Sales of energy drinks have taken on the energy of its products compared to a year ago. The energy drinks category increased 15.7 percent for $6.9 billion in sales, according to SymphonyIRI Group, Chicago, for the 52 weeks ending May 15 in U.S. supermarkets, drug stores, gas and convenience stores and mass merchandise outlets, excluding Wal-Mart.
The flagship non-aseptic energy drink category increased 13.2 percent for more than $5.8 billion in sales. Top-seller Red Bull posted $2.3 billion in sales, which is a 14.3 percent increase, according to SymphonyIRI data. Hansen Natural Inc.’s Monster Energy also had a positive year with a 23.4 percent increase for $1.2 billion in sales. The company’s Monster Mega Energy, Monster Nitrous, Monster Khaos and Monster Assault also posted gains. Monster Energy XXL was the only Hansen brand to decrease in sales, the market research firm reports.