What's selling: a view from the customers Part II: CSD conducts exit polls and consumer...

Retailers concerned about slow sales growth or stagnant fuel margins can expect a boost from bottled water as analysts and consumers alike expect water sales to continue flowing for at least the next three years.

Statistics from Beverage Marketing Corp. indicate that U.S. bottled water sales and consumption continue to rise as consumers increasingly choose bottled water over other commercial beverages. The trend was reflected in 2005, when total bottled water volume exceeded 7.5 billion gallons, a 10.7% increase over the previous year. Bottled water sales also climbed,