South Africa Bottled Water Market Size 2024-2028

South Africa - Bottled Water Market size is anticipated to grow by USD 143.9 million at a CAGR of 2.75% between 2023 and 2028. The market has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by several key factors. Urban consumers have shown a marked increase in their consumption of bottled water due to its convenience and perceived superior quality compared to tap water. Additionally, there is a rising health consciousness among the population, leading individuals to seek healthier options, including bottled water. Furthermore, concerns about the quality of tap water have become increasingly prevalent, with contaminants and impurities being a major concern for many. These factors have combined to create a strong demand for bottled water, making it a lucrative market for businesses. The industry is expected to continue growing as consumers prioritize their health and seek reliable sources of clean drinking water.

Market Overview

The Market shows an accelerated CAGR during the forecast period.

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Market Dynamics

Bottled water has become an essential consumer product in many parts of the world due to various factors including waterborne diseases, climate change, and water crises. In regions like Southern Africa, where access to piped water sources is limited, bottled water has gained significant popularity. The market for bottled water in this region is expected to grow due to the water crisis caused by drought and other natural disasters. Major players in the global market include Coca-Cola and PepsiCo Inc. They have expanded their product offerings by using recycled PET bottles to reduce their carbon footprint. The market, valued at US 21.4 billion in 2020, is projected to grow further due to increasing health consciousness among consumers. Government bodies like the International Panel and the International Trade Administration have emphasized the importance of ensuring safe drinking water for all. However, the production and disposal of plastic bottles used for bottled water have raised concerns regarding their environmental impact. Brands and manufacturers are addressing this issue by using more sustainable packaging solutions.

Key Market Driver

Increased consumption of bottled water by urban consumers is notably driving market growth. The market is experiencing significant growth due to increasing consumer awareness regarding the quality of drinking water. Urbanization and pollution have led to concerns over the contamination of traditional water sources, resulting in a higher demand for bottled water.

Moreover, sales are particularly strong in urban areas, where changing lifestyles and increased disposable income contribute to consumer preference for bottled water. Thus, such factors are driving the growth of the market during the forecast period.

Significant Market Trends

Increasing packaging innovations in bottled water is the primary trend in the market. Bottled water manufacturers manage to innovate packaging formats to entice more consumers, which has a positive impact on sales. Packaging innovations increase in-store appeal and increase product differentiation in the marketplace. Manufacturers usually choose environmentally friendly packaging formats and premium formats.

Furthermore, due to growing concerns about the disposal of plastic bottles, many manufacturers are adopting packaging formats that minimize the negative impact on the environment. Companies such as Nestle SA have launched  PET plastic bottles made from bio-based materials. Therefore, growing packed water packaging innovations are expected to have a positive impact on the market's growth during the forecast period.

Major Market Challenge 

Threat from substitute products for bottled water is a challenge that affects the growth of the market. Consumers purchase packed water primarily to satisfy their thirst and refresh themselves. Other alternative products such as juices and soft drinks that serve this purpose are also available. The wide availability of such products could hinder the growth.

Moreover, many consumers prefer the taste of soft drinks and carbonated drinks. Region's manufacturers bring a variety of products to market in convenient packaging formats. Therefore, consumers can choose products according to their purpose and occasion. As a result, these factors will impede the growth of the market during the forecast period.

Market Segmentation

by Distribution Channel

The market is influenced by various factors, including concerns about gastrointestinal diseases and the need for clean, safe drinking water amidst issues of contamination and scarcity. Consumers prioritize products that offer health and wellness benefits, such as nutrient-fortified water and electrolyte-rich options. This market caters to a diverse range of consumers, from working professionals seeking convenience to in-house consumers focused on hydration. Offerings include alkaline water, fortified with hydrogen and oxygen, alongside purified and ultra-purified bottled options. However, challenges arise with the consumption of high-calorie and sugary drinks. Brands like Aquafina compete in the still water segment, while others target the functional water segment, meeting evolving consumer preferences and Beverage Marketing Corporation data.

The off-trade segment includes grocery stores, convenience stores, hypermarkets, supermarkets, convenience stores, minimarkets, kiosks, and wine and liquor outlets. Convenience is a key driver for the growth of off-trade sales channels. Consumers like the convenience of being able to purchase packed water during their daily grocery shopping or when they stop by a convenience store. Additionally, bottled water is often considered a healthier alternative to sugary and carbonated drinks. Retailers can further contribute to its popularity and sales by prominently displaying packed water and highlighting its health benefits. Therefore, such factors are expected to drive the growth of off-trade packed water distribution channels during the forecast period.

By Product 

The market share growth by the still drinking water segment will be significant during the forecast period. With growing health consciousness, consumers are increasingly preferring still drinking water and avoiding carbonated beverages. This has a positive impact on growth. Increasing urbanization has increased pollution, resulting in most water bodies becoming polluted.

