Summary

The bottled water market in China is one of the largest and fastest-growing in the world. With a population of over 1.4 billion and increasing concerns about water pollution and safety, bottled water has become a popular choice for hydration among Chinese consumers. The market in China is characterized by a wide range of bottled water products, including purified water, natural spring water, mineral water, flavoured water, and functional water. These products cater to different consumer preferences and needs, offering choices based on taste, source, and health benefits. One of the driving forces behind the growth of the bottled water market in China is the increasing awareness of water pollution and the desire for safe drinking water. Water contamination issues, such as industrial pollution and inadequate water treatment systems, have led many consumers to opt for bottled water as a reliable and trustworthy alternative. The market is highly competitive, with both domestic and international brands vying for market share. Local brands such as Nongfu Spring, Wahaha, and C'estbon, as well as global players like Nestlé, Coca-Cola, and Danone, are prominent in the Chinese market. These companies invest heavily in marketing and advertising campaigns to differentiate their products and build brand loyalty. The distribution channels in China's bottled water market are diverse and extensive. They include supermarkets, convenience stores, online platforms, vending machines, and foodservice establishments. E-commerce platforms have gained significant traction, allowing consumers to conveniently purchase bottled water online and have it delivered to their doorstep. Government regulations and standards play a crucial role in the market. China has implemented stringent regulations for bottled water quality, packaging, labelling, and safety. Compliance with these regulations is essential for companies operating in the market to maintain consumer trust and meet regulatory requirements. In recent years, sustainability has become a growing concern in the Chinese bottled water market. Environmental consciousness and a push for eco-friendly packaging have led companies to explore alternative packaging materials and promote recycling initiatives to reduce the environmental impact of plastic waste.

According to the research report "China Bottled Water Market Overview, 2028," published by Bonafide Research, The China Bottled Water Market was valued at above USD 44.10 Billion in 2022. To reduce plastic waste, many bottled water brands in China have introduced eco-friendly packaging options. These include lightweight bottles, recycled PET (rPET) bottles made from post-consumer recycled plastic, and biodegradable or compostable packaging materials. These initiatives aim to minimize environmental impact and promote responsible consumption. With the rise of technology, smart packaging solutions have emerged in the Chinese market. Some bottled water brands have incorporated QR codes or augmented reality (AR) features on their packaging. Consumers can scan the codes to access product information, track the water source, or engage in interactive experiences, enhancing consumer engagement and transparency. Brands have explored unique bottle shapes and designs to attract consumers. Bottles with ergonomic grips, sport-style bottles with built-in straws or sipper caps, and compact-sized bottles for easy carrying have gained popularity. These innovative designs offer convenience and enhance the overall consumer experience. To cater to different consumer needs, bottled water brands in China offer multi-pack and value pack options. These include packs of small-sized bottles suitable for individual consumption, family-sized packs, or packs with varying bottle sizes. Such packaging options provide flexibility, convenience, and cost savings for consumers. In response to growing consumer demand for functional beverages, some bottled water brands in China have incorporated additional features into their packaging. This includes bottles with compartments for adding flavourings, vitamins, or other functional additives. These functional packaging solutions offer consumers the ability to customize their drinking experience.

One of the primary benefits of the bottled water market in China is the assurance of safe and reliable drinking water. With concerns over water pollution and inadequate tap water infrastructure in some areas, bottled water provides a trusted source of clean and safe drinking water. It undergoes rigorous purification processes and meets regulatory standards, ensuring consumer confidence in its quality. Bottled water brands in China offer a variety of taste and flavor options to cater to consumer preferences. This includes flavoured water, infused water, or water with added minerals for enhanced taste. These options provide a refreshing and enjoyable drinking experience, encouraging consumers to maintain hydration levels. Many bottled water brands in China prioritize transparency and traceability, providing consumers with information about the water source, purification processes, and quality control measures. This transparency builds consumer trust and allows them to make informed choices based on their preferences and requirements. Paradoxically, the bottled water market in China also promotes water conservation. As consumers choose bottled water over tap water due to concerns about water quality, it indirectly reduces the strain on tap water resources, allowing for improved management and conservation of water sources.

In the bottled water market in China, the off-trade distribution channel is the most popular and widely utilized. Off-trade refers to the distribution of products through retail channels, where consumers purchase bottled water for consumption outside of the immediate premises. This includes various retail outlets such as supermarkets, convenience stores, hypermarkets, and online platforms. The reason behind high preference of off trade distribution channel in bottled water market are Consumer convenience, Broad market coverage, Brand Visibility and market opportunities, and Bulk purchaser. While off-trade channels dominate, on-trade channels also play a significant role in the Chinese bottled water market. On-trade refers to the distribution of bottled water for immediate consumption within premises such as restaurants, cafes, hotels, and foodservice establishments. These channels cater to consumers who prefer to consume bottled water while dining out or during social gatherings. However, the on-trade channel for bottled water in China is relatively smaller compared to the off-trade channel. This is partly due to the widespread availability of tap water in restaurants and establishments, which may reduce the demand for bottled water in such settings. Nevertheless, bottled water is still offered as a choice for those who prefer it or have concerns about tap water quality.

