United States (USA) Bottled Water Market Overview, 2028

Bottled water has become an integral part of the beverage industry in the United States. Its introduction and subsequent growth have transformed the way people consume water and satisfy their hydration needs. While the concept of bottled water dates back centuries, its widespread popularity in the U.S. emerged during the late 20th century and has continued to thrive ever since. The introduction of bottled water in the U.S. can be traced back to the early 19th century when natural springs were recognized for their potential health benefits. These springs were considered sources of pure and clean drinking water, attracting people seeking therapeutic or refreshing experiences. Some entrepreneurs recognized the commercial value of bottling this natural spring water, leading to the birth of the bottled water industry. However, it wasn't until the 1970s and 1980s that bottled water gained significant traction in the U.S. market. Factors such as concerns over tap water quality, an increasing emphasis on health and wellness, and advancements in packaging and distribution contributed to its rise in popularity. The convenience of bottled water, with its easy availability and portability, appealed to consumers looking for a reliable and safe source of drinking water. In the 1990s and early 2000s, the bottled water industry experienced exponential growth, driven by aggressive marketing campaigns and expanding distribution networks. Bottled water companies positioned their products as a healthier and more desirable alternative to sugary beverages. The convenience store industry, supermarkets, and vending machines became key channels for the sale of bottled water, making it easily accessible to consumers nationwide. The bottled water industry faced scrutiny over the years due to concerns about its environmental impact. The production and disposal of plastic bottles raised questions about sustainability and waste management. In response, many companies have taken steps to improve their environmental practices, including using lighter bottles, increasing recycling efforts, and promoting reusable alternatives. Despite the environmental concerns, bottled water consumption in the U.S. continues to be significant. It has become a multi-billion-dollar industry, offering a wide range of options, including purified water, mineral water, flavoured water, and enhanced waters with added vitamins and electrolytes. Bottled water is now a staple in American households, offices, and public spaces, reflecting the enduring demand for convenient and reliable hydration solutions.

According to the research report "U.S. Bottled Water Market Overview, 2028," published by Bonafide Research, The U.S. Bottled water market was valued at above USD 47.72 Billion in 2022. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates bottled water products, working to ensure that they’re safe to drink. The FDA protects consumers of bottled water through the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act), which makes manufacturers responsible for producing safe, wholesome, and truthfully labelled food products. For bottled water production, bottlers must follow the Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMP) regulations that are specific to processing and bottling drinking water, put in place and enforced by the FDA. The bottled water industry in the United States has witnessed several innovative packaging solutions in recent years. These innovations aim to address sustainability concerns, enhance convenience, and provide unique consumer experiences. These innovations aim to address sustainability concerns, enhance convenience, and provide unique consumer experiences. The innovation of packaging includes Sustainable Packaging, Biodegradable & Plant-based bottles, Lightweight Bottle Design, Refillable & Reusable Options, Smart and Interactive Packaging, Collapsible or Flexible Packaging, Enhanced Functionality, and Digital Integration.

The bottled water market in the United States is influenced by various drivers and trends that shape its growth and consumer preferences. The increased consumption of bottled water by urban consumers is notably driving the market growth. The increasing contamination of drinking water sources due to urbanization and pollution is making consumers more conscious about the quality of water that they drink. This leads them to consume bottled water. Growing health consciousness among consumers is also a prime factor fuelling the U.S. market growth of bottled water. Factors including an increase in urban population, higher disposable income, higher standards of living, and the development of eco-friendly container materials are significant drivers of the bottled water market’s expansion. Increasing concerns regarding various health problems such as gastrointestinal diseases caused by the consumption of contaminated water are leading to the increased demand for clean and hygienic packaged options. Increasing preference for nutrient-fortified water is trending owing to the rising importance of health and wellness among consumers. The demand has been increasing among travellers and working professionals and for in-house consumption. The United States is the largest consumer market for bottled water in the world. In 2020, U.S. bottled water sales volume amounted to approximately 15 billion gallons - the highest volume of any beverage category in the United States. Consumers of the U.S. Bottled Water Market preferred to have still water because consumers are more focused on health, it is easily available in the market, versatile in nature and it is highly effective in quenching thirst and providing hydration.In the U.S., several events are organized to showcase and promote the bottled water market. These events serve as platforms for industry professionals, manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, and consumers to come together, exchange knowledge, showcase products, and discuss the latest trends in the market. Some notable events in the bottled water industry in the U.S. include, International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) Annual Business Conference and Trade Show, Natural Products Expo, Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) Expo, Health and Wellness Expos. These events provide a platform for industry players to connect, promote their brands, and stay updated on the latest developments in the bottled water market. They serve as valuable opportunities for networking, product launches, education, and business collaborations within the industry.

