The recent acquisitions of Sandora LLC & Rosinka by PepsiAmericas Inc/PepsiCo & Organgina Schweppes respectively, indicated just how attractive the rapidly expanding Ukrainian soft drinks market has become internationally. Soft drinks consumption advanced by 14% in Ukraine in 2006, & the country's favourable climate & healthy economy were among factors contributing towards this strong growth. The economy has been buoyed by the renewed investment arising from a significant increase in lending by the banks. Expansion of distribution networks by the major companies, increased investment in modern technologies & product diversification have all played a part. Population has actually declined over the last decade (due to natural death rates & immigration), but the successful economy has armed consumers with higher disposable incomes.
