Sports drinks turned around in 2014. After dipping 2.5% in calendar year 2013, unit sales were up 4.7% for the 52 weeks ending Nov. 30, 2014, owing at least partially to new releases and a strong comeback by stalwart Gatorade.
But the traditional sports-drink category has a fight ahead of it as other beverages—from bottled and enhanced water to coconut water and chocolate milk—seek to grab a piece of the post workout, rehydration pie.
PepsiCo this year will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Gatorade in ads and online videos. Expect celebratory new flavors as well.
Top 10 Sport Drinks in C-Stores
52 weeks ending Nov. 30, 2014
| Brand | Dollar sales (in millions) | PCYA* | Unit sales (in millions) | PCYA* |
| Gatorade Perform | $1,608.61 | 4.9% | 895.02 | 4.3% |
| Powerade Ion4 | $327.96 | -12.2% | 226.55 | -14.6% |
| Gatorade Frost | $205.00 | 4.2% | 110.63 | 6.8% |
| Gatorade Fierce | $106.06 | NA | 54.05 | NA |
| Powerade | $101.40 | 66.7% | 70.83 | 54.5% |
| Gatorade | $75.87 | 42.3% | 38.72 | 64.5% |
| Gatorade G2 Perform | $70.18 | -48.0% | 40.35 | -47.6% |
| Powerade Zero Ion4 | $58.31 | -1.0% | 37.92 | -3.3% |
| Gatorade G2 | $15.11 | 74.3% | 8.08 | 71.1% |
| Private label | $11.50 | 14.6% | 10.30 | 13.9% |
Source: IRI * Percent change from a year ago
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