East Europe Water Coolers Growth Setback
East European water cooler industry growth momentum was interrupted in 2009 as the effects of the global economic crisis hit the region, according to the latest research from leading drinks consultancy Zenith International. This resulted in the total number installed slipping by 6.6% to 1.55 million units, as customers cut back on spending.
The challenging external conditions also affected consumer demand for bulk water, leading sales volumes to dip by 8.5% to 1,590 million litres.
“Bottled water coolers are the most common type of unit, with Lithuania and Belarus the only countries where dispensers and pumps represent the majority of installations,†commented Zenith Senior Market Analyst Charmaine Holmes. “Dispensers and pumps are most popular in domestic settings, serving as a replacement for tap water and an alternative to bottled water available through retail outlets. In 2009 they accounted for just over 30% of placements.â€Â
Russia and Poland are the largest bottled cooler markets in the region, both in terms of units and volumes. Whilst Russia remains the bigger overall, Poland reported one of the most positive performances in 2009, as the only country in the region not to fall into recession.
Mains-fed water coolers, known as point of use (POU) machine are now offered in many countries across East Europe, but uptake remains limited in most. Nevertheless there are certain markets notably Poland, Hungary and Russia where distributors are successfully demonstrating the convenience and long-term potential cost savings of POU. With the concept well established in West Europe, POU is expected to challenge bottled cooler dominance in the long term.
The 2010 Zenith Report on East 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.
The market is expected to return quickly to growth as the economic situation improves, enabling operators to more than recoup lost contracts. By 2014, Zenith anticipates that there will be just over 2.0 million bottled water coolers, dispensers and pumps installed across East Europe.
The 2010 Zenith Report on East Europe Water Coolers contains 422 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.
Notes for Editors
1. Two charts are attached for publication.
http://www.zenithinternational.com/images/email/2010_EEWC_Chart1.tif http://www.zenithinternational.com/images/email/2010_EEWC_Chart2.tif
2. 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