Stronger with every year.

Bottled water remains one of the fastest growing and best performing soft drink categories in the UK, worth £1.68 billion (2.28 billion litres), and accounting for 16% of soft drink sales. Since 2000 there have been 10 million new bottled water drinkers in the UK, and more than half the population (about 27 million adults) now drink over two billion litres of bottled water every year.

Bottled water sales in 2007 are expected to maintain the momentum achieved in previous years, with a predicted 7% growth pushing the industry towards the 2.4 billion litre mark. Growth is expected to continue at a rate of 6-7% year on year until 2011.

Highland Spring is a strong performer in the sector:

• The leading UK bottled water supplier, Highland Spring also pioneered the UK Kids' water market in 2001
• The number two brand in the UK with 7.9% brand share
• The number one Sparkling water
• Number one on doorsteps
• One of the largest UK bottled water export brands

Still or Sparkling?

Consumer preference for Still (as opposed to Sparkling) bottled water is still evident, with 70% of consumers preferring Still most often (TGI Q1 2007). Much of the recent growth in bottled water has come from Still which accounts for 87% of sales, as consumers trade up to bigger packs for everyday use. Sports bottles and Kids' water continue to grow in popularity for on the move and lunchtime consumption.
Sparkling water maintains a good share of the market at 13% (almost 300 million litres). Consumers of Sparkling often buy for dining occasions at home and while out socialising. Many also prefer Sparkling for everyday consumption.

For in-depth commentary and analysis, download Natural well-being. A guide to the UK bottled water market 2006/2007 from Highland Spring.