Global Packaged Water Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Forecast (2025 - 2031)

The Global Packaged Water Market has been segmented by product into Still, Carbonated, Flavored, and Functional waters, each catering to different consumer preferences. Still water dominates the market due to its simplicity and health benefits, being a staple for hydration. This product appeals to a broad consumer base, especially those seeking natural, unprocessed beverages. Carbonated water, on the other hand, is gaining popularity among consumers who seek alternatives to sugary sodas or who enjoy the refreshing, fizzy nature of sparkling water. It is particularly popular in the premium beverage market and is often consumed in social settings or as a mixer for alcoholic drinks. Flavored water is becoming increasingly popular, especially among consumers looking for a healthier alternative to sugary drinks. Infused with natural flavors like fruit essences or herbs, flavored waters offer a refreshing taste without the added sugar, making them especially appealing to the health-conscious demographic. Functional water, which is infused with added vitamins, minerals, or electrolytes, is experiencing growth due to the rising interest in beverages that offer additional health benefits, such as enhancing immunity or improving digestion.

In terms of packaging, the PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) segment is the largest, as it is lightweight, durable, and cost-effective, making it the preferred choice for packaging still and carbonated waters. PET packaging is also highly recyclable, which appeals to the growing environmental consciousness among consumers. Cans are becoming increasingly popular, especially in the carbonated and flavored water segments, due to their convenience, portability, and the trend toward sustainable packaging. Cans are considered to have a lower environmental impact compared to plastic bottles, making them a preferred choice for eco-conscious consumers. Other packaging types, such as glass bottles, are typically used for premium or functional waters, as glass is perceived to provide superior taste preservation and a higher-end image, although its use is more limited due to its cost and heavier weight.

The distribution channels for packaged water are segmented into Off-Trade and On-Trade. Off-Trade distribution encompasses retail outlets like supermarkets, convenience stores, and online platforms, which account for the majority of packaged water sales. Consumers in this segment are primarily purchasing water for at-home consumption, with supermarkets and online retailers seeing significant growth due to the convenience of bulk purchasing and home delivery services. The On-Trade segment refers to packaged water sold in venues like restaurants, cafes, hotels, and bars, where consumers are purchasing the product to consume immediately. This segment is becoming increasingly significant, driven by the growing trend of health-conscious dining, where consumers prefer water over sugary beverages in such establishments. Additionally, premium bottled water, including functional and flavored varieties, is more frequently found in the On-Trade market as part of a broader trend toward higher-quality dining experiences. The segmentation by distribution channel highlights the varied consumer behaviors and the shifting preference towards healthier and more convenient hydration options in both retail and hospitality settings.

Global Packaged Water Market Analysis

The Global Packaged Water Market has been segmented by Product, Packaging, Distribution Channel, and Geography.

Global Packaged Water, Segmentation by Product

The Global Packaged Water has been segmented by Product into Still, Carbonated, Flavored and Functional.

The global packaged water market is segmented by product type into still, carbonated, flavored, and functional waters, each catering to distinct consumer preferences and demands. Still water, characterized by its natural state without carbonation, remains a staple choice for consumers seeking pure hydration. It is often preferred for its clean taste and suitability for daily consumption. Carbonated water, on the other hand, offers a bubbly alternative, appealing to consumers who enjoy the refreshing sensation of fizzy drinks without added sugars or flavors. This segment includes various forms such as sparkling mineral water and soda water, catering to both health-conscious individuals and those seeking a more indulgent beverage experience.

Flavored water has seen significant growth, offering a variety of fruit-infused or enhanced flavors that appeal to consumers looking for a more enjoyable drinking experience beyond plain water. This segment often includes natural flavors and can be either still or carbonated. Functional water, another emerging category, incorporates additional ingredients such as vitamins, minerals, electrolytes, or other health-promoting additives. This appeals to consumers seeking hydration with added health benefits, such as improved energy levels or immune support. These diverse product segments reflect ongoing innovation and consumer demand for more personalized and health-conscious beverage options within the packaged water market.

Global Packaged Water, Segmentation by Packaging

The Global Packaged Water Market has been segmented by Packaging into PET, Cans, and Others.

The Global Packaged Water Market has been segmented by packaging into PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate), Cans, and Others, with each type offering distinct advantages and appealing to different consumer preferences. PET packaging is the most widely used and dominant form in the market due to its durability, lightweight, and convenience for consumers. PET bottles are also cost-effective to produce and transport, making them a popular choice for both still and sparkling water brands. Their transparency and ease of recycling further add to their appeal, especially in markets with high environmental consciousness. Cans, on the other hand, have gained traction in recent years, particularly for sparkling and flavored water. The growing trend towards sustainability has boosted the popularity of aluminum cans, as they are highly recyclable and are increasingly seen as a more eco-friendly alternative to plastic. The Others category includes a variety of packaging formats such as glass bottles and cartons, which cater to premium and eco-conscious consumers who are willing to pay a higher price for more sustainable or aesthetically appealing packaging.

