West Europe water coolers - still growing but now slowing
The number of bottled water coolers in West Europe grew by 6.4% in 2004 to over 1.75 million, according to the 2005 West Europe Water Coolers report from specialist drinks consultancy Zenith International. Although significant, the increase reflects a gradual slowdown as the market matures, compounded by particularly poor summer weather that dampened demand throughout the soft drinks sector.
"Water coolers bucked a general downturn for bottled water in 2004," commented Zenith Research Director Gary Roethenbaugh. Cooler volumes rose by 1.2% to reach 1,317 million litres, compared with an overall bottled water dip of 4.2%. "For 2005, Zenith expects coolers to regain some of their former momentum and record higher growth in both volumes and unit numbers.
"The continuing upward trend is driven by wider availability of water coolers and greater consumer interest in hydration and health. Workers and families are changing their drinking habits, moving away from hot drinks and carbonated soft drinks towards water," he added. "Increasingly, water coolers are becoming a ‘must have‘ installation in many working environments."
With 33% of 2004 volume, the United Kingdom remains the largest West European cooler market by a substantial margin. France retains its second place on 15%, with Spain and Italy following at 10% and 9% respectively. The fastest growth rates in 2004 were achieved by the less well developed markets of Austria, Spain, Greece and Portugal.
Nestlé Waters has maintained its corporate lead, with the Aquarel brand now launched in most of its active markets. Second placed Danone Springs of Eden has rolled out the Eden brand in the majority of its 12 markets and strengthened its position in February 2005 with the acquisition of UK based Thirsty Work. Culligan is the third largest group, with Elis and Spanish Premium Aqua completing the top five.
Over the next five years, Zenith forecasts a doubling of capacity in Italy, Spain and Portugal. Balancing out this rapid expansion in the south with lower growth in the north would see the industry advance more than 50% by 2009 to 2.7 million units and volume sales of 2,100 million litres.
The 2005 Zenith report on West Europe Water Coolers contains 300 pages including 127 company profiles, full company rankings, 23 market overview tables and a detailed market commentary. Contact Zenith International on tel +44 (0)1225 327900, fax +44 (0)1225 327901 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
"Water coolers bucked a general downturn for bottled water in 2004," commented Zenith Research Director Gary Roethenbaugh. Cooler volumes rose by 1.2% to reach 1,317 million litres, compared with an overall bottled water dip of 4.2%. "For 2005, Zenith expects coolers to regain some of their former momentum and record higher growth in both volumes and unit numbers.
"The continuing upward trend is driven by wider availability of water coolers and greater consumer interest in hydration and health. Workers and families are changing their drinking habits, moving away from hot drinks and carbonated soft drinks towards water," he added. "Increasingly, water coolers are becoming a ‘must have‘ installation in many working environments."
With 33% of 2004 volume, the United Kingdom remains the largest West European cooler market by a substantial margin. France retains its second place on 15%, with Spain and Italy following at 10% and 9% respectively. The fastest growth rates in 2004 were achieved by the less well developed markets of Austria, Spain, Greece and Portugal.
Nestlé Waters has maintained its corporate lead, with the Aquarel brand now launched in most of its active markets. Second placed Danone Springs of Eden has rolled out the Eden brand in the majority of its 12 markets and strengthened its position in February 2005 with the acquisition of UK based Thirsty Work. Culligan is the third largest group, with Elis and Spanish Premium Aqua completing the top five.
Over the next five years, Zenith forecasts a doubling of capacity in Italy, Spain and Portugal. Balancing out this rapid expansion in the south with lower growth in the north would see the industry advance more than 50% by 2009 to 2.7 million units and volume sales of 2,100 million litres.
The 2005 Zenith report on West Europe Water Coolers contains 300 pages including 127 company profiles, full company rankings, 23 market overview tables and a detailed market commentary. Contact Zenith International on tel +44 (0)1225 327900, fax +44 (0)1225 327901 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