Tastes in soft drinks differ widely around the world, according to a report in an international beverage publication.
While carbonated cola drinks are most popular in the United States, where they had their beginnings at the turn of the century, notes Beverages Magazine, flavored or juice-added drinks rank high in the remainder of the world.The publication notes that fruit-squash drinks and lemonade enjoy great popularity in England. Carbonated and non-carbonated fruit-flavored beverages are equally popular throughout Europe and Japan. Russians enjoy clear mineral water or fruit-flavored mineral water.
Some of the exotic local brands include coconut, melon and jasmine-flavored tea in Hong Kong. Non-carbonated pasteurized coconut water refreshes local palates in Indonesia, and an apple-flavored soft drink has long been a favorite in Algeria.
Largely due to the presence of American service personnel around the world since the end of World War II, and sophisticated marketing efforts by American franchise companies, U.S.-branded soft drink favorites are making increasing inroads into these overseas markets.