Bottled Water Sales Jumped 10.7 Percent In 2005

Newly-released statistics by Beverage Marketing Corp. indicate that U.S. bottled water sales and consumption continue to rise, as consumers increasingly choose bottled water over other commercial beverages. This upward trend was reflected in 2005 when total bottled water volume exceeded 7.5 billion gallons, a 10.7 percent increase over 2004; and the 2005 bottled water per capita consumption level of 26.1 gallons increased by over two gallons, from the 23.8 gallons per capita the previous year.

Additionally, the wholesale dollar sales for bottled water exceeded $10 billion in 2005, a 9.2 percent increase over the $9.2 billion in 2004. These statistics demonstrate continued consumer demand and appreciation for the convenience and good taste of bottled water brands consumed on-the-go, during exercise, at restaurants or meetings, and at home or the office. However, consumers should also know that bottled water safety and quality result from multiple layers of regulation and standards at the federal, state and industry levels.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) fully regulates bottled water as a packaged food product with stringent standards for safety, quality, production, labeling, and identity. State governments also regulate bottled water and members of the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) are required to comply with additional standards which are verified through annual, unannounced plant inspections by an independent, third-party organization.

Along with FDA's general Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), which are required of all foods, bottled water must further comply with other applicable FDA regulations, including Standards of Identity, Standards of Quality and additional, specific bottled water GMPs. Being a packaged food product, bottled water is also bound by the Nutrition Labeling Education Act (NLEA) and the full range of FDA protective measures designed to help ensure product safety and protect consumers. States also have authority to regulate bottled water and also serve to inspect, sample, analyze and approve bottled water sources.

Testing laboratory certification is another area where states may regulate bottled water. As part of the IBWA Bottled Water Code of Practice, IBWA members voluntarily utilize the principles of HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) for a science-based approach to bottled water production and safety. FDA recognizes HACCP as a key component of food safety and consumer protection.

“While all beverages have their role in a marketplace with an abundance of drink choices,” said Stephen R. Kay, IBWA vice president of communications, "consumers are choosing bottled water as a refreshing, hydrating beverage and as an alternative to drinks that may contain calories, caffeine, sugar, artificial colors, alcohol or other ingredients, which they may wish to moderate or avoid. For instance, during 2005, bottled water containers of 1.5 liters and smaller, accounted for 52.8 percent of the volume of bottled water sold, indicating that consumers are choosing bottled water in lieu of other packaged beverages."