USA – Milk consumption amongst teenagers has risen for the first time in six years, a report claimed yesterday.

The report, released by the National Family Opinion’s Share of Intake Panel, claimed much of the rise in milk consumption in the 13 – 17 year old age group was due to more effective marketing of flavoured milk drinks.

However, despite taking a falling proportion of the market, the research said that soft drinks still remain the most popular drink in the age group.

The study found that annual per capita milk consumption amongst teenagers was over 83 litres in 2001, up 3% on figures for 2000. The rise followed a steady decline over the last 20 years.

Last year, over 100 new milk products were launched in the USA.