Sales of smoothies up five-fold

The report predicts smoothie sales will now triple by 2011

Sales of smoothies have soared more than fivefold over the past five years, driven by more health conscious consumers, a report has said.

Total UK sales of the crushed fruit drinks reached 34 million litres in 2006, up from just 6.3 million in 2001, according to market analysts Mintel.

In financial terms, sales of smoothies totalled £134m last year, a 523% increase over 2001.

Mintel now expects smoothie sales to further treble by 2011.

'Success story'

"Healthy eating, and in particular the five-a-day fruit and vegetable campaign, has been the driving force behind continuing rates of exceptional growth," said Mintel's senior market analyst Vivianne Ithekweazu.

"Smoothies have been the true drinks success story of the 21st century and are clearly no longer a niche market."

Mintel found that smoothies are most popular among people in the 15-to-19, and 25-to-34 age groups.

Its report covers retail sales of packaged smoothies, and does not include sales over the counter at cafes or restaurants.

Standard smoothies which only contain crushed fruit make up 86% of sales, while those that have added ingredients such as ginseng make up 11%.

The final 3% of sales is for smoothies with added yoghurt or milk.