India Bottled Water Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2024 - 2029)

India Bottled Water Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2024 - 2029)

The India Bottled Water Market size is estimated at USD 5.98 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 11.11 billion by 2029, at a CAGR of 13.17% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

In India, challenges in accessing safe drinking water persist, particularly in rural regions and select urban areas. Consequently, many consumers increasingly rely on bottled water as a crucial alternative. Awareness of waterborne diseases, such as cholera, typhoid, and various gastrointestinal issues, further intensifies the demand for bottled water. Moreover, the booming tourism sector amplifies this trend, with tourists prioritizing their safety and often opting for bottled water. In 2023, underscoring this demand, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Limited produced an impressive 357.7 million bottles of drinking water. Restaurants and cafes bolster sales by frequently offering bottled water for both dine-in and takeaway services. The hospitality sector, which includes hotels, events, and catering services, stands out as a primary purchaser of bottled water, routinely offering it as a standard service, especially in business hotels, resorts, and upscale restaurants. To cater to consumers seeking convenient, on-the-go hydration, brands are increasingly introducing smaller packaging sizes. These single-serve options resonate particularly with office-goers, students, and travelers. Addressing the needs of health-conscious consumers, brands are introducing fortified water options enriched with essential vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes, catering to hydration during workouts and boosting immunity. Drawing inspiration from traditional wellness practices, brands infuse water with natural flavors like tulsi, lemon, mint, and ginger, attracting consumers who desire flavor diversity without the sugars and calories of conventional beverages. The Indian bottled water market is a dynamic landscape, featuring a blend of established brands, emerging players, and a wide array of product offerings. Key players include Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd., PepsiCo Inc., The Coca-Cola Company, Parle Agro, Rail Neer (from the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation), and Manikchand Oxyrich. These industry leaders are adopting strategies like product launches, expansions, and partnerships to strengthen their market foothold. A prime example is Bisleri International's collaboration with the Goa government in September 2024, focused on bolstering plastic waste management in Mormugao. This partnership, formalized at the Green Goa Summit 2024, aims to enhance waste collection, segregation, and recycling, all under Bisleri's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, 'Bottles for Change'.​

India Bottled Water Market Trends

Still Water Is In High Demand In India

Urban populations are increasingly recognizing the importance of clean and pure water, driving up the demand for bottled still water. As urban areas grow, the demand for convenient drinking water options surges, especially in regions where safe drinking water isn't easily accessible. In many parts of India, tap water often fails to meet safety standards due to contamination and insufficient infrastructure. This pushes consumers towards packaged still water as a more secure choice. A heightened awareness of waterborne diseases has further amplified the demand for purified and safe drinking water. Leading brands are investing heavily in branding and marketing campaigns, highlighting purity, natural sourcing, and health benefits to attract consumers. For example, in May 2023, Bisleri unveiled its digital campaign, #CarryYourGame, featuring award-winning athletes like Lovlina Borgohain, Manpreet Singh, Ashwini Ponnappa, and Nishad Kumar. The campaign underscores the Bisleri 500 ml pack as the top choice for hydration. Growing awareness of the advantages of alkaline and mineral-rich water has resulted in a surge of products being marketed as either natural spring water or alkaline water. This trend is especially prominent among health-conscious urban consumers. Smaller packaging sizes, including 200 ml, 500 ml, and 1 L bottles, are gaining traction, particularly for on-the-go consumption. These sizes are preferred by those traveling, working, or participating in outdoor activities. Their convenience has made smaller packs a common sight in retail outlets, vending machines, and event venues. Despite the dominance of major players, the market remains competitive, bolstered by a variety of regional and niche brands.

Water Bottles Are Widely Distributed Through Off-Trade Channels

Supermarkets and hypermarkets offer a convenient one-stop shopping experience, enabling consumers to effortlessly pick up bottled water along with groceries and household essentials. The surging demand for a variety of bottled water brands, all conveniently located in one place, has bolstered sales for these retail giants. Their expanding footprint in key urban areas further boosts consumer accessibility. For example, in August 2023, Ratnadeep Retail Pvt. Ltd. opened stores in four new locations, elevating its total count to 150 across India, with ambitions for further expansion during the forecast period. Convenience stores, often situated in local neighborhoods, have become the preferred choice for quick grocery trips. Shoppers typically visit these outlets for a handful of items, making them perfect for targeted purchases. Items like snacks and beverages, including bottled water, are prominently stocked. Meanwhile, online retail platforms and third-party websites are increasingly favored by consumers, boasting a broader product range than traditional stores. By targeting consumers directly and cutting out intermediaries, these platforms have gained traction. A key driver for online bottled water sales is the convenience of doorstep delivery, especially valued by urban consumers keen to avoid the hassle of transporting heavy water bottles.

India Bottled Water Industry Overview

The Bottled Water Market in India is highly fragmented, featuring a mix of regional and global players vying for market share. Key players commanding significant market shares include PepsiCo Inc., The Coca-Cola Company, Parle Agro, Bisleri International, and Dharampal Satyapal Limited. These companies are focusing on innovative product development to meet the changing preferences of consumers. Their offerings include a diverse range of water bottles, such as flavored, herbal-infused, and Himalayan sparkling varieties. Furthermore, these companies are channeling investments into marketing and branding initiatives to boost product visibility and solidify their brand presence. Their strategies span advertising, public relations, and active engagement on social media platforms, underscoring the importance of digital outreach in broadening their customer base.

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• The market estimate (ME) sheet in Excel format
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