US water dispense steady growth despite covid
The US water dispense market achieved remarkably consistent growth over the past 5 years, despite covid and economic uncertainty, according to the latest report from food and drink experts Zenith Global Commercial.
The number of units installed rose by an average 3% a year to reach 7.5 million at the end of 2022. “The worst period was a 2% drop in bottled water cooler volume at the outset of covid in 2020”, commented Zenith Global Commercial Director Akos Petri. “This compares with a 26% fall in West Europe, where recovery has also taken longer.”
Bottled water coolers still account for 72% of the US market. Mains water point of use dispensers have contributed the greatest growth, increasing their share from 23% in 2017 to 27% in 2022, with almost 2 million now in place. There are also more than 100,000 integrated tap systems fitted.
US market revenue has climbed strongly in the aftermath of covid, jumping 14% since 2019 to $4.8 billion in 2022, after declines in both 2018 and 2019.
The new Zenith Global Commercial report records 39 acquisitions since January 2021 in the US water dispense sector. These include:
- the creation of BlueTriton from Nestlé Waters in April 2021
- the combination of Waterlogic with Culligan in November 2022
- 7 more purchases by Primo, itself bought by Cott in 2020.
“Three major themes are expected to influence the US water dispense market over the next 5 years,” added Akos Petri. “We anticipate continued, somewhat slower growth driven by greater attention to employee health, environmental protection and further industry consolidation.”
Zenith Global Commercial forecasts total unit numbers will surpass 8.3 million in 2027, with point of use accelerating to a 31% share.
Full details of Zenith Global Commercial reports are available at www.zenithglobal.com/market-insights/reports or email apetri@zenithglobal.com.
Notes for Editors
- Two charts are attached for publication.
- For further information, please contact:
Akos Petri, Director, Zenith Global Commercial
t +44 (0)1225 327924 e apetri@zenithglobal.com