Big Changes in 2.7 Million Unit West Europe Water Cooler Market

After two decades of strong growth, the West European water cooler market dipped by 0.6% during 2009 to 2.69 million units at the end of the year, according to new research from leading food and drink consultancy Zenith International.

Plumbed in mains water coolers, known as point of use or POU, continued their advance, rising by 10% to a 35% share, while the number of bottled water coolers fell back again by 5%. “Against the backdrop of a widespread economic downturn, the cost saving potential from point of use was a major factor in this big changeâ€Â, commented Zenith Senior Market Analyst Charmaine Holmes.

The United Kingdom and Italy remain the largest markets in West Europe, with a combined unit share in excess of 40%. More countries recorded net declines than in 2008, with many customers tightening their cooler requirements in order to save costs. Austria, Greece and Denmark were the strongest performers, making solid gains in terms of overall placements.

Traditionally, bottled water coolers were found in the boardroom and POU on the factory floor. Yet in recent years, the two sectors have become increasingly intertwined. Both are now found in a wide array of outlets and the majority of cooler operators offer both formats. The importance of POU is increasingly being recognised by industry associations, which are in turn helping raise standards within the industry. The UK and Italy are also the largest POU markets in West Europe.

For bottled water coolers, 2009 was a particularly difficult year. “It is not surprising to see a further decline in more mature markets such as the United Kingdom, but 2009 also saw previously strong growth markets such as Spain and Greece especially hard hit by the severe economic conditions,†Charmaine Holmes added.

For 2010, the Zenith Report on West Europe Coolers has been revamped in a new easy to read presentation-style format, while still providing the same in depth market analysis and insight.

Looking to the future, Zenith forecasts that the combined cooler market in West Europe will have grown to 3.2 million units by 2014, 480,000 more than in 2009. POU is expected to continue making gains on bottled coolers, up to a share approaching 50%.

The 2010 Zenith Report on West Europe Coolers contains over 600 pages of market commentary, charts and tables together with company profiles. Contact Zenith International on tel +44 (0)1225 327900, fax +44 (0)1225 327901 or e-mail info@zenithinternational.com

For further information, please contact:

Charmaine Holmes, Zenith International Ltd
7 Kingsmead Square, Bath BA1 2AB, United Kingdom
t +44 (0)1225 327900 f +44 (0)1225 327901
zenithinternational.com