The World Market for Bottled Water

These charts show where the bottled water industry is now and where it is heading in the future.

France

Evian and Volvic saw rapid rises in exports to other parts of Europe (especially Germany and Switzerland). The market grew 4.5% in 1998. France is the leading exporter to the US with a share of 65.8%. Bottled water has been popular for much longer in France than in the United States.

Mexico

The market for bottled water has volumes of 20%. Bonafort (Danone) is the leading brand in Mexico. Although there is a shortage of bottling capacity, expansive foreign investments will be made in 1999. Demand for bottled water is growing along with rising concerns about the quality of tap water. Nestle SA plans to invest 12 million dollars here at its Santa Maria plant in the state of Puebla. Nestle has requested state assistance for reconstruction of access roads to plants. Around 350 new jobs will be created at this plant. (Note the small number of jobs created by this rather large investment).

Western Europe

Right now, Western Europe is the largest bottled water market. The industry began there and though it is still growing, it is growing at a decresing rate as the market is reaching its carrying capacity. The market, therefore is shifting to new geographic locations. North America is a growing market and is developed, but it has not yet reached maturtity.

Pacific Rim

An interesting trend is the rise of the bottled water industry in the Pacific Rim region. Trends usually reach Japan after they have been introduced into the U.S. market and these trends catch on fast, as seen with examples in the electronics industry. The Pacific Rim is expected to be the largest market by 2006 and its growth rate continues to rise. In China, it is expected that the bottled water market will grow 150% in the next 5 years.