In China there are also several brands who plays significant role in bottled water market like Ganten is a premium bottled water brand in China, recognized for its commitment to quality and purity. It sources its water from protected areas and utilizes advanced purification technologies. Ganten offers a range of products, including natural mineral water and purified water. Master Kong is a well-known brand in the Chinese beverage industry, offering a variety of bottled water products. It provides natural spring water and purified water options, catering to different consumer preferences. Watsons Water: Watsons Water, a subsidiary of the A.S. Watson Group, is a popular brand in the Chinese bottled water market. It offers a range of bottled water products, including natural spring water and purified water, with a focus on quality and safety. Nestlé, a global food and beverage company, has a significant presence in the Chinese bottled water market. It offers various bottled water brands, including Nestlé Pure Life and Nestlé AQUA, providing safe and high-quality drinking water to consumers. Coca-Cola, a well-known multinational company, also has a presence in the Chinese bottled water market. It offers bottled water products under its brand Dasani, focusing on purity and refreshment.

The Chinese government, along with bottled water manufacturers and environmental organizations, conducts public education programs to promote awareness about the importance of safe drinking water and responsible water consumption. These programs focus on educating consumers about water quality, water sources, water conservation, and the benefits of choosing bottled water from trusted brands. This annual expo focuses on the drinking water industry, including bottled water. It brings together industry professionals, manufacturers, suppliers, and consumers to showcase products, share knowledge, and discuss industry trends. The expo provides a platform for networking, business collaborations, and showcasing innovative products and technologies. World Water Day, celebrated on March 22nd each year, is an important occasion in China to raise awareness about water-related issues and promote responsible water consumption. During this time, various campaigns are organized by government bodies, environmental organizations, and companies to highlight the importance of clean drinking water and sustainable practices. Bottled water brands in China often launch campaigns focusing on the health benefits of hydration and promoting an active lifestyle. These campaigns highlight the role of bottled water in maintaining proper hydration, especially during physical activities, and emphasize the importance of choosing clean and safe drinking water for overall well-being.

The bottled water market in China is highly competitive, with numerous domestic and international brands vying for market share. This intense competition requires brands to differentiate themselves through product quality, branding, packaging, pricing, and marketing strategies to attract and retain consumers. The environmental impact of plastic waste from bottled water consumption is a significant challenge. China, being the world's largest consumer of bottled water, faces concerns regarding plastic pollution and sustainability. Bottled water brands need to prioritize environmentally friendly packaging solutions, promote recycling initiatives, and raise awareness about responsible consumption to address these concerns. The Chinese bottled water market is subject to various regulations and standards to ensure product safety and consumer protection. Bottled water brands must comply with labeling requirements, water quality standards, and production practices. Keeping up with evolving regulations and maintaining compliance can be challenging for manufacturers, particularly for smaller or newer brands. Efficient supply chain management is critical to meet the growing demand for bottled water in China. Ensuring a reliable supply of raw materials, efficient manufacturing processes, and timely distribution to retail outlets across vast geographical areas can be challenging. Brands must invest in logistics and distribution networks to maintain consistent availability and meet consumer expectations.

As health and wellness awareness continue to rise in China, the demand for safe and clean drinking water is expected to grow. Consumers are becoming more conscious of their hydration needs and the importance of consuming reliable water sources, which will drive the demand for bottled water. Urbanization and changing lifestyles in China contribute to the growth of the bottled water market. Rapid urbanization leads to increased demand for convenience and on-the-go hydration options, favouring bottled water over tap water. As people lead busier lives and spend more time outside their homes, the need for portable and readily available drinking water will persist. Ongoing concerns about water pollution and inadequate tap water infrastructure in some regions of China will continue to drive the demand for bottled water. Consumers are willing to pay for the assurance of clean and safe drinking water, particularly in areas where tap water quality may be questionable. The growing e-commerce sector and digitalization in China will impact the bottled water market. Online platforms provide convenient access to a wide range of bottled water brands, enabling consumers to compare products, read reviews, and make informed purchasing decisions. E-commerce platforms will continue to play a significant role in the distribution and growth of the market.

Considered in this report
• Geography: China
• Historic year: 2017
• Base year: 2021
• Estimated year: 2022
• Forecast year: 2028

Aspects covered in this report
• China Bottled Water market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Product Type
• Still Water
• Sparkling Water
• Functional Water
• Enhanced Water

BY Distribution Channel
• Off Trade
• On Trade

The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual reports of companies, and analyzing government-generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age groups, and gender. Once we have primary data with us. we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.
Intended audience
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to the Bottled water Market, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.

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