The high-octane energy drink industry boasted an all-time best of $3.7 billion in sales in… The high-octane energy drink industry boasted an all-time best of $3.7 billion in sales in 2008, reported independent beverage market research firm Canadean.’

With a growing global interest in energy drinks, the firm said consumption is projected to rise an average of 9.3 percent annually until 2013.’

But while energy drink purchases continue to climb, they are especially popular during finals season at Pitt, said Shannon Blose, manager of Oakland’s 7-Eleven on Forbes Avenue.’

‘[We see] a dramatic increase in sales,’ said Blose of energy drink purchases during finals week.

‘I’d say probably by 300 or 400 percent. Same with coffee,’ he said.

Red Bull, the nations top-selling energy drink, reported an 8-percent increase in sales last year, with Coca Cola’s Monster Energy and Pepsi’s Rockstar Energy Drink recording the second- and third-most national sales, respectively.

Blose said that increased energy drink sales during finals week is not surprising.

‘Everybody wants to continue to fit into their standard lifestyle while they spend the night in the library,’ he said. ‘People never sleep.’

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