Sales fell by 0.6% last year, three times the 0.2% slide the year before, according to the report. Declines in the past two years compare to roughly a 3% annual growth in U.S. carbonated soft-drink sales in the 1990s.

Some beverage makers who once relied heavily on carbonated soft-drink sales have in recent years been putting more focus on water and sports drinks as consumers favour drinks that are perceived to be healthier.
From the March 13, 2007, Prepared Foods e-Flash