UK Bottled water sales pass 2 billion litres
UK bottled water sales surged by 18% to 2,070 million litres in 2003, translating into almost £1,200 million in retail value, according to the 13th annual UK Bottled Water report from specialist consultants Zenith International.
Bottled water has consistently outperformed other major soft drinks categories in recent years. The hot summer experienced in 2003 significantly contributed to the market’s strong uplift. Yet the UK industry has achieved double digit volume growth every year since 1996. Still water for everyday use has provided the main impetus, gaining 20% in 2003 to reach a share of 85%.
“Greater public understanding of health issues has enabled bottled water to capitalise on its hydration benefits," commented Zenith Research Director Gary Roethenbaugh. "Single serve packs offer consumers convenience on the move with a zero calorie beverage for today’s obesity aware times. Water coolers are also continuing to build scale as chilled and caffeine free office refreshment.”
From schoolchildren to adults, bottled water is increasingly accessible. In 2003 over 1,600 million litres were sold in retail size packs and some 2,300 million cups were filled from water coolers. Natural mineral water remains the preferred type, accounting for 65% of overall volume. The top three brands – Evian and Volvic from Danone, and Highland Spring – are all mineral waters.
World market leaders Danone and Nestlé both expanded their water cooler interests in 2003 to reach a combined 37% of total UK consumption for the year. Highland Spring, Well Well Well and Campsie Spring are the next three largest players. “The UK market also has an array of smaller operators carving out their own niches,” Gary Roethenbaugh added. "The entrance of Coca-Cola's Dasani and other new brand launches is intensifying competition and putting further pressure on shelf space.”
At 35 litres per person, consumption is well behind the West European average of more than 100 litres. Zenith forecasts UK sales rising to over 3,500 million litres in 2008, a continuing annual growth rate of 10-12%. Should last year’s summer heatwave be repeated, these figures could well be surpassed.
The 2004 Zenith Report on UK Bottled Water contains 108 pages with a full market commentary, 26 detailed tables and 25 company profiles. Call Zenith International on +44 (0)1225 327900 or e-mail info@zenithinternational.com.
For further information, please contact:
Gary Roethenbaugh or Paul Tarling, Zenith International Ltd
7 Kingsmead Square, Bath BA1 2AB, United Kingdom
t +44 (0)1225 327900 f +44 (0)1225 327901
zenithinternational.com
Bottled water has consistently outperformed other major soft drinks categories in recent years. The hot summer experienced in 2003 significantly contributed to the market’s strong uplift. Yet the UK industry has achieved double digit volume growth every year since 1996. Still water for everyday use has provided the main impetus, gaining 20% in 2003 to reach a share of 85%.
“Greater public understanding of health issues has enabled bottled water to capitalise on its hydration benefits," commented Zenith Research Director Gary Roethenbaugh. "Single serve packs offer consumers convenience on the move with a zero calorie beverage for today’s obesity aware times. Water coolers are also continuing to build scale as chilled and caffeine free office refreshment.”
From schoolchildren to adults, bottled water is increasingly accessible. In 2003 over 1,600 million litres were sold in retail size packs and some 2,300 million cups were filled from water coolers. Natural mineral water remains the preferred type, accounting for 65% of overall volume. The top three brands – Evian and Volvic from Danone, and Highland Spring – are all mineral waters.
World market leaders Danone and Nestlé both expanded their water cooler interests in 2003 to reach a combined 37% of total UK consumption for the year. Highland Spring, Well Well Well and Campsie Spring are the next three largest players. “The UK market also has an array of smaller operators carving out their own niches,” Gary Roethenbaugh added. "The entrance of Coca-Cola's Dasani and other new brand launches is intensifying competition and putting further pressure on shelf space.”
At 35 litres per person, consumption is well behind the West European average of more than 100 litres. Zenith forecasts UK sales rising to over 3,500 million litres in 2008, a continuing annual growth rate of 10-12%. Should last year’s summer heatwave be repeated, these figures could well be surpassed.
The 2004 Zenith Report on UK Bottled Water contains 108 pages with a full market commentary, 26 detailed tables and 25 company profiles. Call Zenith International on +44 (0)1225 327900 or e-mail info@zenithinternational.com.
For further information, please contact:
Gary Roethenbaugh or Paul Tarling, Zenith International Ltd
7 Kingsmead Square, Bath BA1 2AB, United Kingdom
t +44 (0)1225 327900 f +44 (0)1225 327901
zenithinternational.com