Major changes in Australia and New Zealand water cooler markets
The combined water cooler markets of Australia and New Zealand stood at nearly 520,000 units in 2012, according to two new country reports from industry experts Zenith International. Australia has far greater scale, with a 90% share. There has been an overall decline in recent years, starting with the financial downturn in 2008. Since then, weak business and consumer confidence have contributed to continuing pressure.
Bottled water coolers remain the prevalent segment in both Australia and New Zealand, accounting for 61% and 60% of the national totals respectively. Nevertheless, there has been a significant move to point of use mains water units. “Many bottled cooler companies have added point of use to their portfolios to meet client requirements for lower cost and easier convenience,” commented Zenith Consultant Iva Hatzold. “Point of use has also benefited from increased online promotion.”
As in Europe, business premises dominate the market in both Australia and New Zealand. Most operators, however, now perceive commercial customers as a mature sector and are looking into alternatives such as domestic use. There has been a significant move towards coolers at home, especially in New Zealand, where 20% of bottled coolers and 15% of point of use units are located in homes notably higher than in Europe. Reasons behind the increased popularity of coolers at home include consumer concerns about chlorination of municipal supplies and about earthquakes.
Zenith forecasts further strong growth for point of use, driven by aggressive promotion. By 2017, the segment is expected to reach 55% of the total in New Zealand and 41% in Australia. The overall cooler market in the region is projected to approach 560,000 units. Australia is anticipated to be the main contributor, while New Zealand’s installed base remains almost static.
The 2013 Zenith Reports on Australia and New Zealand Coolers contain market commentary, charts and tables together with detailed company profiles. Contact Zenith International on tel +44 (0)1225 327900 or e-mail info@zenithinternational.com
Notes for Editors
- Two charts are attached for publication:
Australia and New Zealand water cooler market 2011-12
Australia and New Zealand water cooler forecast for 2017
- For further information, please contact:
Iva Hatzold, Consultant, Zenith International Ltd
7 Kingsmead Square, Bath BA1 2AB, United Kingdom
t +44 (0)1225 327900, f +44 (0)1225 327901
zenithinternational.com