UK Water Drinks Approach 4,000 Million Litres
UK consumption of water drinks rose 7% in 2017 to nearly 4,000 million litres, with a retail value of £3.1 billion, according to a new report from global food and drink experts Zenith. Sales of plain bottled water in retail packs increased by 8% to over 3,100 million litres, while volume through bottled water coolers grew a more modest 2% to 310 million litres. This marks a slowdown in growth from the preceding four years, partly as a result of poor summer weather. Conversely, sales of flavoured, functional and juicy waters, which increased by 2% in 2016, advanced by 5% in 2017, after more strong branded players entered the market.
Plain bottled water, with average annual consumption of 54 litres per person, strengthened its market dominance in 2017 to account for 87% of total sales. Flavoured water’s share of the market fell to 11% volume share, with juicy and functional water making up the remaining 2%. In terms of water types, still water drinks accounted for 83% of total volume in 2017, with sparkling water drinks contributing 17%.
The top 5 UK plain water brands – Highland Spring, Evian, Buxton, Nestlé Pure Life and Volvic – are collectively responsible for 30% of total water drinks sales, whilst the top 5 water plus brands – Volvic Touch of Fruit, Calypso Clear, Trederwen Essence, Drench Juicy and Perfectly Clear – account for 5%.
“Bottled water has the combined attributes of healthy, convenient hydration,” comments Zenith Chairman Richard Hall. “Much of it is also natural, local and easily affordable, with lower priced supermarket own labels gaining share in 2017. Environmental concerns have grown, but are being tackled by lighter bottles with more recycled content and by new packaging formats as well as recycling initiatives.”
Zenith forecasts that, by 2022, the total market for UK water drinks will reach 5.3 billion litres, 32% above 2017 levels. Plain bottled water is set to lead this advance, with average growth of 6% per year. Flavoured, functional and juicy waters are forecast to expand more slowly.
The 2018 Zenith UK Water Drinks Reports provide in-depth analysis of plain, flavoured, functional and juicy waters, featuring volume and value, full market commentaries, company profiles and forecasts to 2022. Contact Zenith Global on +44 (0)1225 327900 or e-mail insight@zenithglobal.com
