POU powers ahead in West Europe
65,000 new point of use coolers were installed in West Europe last year, lifting the total by 32% to 272,000, according to the 2005 West Europe Point of Use Coolers report from leading beverage consultancy Zenith International.
Also known as mains-fed coolers, point of use (POU) systems purify and chill mains tap water, offering a continuous water supply. Activities across Europe are primarily focused on offices, representing 69% of all installations. The remainder are mainly in factories, hospitals and schools, with the in-home sector also being explored.
"The advances made by POU in 2004 are to be applauded, particularly in the context of poor summer weather," commented Zenith Research Director Gary Roethenbaugh. "An increasing number of companies are turning their attention to the POU opportunity and a race appears under way to reach critical mass."
Zenith attributes the strong demand for POU to a number of factors. Economic stability and the development of bottled water coolers have provided a foundation. There is greater demand from employers and employees for the hydration and health benefits of 'a cooler'. Sales and marketing have also boosted awareness, particularly of the cost savings and convenience of POU. The POU share of total cooler placements has risen from 7% in 2000 to 13% in 2004.
Accounting for 39% of all POU units, the United Kingdom remains the largest national market by some distance, with Zenith tracking more than 60 companies operating there. France and Ireland rank second and third, with shares of 14% and 9% in 2004. Germany and the Netherlands complete the top five.
"Industry returns have so far proved strong, but heightened levels of competition are expected to put pressure on margins, especially in the wake of low budget imports from the Far East," concluded Gary Roethenbaugh.
Zenith forecasts annual growth of over 20% a year for POU up to 2009, taking the number of units installed close to 800,000.
The 2005 Zenith Report on West Europe Point of Use Coolers contains 373 pages including 157 company profiles, full company rankings, 22 market overview tables and a detailed market commentary. Contact Zenith International on tel +44 (0)1225 327900 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
Also known as mains-fed coolers, point of use (POU) systems purify and chill mains tap water, offering a continuous water supply. Activities across Europe are primarily focused on offices, representing 69% of all installations. The remainder are mainly in factories, hospitals and schools, with the in-home sector also being explored.
"The advances made by POU in 2004 are to be applauded, particularly in the context of poor summer weather," commented Zenith Research Director Gary Roethenbaugh. "An increasing number of companies are turning their attention to the POU opportunity and a race appears under way to reach critical mass."
Zenith attributes the strong demand for POU to a number of factors. Economic stability and the development of bottled water coolers have provided a foundation. There is greater demand from employers and employees for the hydration and health benefits of 'a cooler'. Sales and marketing have also boosted awareness, particularly of the cost savings and convenience of POU. The POU share of total cooler placements has risen from 7% in 2000 to 13% in 2004.
Accounting for 39% of all POU units, the United Kingdom remains the largest national market by some distance, with Zenith tracking more than 60 companies operating there. France and Ireland rank second and third, with shares of 14% and 9% in 2004. Germany and the Netherlands complete the top five.
"Industry returns have so far proved strong, but heightened levels of competition are expected to put pressure on margins, especially in the wake of low budget imports from the Far East," concluded Gary Roethenbaugh.
Zenith forecasts annual growth of over 20% a year for POU up to 2009, taking the number of units installed close to 800,000.
The 2005 Zenith Report on West Europe Point of Use Coolers contains 373 pages including 157 company profiles, full company rankings, 22 market overview tables and a detailed market commentary. Contact Zenith International on tel +44 (0)1225 327900 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