beverages

The industrial value added to RMB 629.995 billion in China food industry in 2005, increasing 18.08％ year-on-year; the sales rate was 98.6％ and the total pretax profit was RMB 336.5 billion, increasing 21.6 year-on-year; the total import and export was USD 44.97 billion, increasing 13.7％ year-on-year; and employees in this industry reached 4.53 million. China has taken the leading position in some major food and beverage products. For example, the total production of edible vegetable oil, beverage and gourmet power each hit 16.12 million ton, 33.8 million ton and 1.36 million ton in 2005. Chinese beverage expenditure is still out of basic consumption needs, with an average consumption amount far less than the world average level. It can be predicted that still great potential is to be explored in the market and the developing prospect is optimistic. Chinese beverage has developed from single drink to a variety of drinks including carbonated soft drink, fruit juice and vegetable juice. In 2005, the production of soft drink in China was 33.8 million ton, increasing 24.08％ year-on-year. The total product value and sales revenue was RMB 109.079 billion and RMB 113.950 billion, increasing 25.82％ and 24.97％ respectively.