CHICAGO - According to exclusive Mintel research, energy drinks/shots manufacturers are having difficulties attracting new customers, despite a 136 percent increase in sales between 2005 and 2009. In fact, 74 percent of those surveyed say they don??t consume energy drinks/shots and 69 percent of those non-users are not interested in trying them.

Mintel??s Global Market Navigator (GMN) found that Americans consume 3.05L of energy drinks per capita each year, but energy drink market penetration remained flat at 15 percent of all adults age 18 and older between 2007 and 2009. Energy drinks/shots non-users cite high prices (48 percent), too much caffeine (43 percent) and a general feeling that energy drinks/shots just aren??t good for you (43 percent) as reasons why they have not consumed any in the past three months.

"Sales of energy drinks and shots have remained relatively strong for the last few years, but the same core group of customers continues to buy them," said Garima Goel Lal, senior analyst at Mintel, in a press release. "The category added only 1 million new energy drinks users aged 18+ during 2007-2009, compared to 9.3 million new users during 2005-2007, so manufacturers are eager to grow that number again."

Sixteen percent of energy drink non-users and 14 percent of energy shots non-users would be encouraged to try an energy drink or shot if free samples were offered at a store where they usually shop. Meanwhile, 14 percent of non-users would be more likely to try energy drinks (11 percent for energy shots) if they had natural ingredients.

"The fact that seven out of 10 people are not interested in the energy drink category suggests the need for manufacturers to develop products aimed at a wider audience," said Garima Goel Lal. "Providing consumers with more flavors, less sugar and reduced caffeine content are all ways for companies to attract more customers."