for further information call gary a hemphill 212 688 7640 www beveragemarketing com immediate release bottled water moves up in the rankings says beverage marketing corporation fast growing segment poised to lead liquid refreshment beverages new york ny 19 may 2003 rivals beer coffee and milk volume is surpass its competitors become second most popular commercial us if current trends continue with strong carbonated soft drinks moving slowly could overtake by end of next decade leading research consulting financial services firm dedicated global industry analyzes these developments latest edition s apparently irresistible appeal residents clearly shown regular sizable annual increases per capita consumption 1992 absorbed equivalent 9 8 gallons each person country later stood at 21 2 2002 average intake was 22 6 1