Bottled water set for bigger market share in the UK

Bottled water is set to become the second most popular soft drink after fizzy drinks by 2008, according to new research from Highland Spring.

Water sales account for 15% of the UK soft drink market, but are predicted to increase to 21% within three years.

Still water makes up the majority of sales (86%) in the £1.2b bottled water market, which sees UK consumers quenching their thirst with more than two billion litres a year.
The star growth area for bottled water sales is in the workplace, which grew 76% in the last year and now accounts for more than a third of the market (37%).

The report, Liquid Assets, also found half of adults who drink wine in restaurants or hotels (52%) prefer to have bottled water with it.

Restaurant-goers often prefer sparkling water with meals, and prefer water from glass bottles.

Hoteliers should also take note that 63% of visitors want bottled water in their hotel rooms, and most prefer chilled still water, so stocking bottled water in a minibar is a must.

Bottled facts
> A third of hotel guests drink water before bed or first thing after waking.
> Still water makes up 86% of bottled water sales.
> The UK bottled water market is worth £1.2b and growing.
> Glass is more popular than plastic.
> Water sales account for 15% of UK soft drink sales.
 

Author: Chris Druce
Source: Caterer & Hotelkeeper