Water coolers up to 2.9 million in West Europe
West Europe’s water cooler market grew by a further 2% in 2014 to a total of 2.9 million at the end of the year, according to a new report from the sector’s leading specialist consultancy Zenith International, with point of use mains water coolers coming closer to overtaking bottled water coolers.
The number of mains water units rose by 5%, contrasting with a 0.2% decline for bottled cooler numbers. Bottled coolers now account for a 55% share, down from 57% in 2013. Mains water coolers are steadily heading towards a majority share.
The United Kingdom retains the lead for water cooler installations, with 24% of the total. Italy and France also saw modest gains, at 17% and 15% shares respectively. Many other countries achieved increases in the bottled cooler segment, but Finland and Portugal both experienced falls of 6%.
“Point of use continues to take market share away from bottles, with many customers making a straight conversion,” commented Zenith International Market Intelligence Director Esther Renfrew. “Portugal, Spain, Ireland and France have seen conversion rates of 70% and higher. Conversion rates are also climbing in 6 other West European countries.”
Mains water coolers achieved double digit growth in Austria, Switzerland and Germany, led by Belgium and Portugal with growth rates of over 17%.
Spring water remains the most popular type of water in bottled coolers, though its share dropped to 30% of bottled cooler volume. Mineral water and purified water grew, while eau de boisson slipped back to 14.5% of bottle sales.
Zenith forecasts that point of use mains water cooler numbers will continue to advance faster than bottled water cooler installations, approaching a 50% share by 2019.
The 2015 Zenith Report on West Europe Water Coolers contains over 500 pages of market commentary, charts and tables including 16 country profiles and over 150 company profiles. Contact Zenith International on tel +44 (0)1225 327900 or e-mail info@zenithinternational.com, or visit http://www.zenithinternational.com/reports_data/193
Notes for Editors
- Two charts are attached for publication:
West Europe water coolers 2010-19, West Europe top 5 cooler countries 2014 - Point of use mains water coolers are plumbed in to mains water supplies.
- For further information, please contact:
Nick Crossland, Zenith International Ltd
7 Kingsmead Square, Bath BA1 2AB w United Kingdom
t +44 (0)1225 327900, f +44 (0)1225 327901