The still drinking water segment was valued at USD 430.60 million in 2018 and continued to grow until 2022.

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South Africa is a popular tourist destination, and travelers often prefer to purchase readily available bottled water for safety and convenience when exploring the country's scenic landscapes. Furthermore, concerns over tap water quality, convenience, health consciousness, and tourism-related factors have increased the demand for still-drinking water in South Africa and this is expected to drive the growth of the market through the still-drinking water segment during the forecast period.

Company Overview

Companies are implementing various strategies, such as strategic alliances, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, geographical expansion, and product/service launches, to enhance their presence in the market.

• Key Offering- Arctic Amanzi: The company offers bottled water such as Arctic Amanzi pure natural prepared bottled water.
• Key Offering- BeneWater: The company offers bottled water such as BeneWater 330ml pine and apple sparkling bottled water.
• Key Offering- CLOVER S.A. Pty Ltd.: The company offers bottled water such as Aquartz mineral bottled water.

The market report also includes detailed analyses of the competitive landscape of the market and information about 20 market companies, including:

• Africqua Pty Ltd.
• Aqua Air
• Aqua.v
• Aquabella
• Cedarberg Aqua
• EKHAMANZI SPRINGS Pty Ltd.
• La Vie De Luc
• Mountain Falls Mineral Water
• Nestle SA
• Normandien Farms Pty Ltd.
• Origin Water
• Patriot Brands
• PepsiCo Inc.
• The Coca Cola Co.
• Tsitsikamma
• Twizza
• Verve Water

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of companies has been conducted to help clients understand the wider business environment as well as the strengths and weaknesses of key market players. Data is qualitatively analyzed to categorize companies as pure play, category-focused, industry-focused, and diversified; it is quantitatively analyzed to categorize companies as dominant, leading, strong, tentative, and weak.

Segment Overview

The market growth and forecasting research report provides comprehensive data (region wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in "USD Million" for the period 2024 to 2028, as well as historical data from 2018 to 2022 for the following segments

• Product Outlook 
  • Still drinking water
  • Sparkling water
  • Bottled spring water

• Distribution Channel Outlook 
  • Off-trade
  • On-trade

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Market Analyst Overview

The market is influenced by various factors including the lack of drinkable water and concerns over waterborne diseases. The industry sees a significant presence of refillable PET plastic bottles, reflecting efforts towards sustainability endorsed by the National Water and Sanitation authorities. Strategic mergers and acquisitions shape the competitive landscape under the oversight of the Government of South Africa, aiming to improve access to water for consumers. Numerous bottled water brands thrive amidst insights from market surveys and global industry reports, driving trends in technology and distribution. The market landscape depends on the Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Envelope, Market value, Market volumes, Retail players, Retail water bars, Prices. Manufacturers and distributors play crucial roles in supplying retail outlets, which include water bars catering to diverse consumer needs. Market dynamics such as VAT implications, market values, volumes, and trade metrics like imports and exports, alongside retail pricing strategies, further define the sector's growth and consumer accessibility.

Addressing Water Scarcity and Health Concerns in a Changing Climate Bottled water has emerged as a significant alternative to tap water due to growing concerns over waterborne diseases, climate change, and fresh water scarcity. According to recent industry reports, the global market was valued at US 617 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach US 853 billion by 2027. Factors driving the market include increasing health consciousness, water crisis, and depletion of natural resources due to deforestation, construction of dams, destruction of wetlands, rapid urbanization, mining activities, agricultural practices, and water pollution. Companies like Coca-Cola, Varun Beverages, BevCo, and PepsiCo Inc are major players in the packaged water industry. Environmental concerns, however, remain a challenge, with issues such as energy consumption and recycled PET bottles being addressed through innovation and sustainable practices. The International Panel on Climate Change and the International Trade Administration emphasize the importance of responsible production and consumption in the industry landscape report. Market insights reports reveal that access to piped water sources, on-site water, communal taps, and neighbors' taps are influencing consumer behavior. Brands and manufacturers are focusing on providing quality, convenience, and eco-friendliness to meet evolving consumer demands. Tap water continues to face challenges in terms of reliability and safety, making bottled water an attractive alternative for many consumers.

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What are the Key Data Covered in this Market Research Report?

• CAGR of the market during the forecast period
• Detailed information on factors that will drive the growth of the market between 2023 and 2028
• Precise estimation of the market and its contribution to the market in focus on the parent market
• Accurate predictions about upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior
• Growth of the market across South Africa
• A thorough analysis of the market’s competitive landscape and detailed information about companies
• Comprehensive analysis of factors that will challenge the growth of market companies

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