The U.S. bottled water market is dominated by major players that have a strong presence and well-known brands. Companies like The Coca-Cola Company (Dasani, SmartWater), PepsiCo (Aquafina), Nestlé (Nestlé Pure Life), and Dr Pepper Snapple Group (Deer Park, Ozarka) have a significant market share and distribution networks. These companies leverage their extensive resources, marketing capabilities, and brand recognition to maintain their positions in the market. Supermarkets and grocery stores are the primary distribution channels for bottled water in the U.S. These retailers stock a wide range of bottled water brands and sizes, offering convenience and accessibility to consumers. Convenience stores play a significant role in the distribution of bottled water, offering on-the-go hydration options to consumers. Mass merchandisers such as big-box retailers (e.g., Walmart, Target) and wholesale clubs (e.g., Costco, Sam's Club) are major distribution channels for bottled water. The rise of e-commerce has expanded the distribution channels for bottled water. Consumers can now purchase bottled water online through various platforms, including retailer websites, grocery delivery services, and dedicated online marketplaces. Bottled water is widely distributed through food service channels such as restaurants, cafes, hotels, and catering services. Bottled water is commonly found in vending machines across various locations, including offices, schools, gyms, and public spaces. Specialty stores, health food retailers, and natural/organic-focused outlets often carry a curated selection of bottled water brands. Some bottled water companies engage in direct distribution by establishing relationships with specific retailers, institutions, or organizations. There are Brands of Bottled Water in the U.S. including Dasani (The Coca-Cola Company), Aquafina (PepsiCo), Nestlé Pure Life (Nestlé), Poland Spring (Nestlé), SmartWater (The Coca-Cola Company), Deer Park (Dr. Pepper Snapple Group), Arrowhead (Nestlé), Fiji Water (Fiji Water Company), Evian (Danone), and Voss (Voss Water). The retailers and stores that provide bottled water are Walmart, Kroger, Costco, Target, Whole Foods Market, Sam's Club, 7-Eleven, CVS Pharmacy, Walgreens, and Publix.

The bottled water market in the United States has been experiencing steady growth due to factors such as convenience, health concerns, and shifting consumer preferences. However, the market's future outcome is subject to various factors and trends. Increasing environmental concerns regarding single-use plastic bottles have led to a greater focus on sustainability and alternative packaging solutions. The industry may witness a shift towards more eco-friendly options, such as reusable bottles or alternative packaging materials. Competition in the bottled water market is intense, and companies are likely to continue innovating to differentiate themselves. This includes introducing new flavours, functional additives, and unique packaging designs to attract consumers. Health consciousness and the preference for healthier beverage options are expected to persist, driving demand for bottled water as a convenient and calorie-free choice. Regulatory developments, such as stricter regulations on plastic waste and packaging materials, may place pressure on the industry to adopt more sustainable practices. Consumer preferences can evolve over time, and there may be shifts in demand for different types of water and alternative beverages. It is important for companies in the bottled water market to stay attuned to changing consumer needs and adapt their offerings accordingly.



Considered in this report
• Geography: U.S
• Historic year: 2017
• Base year: 2021
• Estimated year: 2022
• Forecast year: 2028

Aspects covered in this report
• U.S. Bottled Water market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Product Type
• Still Water
• Sparkling Water
• Functional Water
• Enhanced Water

BY Distribution Channel
• Off Trade
• On Trade

The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual reports of companies, and analysing government-generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age groups, and gender. Once we have primary data with us. we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to the Bottled water Market, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.