Water has been the basic and rudimentary aspect of human life since the inception of livelihood on this planet. This very statement has been encashed by many companies considering it the need of the hour, which has resulted in the flourishing and inflorescence of water bottling business.
Even if the water is in abundance on this planet, drinking water is in scarcity and has erupted as a major concern for whole human community. As the drinking water issue is getting worse day by day, few have even forecasted that the third world war may be due to drinking water issue.
It would sound very strange that India holds 16% of the world’s population but the water it has in the form of fresh water is just 4% and this fact is self-explanatory to depict the threat it poses in the near future.
India is a subcontinent where around 21% diseases found are water related and as per the data of year 2015, more than three lakh died due to diarrhoea in India. All these major grievances have been a pivotal reason that India has witnessed an enormous growth in water bottling business, which assures every individual consuming it that they are in safe hands of pure and clean fresh drinking water.
As per the data available, the market of bottled water in India is around 160 billion and it is expected to grow at Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of approximately 20.75% from now and will reach a staggering figure of more than 400 billion by the end of year 2023. As per the survey report of Research and Markets; the volume of bottled water will reach 35.53 billion litre by the end of year 2023, after the expected CAGR of 18.25% from year 2018.
Bisleri
The company holding around 40% of Indian packaged drinking water industry, is undoubtedly the key player and has built up a strong faith and trust in the mindset of Indian consumers. Owned by Parle group, it was purchased from the Italian entrepreneur Signor Felice Bisleri in year 1969. Adding feather to its cap, this firm is collaborating with many NGOs to help social causes like hunger.
Kinley
Owned by the Coca-Cola Company, this bottling firm has huge trust among its consumers. Based on latest technology of Reverse Osmosis operation, the water passes through lot many tests before reaching the market. It holds a market share of around 17% in bottled water segment.
Aquafina
Ranking third in the market of mineral water companies, this firm is owned by PepsiCo Group. Aquafina first started its product sale only in Mumbai in 1999; later spreading all across in 2000. Holding 13% share, this company has more than 15 manufacturing plants across the country.
Bailey
One of the companies emphasising on the quality aspect of mineral water, this water bottling company hold around 3% of market share. It has the production capacity of around 0.10 million litre daily. Formed in 1993, it has water packaging in varied capacity.
Himalayan Mineral Water
Part of Tata Global Beverages Group, this is also one of the finest water bottling firms in India. This firm was launched in year 1997 and it procures water from the Shivalik range after being filtered naturally for almost 20 years. This company is also witnessing its growth gradually.
Apart from these water bottling giant firms, few companies in this segment include Kingfisher Mineral Water, Manikchand Oxyrich Mineral Water, and Rail Neer. Rail Neer is a part of Government of India and is owned by Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC). The product of this company is retailed at more than 700 railway stations and serves around 1,000 trains to various routes in India. Headquartered in New Delhi, it was established in year 2003 and now it has production capacity of 0.10 million litre daily.
In India, bottled water has been available in four types of bottle capacity – one litre bottles (holding maximum share of 42% alone in year 2018), two litre bottles, half litre bottles and 250 millilitre bottles; apart from their availability in pouches and barrels of 15 and 20 litre.
Coming to the darker aspects of bottled water, a number of companies have erupted in market with no quality and hygiene standards, putting health threat to consumers of bottled water. This had led to the decrease of consumers’ faith in bottled water, thereby decreasing the sales of bottled water. Actually small players and unorganised sector in this segment have done major harm by imitating the trademarks of major players and selling water with no quality.
Stringent methods to crop such companies should be initiated by current government. The business of adulteration is on increase and this itself is a kind of adulteration.
Normally, tourists in India prefer bottled water as compared to normal tap water and this is looked upon as an opportunity in this segment. It is expected that the tourist would be increasing at the rate of 6 to 7% during 2015-2025, which would result in better sales of bottled water in India. Thus, it is very obvious from the facts and data available that the business of bottled water manufacturing companies is still in booming phase and has lot many opportunities to flourish as well.
The bottled water industry is facing few threats as well due to recent trends and government policies shaping in current days. Pollution has emerged as major concern and the whole world is denying usage of plastic and this industry packages water in plastic bottles only. So, the companies of this segment have been compelled to keep this in mind and find alternative solution for this plastic usage.
So, in spite of so many merits; the bottled water industry is still facing few threats and challenges; and in near future they may have to deal and cope with it with great efficacy to survive and sustain their business.
