Accounting for one-third in volume of the refreshment beverage market and displaying the highest annual growth rates, bottled water is the most dynamic segment. Sustained growth patterns forecast a doubling of the bottled water market by 2012.

Bottled water provides consumers with a healthy and convenient beverage choice.

Europe and North America, which account for more than 50% of bottled water consumption, are the main markets. Originating in the mid-nineteenth century, Western Europe is the leading market in the world in terms of per capita consumption and is the domain par excellence of natural waters, which represent over 80% of volumes. The market is expanding in terms of volume thanks to demand from the East, and in terms of value in the West, thanks to consumer demand for innovative packaging and new products such as flavoured waters.

North America is one of the largest markets, where bottled water represents the fastest growing beverage category. Dating back to the 19th century, Home & Office Delivery (HOD) – delivery of water in large formats to homes and offices – is one of the main features of the market, accounting for approximately one quarter of sales. The PET segment (small formats) registers the highest growth, mainly thanks to consumers seeking healthy refreshment for on-the-go consumption.