Drinking Water Market Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Global Industry Analysis: By Type (Mineral Water, Sparkling Water, Distilled Water, Spring Water, and Others), By Treatment (Filtration, Disinfection, Sedimentation, and Others), By Distribution Channel (Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Convenience Stores, Online Retailers, and Others), and Region Forecast 2019-2030

The drinking water market size was valued at US$ 362.7 billion in 2023, at a CAGR of 4.9% from 2024-2030. Growing urbanization, health and wellness consciousness and the world's population growth are driving forces behind the drinking water industry, driving up demand for clean, safe drinking water. The growing use of bottled water, especially in developing nations, and improvements in water filtration technology also contribute to the market's progress.

However, the industry is constrained by issues including the high cost of infrastructure for water delivery and purification in developing nations and environmental worries about plastic waste from bottled water. Possibilities include investments in water desalination and purification technology as well as the growing need for environmentally friendly and sustainable water packaging solutions. The move toward upscale and practical bottled water, as well as the increased emphasis on sustainability including the use of biodegradable packaging and water conservation initiatives.

Key Players

The drinking water market size is inclusive of several companies such as Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd, Nestlé Waters, Coca-Cola Company, PepsiCo, Danone, Watts Water Technologies, Suntory Beverage & Food, Veolia Environnement, American Water Works, Xylem Inc., Primo Water Corporation, Tata Consumer Products, and Nongfu Spring.

Key Developments

• In August 2021, In the UK, Tata launched Himalayan bottled water. Himalayan is ideally positioned to satisfy customers looking for a premium offering because of its exceptional quality and environmental credentials. The beverage product portfolio in global markets is being improved by this brand.
• In May 2021, Volnaa intended to provide packaged drinking water in aluminum cans, which would make it easier and safer for consumers to consume the water while on the go. The company makes 100% recyclable cans with a relock innovation to combat the threat of plastic pollution. 2020 saw the co-founding of VOLNAA by Kartik Rajput and Kushagra Sharma to transport naturally occurring mineral water from the Himalayas with a pH of 7.9.

Drinking Water Market Segmentation

By Type: The market for drinking water is dominated by mineral water because of its natural mineral content, purported health advantages, and consumers' increased desire for better beverage alternatives. Because mineral water contains important minerals like calcium and magnesium that support general well-being and hydration, consumers frequently pick it. It is a luxury product that is widely accessible and draws in health-conscious customers. Because more people are wanting fizzy, refreshing beverages without added sugar, sparkling water is likewise becoming more and more popular. But because of its well-established reputation and broader appeal, mineral water continues to be the best option. While there are specialized markets for other varieties such as distilled and spring water, they do not meet the widespread consumer need for mineral water.

By Treatment: Due to its efficiency in eliminating a variety of pollutants, such as particles, sediments, germs, and chemicals, while maintaining the water's vital minerals, filtration is the most widely used treatment technique in the drinking water industry. Since filtration offers a dependable and scalable method for guaranteeing water safety and purity, it is extensively utilized in both residential and commercial settings. Its capacity to adapt to several kinds of water sources (such as surface water, groundwater, and tap water) increases its domination even further. In some situations, additional treatment techniques like sedimentation and disinfection are crucial, although they are more frequently employed in conjunction with filtration than as stand-alone remedies. Because of its widespread use, effectiveness, and adaptability, filtration is still the recommended alternative.

By Distribution Channel: The market is dominated by supermarkets and hypermarkets because of their broad reach, ease of use, and capacity to provide a large selection of brands and package sizes. These massive retail stores serve as one-stop shopping destinations for customers, giving them convenient access to bottled water as they shop for other home necessities. They can sell a variety of water types, from high-end brands to more reasonably priced ones, to accommodate a wide spectrum of consumer tastes thanks to their large shelf space. Supermarkets and hypermarkets are crucial players in the drinking water distribution chain because of their accessibility, affordability, and bulk-buying options. Convenience stores are useful for on-the-go purchases, and online retailers are expanding as a result of the e-commerce boom.