East Europe Water Coolers Up 8% To 1.65 Million
Over the course of 2008, more than 125,000 new bottled water coolers, dispensers and pumps were installed across East Europe, bringing the total to 1.65 million, an 8% increase on 2007, according to the latest report from leading drinks consultancy Zenith International.
Water demand growth has consistently outpaced unit number growth and 2008 was no exception, with sales volumes increasing by 10% to 1,641 million litres.
“Unusually last year, dispensers saw slightly higher growth than their electronic counterparts,†commented Zenith Director Mark Groves. “Overall growth slowed, but bottled coolers were affected to a greater extent. Much of this was attributable to the downturn in the region’s economic climate, as cash-strapped customers opted for cheaper dispensers over bottled coolers.â€Â
Russia and Poland remain by far the largest bottled water cooler markets in the region, both in terms of units and volumes. Russia retains market leadership, with 40% of units and 33% of volume. However, as the early-adopting markets begin to mature, faster growing markets such as Serbia and Romania are eroding the share of the leading countries.
Unlike West Europe, point of use (POU) coolers have yet to make significant inroads in the East. Nevertheless, their availability is increasing in some more established bottled cooler markets such as Poland. So POU is expected to become a key challenge for operators in the future, as is being seen across the West.
Looking to the future, Zenith forecasts that there will be just over 2.0 million bottled water coolers, dispensers and pumps across East Europe by 2013, with electronic coolers accounting for over 70%.
The 2009 Zenith Report on East Europe Water Coolers contains 307 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/emails/091123_EEWC_Charts_Page_1.tif
http://www.zenithinternational.com/emails/091123_EEWC_Charts_Page_2.tif
2. For further information, please contact:
Mark Groves or Charmaine Holmes, Zenith International Ltd
7 Kingsmead Square w Bath BA1 2AB w United Kingdom
t +44 (0)1225 327900 w f +44 (0)1225 327901
zenithinternational.com