Overall UK volume sales of bottled water grew by 3.3% in 2012 to 2,136 million litres, according to Zenith International’s 2013 UK Bottled Water market report, its 22nd annual edition.
In its new publication, the UK-based specialist global food and drink consultancy forecasts continuing overall growth in the sector, with sales volumes predicted to rise by a further 15% to 2,460 million litres in 2017.
“After being held back in the early stages of the recent recession, bottled water has regained momentum,” comments Zenith chairman Richard Hall.
“Consumers are now viewing more positively its key benefits of healthy hydration, on-the-go convenience, competitive pricing and environmental credentials.”
The Zenith report showed that bottled water sizes under 10-litre, which accounted for 88% of the 2013 total, advanced by 4.7%, whereas in contrast, the bottled water cooler market declined by 5.7% due to “a continuing loss of business to point-of-use coolers which use mains water supplies”.
Other findings of the 2013 Zenith report include:
- Still water was responsible for 86% of 2012 volume and sparkling water 14%
- Natural mineral water took a 62% share, spring water 31% and other waters 7%
- Locally produced waters accounted for 73% and imported waters 27%
- Bottled water coolers fell to 12% of consumption, compared with 20% in 2006
- Packaged volumes in sizes under 10-litre set a record level for the second consecutive year
- The most popular pack size is 50cl, followed by 2-litre and 1.5-litre