The shift towards more sustainable packaging is a driving force in the market, particularly in developed countries where consumers are more environmentally aware. While PET continues to dominate due to its widespread availability and affordability, there is a clear trend towards eco-friendly alternatives. Cans, in particular, are becoming more popular due to their smaller environmental footprint, as they require less energy to recycle compared to PET plastic. As a result, many brands are focusing on offering more sustainable packaging options to align with growing environmental concerns. Additionally, many manufacturers are now offering recycled PET (rPET) packaging as a more sustainable alternative, further contributing to the eco-conscious trend.

In terms of market trends, Others packaging types, such as glass bottles, are often associated with premium products due to their high-end aesthetic and ability to preserve the quality of the water. These are especially popular in luxury or organic water segments, where consumers are willing to pay more for packaging that aligns with their sustainability values. Glass, however, comes with higher transportation costs and a higher risk of breakage, making it less common in mass-market packaged water. Nonetheless, the premium segment of the packaged water market is expanding, with a greater focus on health-conscious, environmentally responsible products, thus contributing to the growth of non-PET packaging alternatives. This trend is also reflected in the rise of carton packaging, as some companies explore innovative packaging solutions to meet both sustainability goals and consumer demand for convenience.

Global Packaged Water, Segmentation by Distribution Channel

The Global Packaged Water Market has been segmented by Distribution Channel into Off-Trade and On-Trade.

The Global Packaged Water Market has been segmented by distribution channel into Off-Trade and On-Trade, reflecting the different ways in which consumers access packaged water. Off-Trade refers to sales made through retail outlets, where consumers purchase bottled water to consume at home or elsewhere. This channel is further divided into supermarkets, hypermarkets, convenience stores, and online platforms. It remains the largest segment in the packaged water market, driven by consumer preference for convenience and accessibility. Supermarkets and hypermarkets are the primary drivers in this segment, offering a wide range of packaged water products, including still, sparkling, flavored, and mineral waters. Additionally, the rise of e-commerce has given online retailers a significant role in the off-trade distribution channel, with more consumers opting for home delivery, especially post-pandemic.

On-Trade refers to packaged water sold directly to consumers in places where the product is consumed immediately, such as restaurants, cafes, hotels, and bars. The on-trade market has seen a shift in consumer behavior towards healthier beverage options, with bottled water being a preferred choice over sugary drinks or soda. The growth of the on-trade segment is tied to increasing health-consciousness and the premiumization trend in the beverage industry. Establishments in the hospitality sector are also focusing on providing high-quality, sustainable, and branded packaged water to their customers, which has led to a rise in the consumption of premium and eco-friendly packaged water, such as glass-bottled or mineral water.

Both Off-Trade and On-Trade distribution channels are influenced by various macroeconomic factors, including consumer lifestyle preferences, disposable income, and growing concerns about environmental sustainability. For example, while Off-Trade channels are more price-sensitive, consumers in the On-Trade sector are often willing to pay a premium for higher-end or sustainably packaged water, such as glass bottles or water with unique properties. Additionally, the ongoing push for sustainability is evident in the On-Trade sector, where restaurants and cafes are increasingly offering refillable water options, tapping into the demand for eco-friendly solutions. The packaged water market is expected to continue benefiting from both segments, with each catering to distinct consumer needs in terms of convenience, quality, and pricing.

Global Packaged Water Market, Segmentation by Geography

The Global Packaged Water Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America.

Global Packaged Water Market Share (%), by Geographical Region, 2024

The global packaged water market is geographically segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and Latin America, each region contributing uniquely to market dynamics. North America and Europe lead the market due to high consumer awareness about health and hydration, stringent regulatory standards ensuring water quality, and a strong preference for convenience and portability in beverages. These regions also exhibit a robust infrastructure for distribution through supermarkets, convenience stores, and online platforms, further driving market growth.

In contrast, Asia Pacific emerges as a rapidly growing market fueled by urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and shifting consumer lifestyles towards healthier choices. Countries like China and India are witnessing increased demand for packaged water due to concerns over water contamination and the convenience offered by single-serve packaging formats. The Middle East and Africa, characterized by varying water quality standards and climates that promote higher hydration needs, also present opportunities for market expansion. Latin America shows potential with a growing middle class and increasing adoption of healthier beverage options, contributing to the overall growth trajectory of the global packaged water market. As these regions continue to develop economically and socially, their contribution to the global market is expected to strengthen, driven by evolving consumer preferences and regulatory environments.

This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Global Packaged Water Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities Analysis.

Drivers, Restraints and Opportunity Analysis

Key players in Global Packaged Water Market include:

• Nestle Waters
• Coca-Cola
• PepsiCo Inc.
• Danone
• Suntory Holdings

In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:

• Company Overview and Product Portfolio
• Key Developments
• Financial Overview
• Strategies
• Company SWOT Analysis