role in beer and mineral water packaging, the decline of which has been halted by the new packaging law introduced in January 2002 requiring supermarkets to have returnable facilities.

For details of how to obtain a copy of this report, click here​.