Packaged beverage sales at convenience stores seen improving

• Convenience stores expect sales of soft drinks, bottled water, sports and energy drinks to increase 5.2%, according to an industry study published by Convenience Store News.
• Sales of carbonated soft drinks are forecast to rise 0.9% in dollars and show a 1.3% gain in volume.
• Price increases are seen helping to lift beer sales. A 1.4% increase in dollar sales is expected off of flat volume this year.
• Related stocks: KO, PEP, DPS-OLD, BUD, SAM, TAP, MNST.,