Highland Spring sparkles

Highland Spring has claimed its biggest ever share of the UK sparkling water market following an 8 per cent rise in sales last year.

Citing industry data, the Perthshire-based firm, which already held the number one slot, said its share now stood at 14.1 per cent - or some 41.7 million litres. It added that the upward trend was continuing into 2011.

Sally Stanley, group marketing director, said: "The sparkling side of our business is thriving. While still bottled water is typically chosen by consumers looking for long-term healthy hydration, sparkling water is regularly seen as an alternative to other soft drinks and alcohol on social occasions or as a pick-me-up."