Water coolers go East
Water coolers are making big waves in East Europe, according to the second Zenith Guide to Water Coolers in East Europe by Europe's leading drinks consultancy Zenith International.
Unit numbers grew by 44% in 2000 to a total of 350,000, seven times the level of 1996. Two thirds of these were electric and one third ceramic dispensers or hand pumps. Sales volumes rose 47% to 317 million litres. "Water coolers now represent more than 5% of the entire East European bottled water market," comments Zenith Chairman Richard Hall, "compared with 1% just four years ago."
The leading country by far is Poland with a 60% volume share. Russia comes second on 22% and is followed some distance behind by the Ukraine, Czech Republic and Latvia with 3-4% each.
"Differences between the East and West are diminishing", Richard Hall elaborates. "Pumps and dispensers outnumbered electric machines in 1996, but electric coolers have now climbed to a 67% share. Domestic installations accounted for nearly half of all units four years ago, but offices and other commercial customers have risen to 83%."
The largest East European companies rival many of the West European leaders. "Dar Natury in Poland is already servicing 125,000 units, making it the biggest national operator anywhere in Europe. Eden Springs in Poland and ClearWater Moscow would also feature among the West European top ten.
"In water coolers, East Europe is overcoming the economic downturn of the late 1990s. The opportunities are becoming increasingly recognised, as witnessed by Perrier Vittel's purchase of Dar Natury in March. We forecast continuing rapid growth to over 860,000 units by 2005," Richard Hall concludes.
The 2001 Zenith Guide to Water Coolers in East Europe contains 175 pages, 62 company profiles and 14 country 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. For further information, please contact:
Richard Hall or Anya Bourke, Zenith International Ltd
7 Kingsmead Square, Bath BA1 2AB, United Kingdom
Tel +44 (0)1225 327900 Fax +44 (0)1225 327901
Unit numbers grew by 44% in 2000 to a total of 350,000, seven times the level of 1996. Two thirds of these were electric and one third ceramic dispensers or hand pumps. Sales volumes rose 47% to 317 million litres. "Water coolers now represent more than 5% of the entire East European bottled water market," comments Zenith Chairman Richard Hall, "compared with 1% just four years ago."
The leading country by far is Poland with a 60% volume share. Russia comes second on 22% and is followed some distance behind by the Ukraine, Czech Republic and Latvia with 3-4% each.
"Differences between the East and West are diminishing", Richard Hall elaborates. "Pumps and dispensers outnumbered electric machines in 1996, but electric coolers have now climbed to a 67% share. Domestic installations accounted for nearly half of all units four years ago, but offices and other commercial customers have risen to 83%."
The largest East European companies rival many of the West European leaders. "Dar Natury in Poland is already servicing 125,000 units, making it the biggest national operator anywhere in Europe. Eden Springs in Poland and ClearWater Moscow would also feature among the West European top ten.
"In water coolers, East Europe is overcoming the economic downturn of the late 1990s. The opportunities are becoming increasingly recognised, as witnessed by Perrier Vittel's purchase of Dar Natury in March. We forecast continuing rapid growth to over 860,000 units by 2005," Richard Hall concludes.
The 2001 Zenith Guide to Water Coolers in East Europe contains 175 pages, 62 company profiles and 14 country 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. For further information, please contact:
Richard Hall or Anya Bourke, Zenith International Ltd
7 Kingsmead Square, Bath BA1 2AB, United Kingdom
Tel +44 (0)1225 327900 Fax +44 (0)1225 327901