West Europe Bottled Water primed for sustained growth
West Europe’s bottled water market continues to demonstrate enduring growth, according to leading drinks consultancy and bottled water specialists Zenith International. Despite maturity in the main countries, uncertainty in the wider economy, a slowdown in tourism and unremarkable weather last year, consumption grew 4% to reach 39.8 billion litres in 2002.
Zenith’s 2003 West Europe Bottled Water report finds that:
Average consumption broke through the 100 litre barrier for the first time to reach 101.5 litres per person.
Water cooler volume has accelerated growth in a number of markets.
Increased consumer awareness of hydration issues is helping drive sales of still water in countries where sparkling water has traditionally dominated.
Denmark joined Ireland and the United Kingdom in registering double digit growth in 2002.
Zenith Research Director Gary Roethenbaugh elaborated: “Amazingly, the most mature markets of France, Germany and Italy are continuing to edge ahead. This emphasises the long term bottled water opportunity and positions bottled water as the major challenger to other beverage categories.”
A surge in water cooler volumes has undoubtedly benefited bottled water in recent years. The water cooler arena also saw unprecedented levels of merger and acquisition activity in 2002 and the first half of 2003, leading to a major restructuring as a result of the expansion of Nestlé’s operations and the entry of Danone.
Gary Roethenbaugh added: “PET has also made a very strong showing in markets that have previously been committed to glass. Functional bottled water variants are likewise making strong gains alongside sweetened flavoured waters in certain key countries. These areas are considered a distraction by some bottled water purists, who point to soaring water cooler volumes and continuing packaging innovation as the key drivers for future sales growth.”
Zenith forecasts that the market should rise to 46 billion litres by 2007. Early estimates for 2003 are very buoyant as a result of the summer heatwave. Growth is also likely to be fuelled by increased consumer awareness of the health benefits of water - as lifestyles become more hectic, bottled water is increasingly perceived as a calorie free, refreshing beverage that can easily be carried about whilst on the move.
The 2003 Zenith Report on West Europe Bottled Water contains 129 pages, 21 market and industry overview tables, 16 detailed country profiles and full market analysis. 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:
Gary Roethenbaugh, Zenith International Ltd
7 Kingsmead Square, Bath BA1 2AB, United Kingdom
t +44 (0)1225 327900 f +44 (0)1225 327901
zenithinternational.com
Zenith’s 2003 West Europe Bottled Water report finds that:
Average consumption broke through the 100 litre barrier for the first time to reach 101.5 litres per person.
Water cooler volume has accelerated growth in a number of markets.
Increased consumer awareness of hydration issues is helping drive sales of still water in countries where sparkling water has traditionally dominated.
Denmark joined Ireland and the United Kingdom in registering double digit growth in 2002.
Zenith Research Director Gary Roethenbaugh elaborated: “Amazingly, the most mature markets of France, Germany and Italy are continuing to edge ahead. This emphasises the long term bottled water opportunity and positions bottled water as the major challenger to other beverage categories.”
A surge in water cooler volumes has undoubtedly benefited bottled water in recent years. The water cooler arena also saw unprecedented levels of merger and acquisition activity in 2002 and the first half of 2003, leading to a major restructuring as a result of the expansion of Nestlé’s operations and the entry of Danone.
Gary Roethenbaugh added: “PET has also made a very strong showing in markets that have previously been committed to glass. Functional bottled water variants are likewise making strong gains alongside sweetened flavoured waters in certain key countries. These areas are considered a distraction by some bottled water purists, who point to soaring water cooler volumes and continuing packaging innovation as the key drivers for future sales growth.”
Zenith forecasts that the market should rise to 46 billion litres by 2007. Early estimates for 2003 are very buoyant as a result of the summer heatwave. Growth is also likely to be fuelled by increased consumer awareness of the health benefits of water - as lifestyles become more hectic, bottled water is increasingly perceived as a calorie free, refreshing beverage that can easily be carried about whilst on the move.
The 2003 Zenith Report on West Europe Bottled Water contains 129 pages, 21 market and industry overview tables, 16 detailed country profiles and full market analysis. 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:
Gary Roethenbaugh, Zenith International Ltd
7 Kingsmead Square, Bath BA1 2AB, United Kingdom
t +44 (0)1225 327900 f +44 (0)1225 327901
zenithinternational.com