The gourd market - France

The global water bottle market, of which water bottles are a key product, was valued at $8.92 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.4% between 2023 and 2030. Asia-Pacific leads the way with a 39% market share, influenced by rising living standards and environmental awareness. In response to the environmental impact of single-use plastics, there is a shift towards sustainable materials such as stainless steel, which is expected to experience the highest CAGR (4.6%) over the forecast period.

The French market is in line with global trends showing a move away from plastic towards more eco-friendly options, with 54% of French people regularly using a water bottle. Influencers and brands are contributing to the growth of e-commerce, which is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.1% to 2030. Health concerns and ecological awareness are driving consumer preferences, leading to innovations such as connected water bottles and materials such as TritanTM and biodegradable plastics. Regulations, such as EC Regulation 1935/2004, guarantee the safety of materials in contact with food, further driving the market.

Navigating the rising tide of ecological awareness in the French market

In recent years, France has witnessed a remarkable increase in eco-responsible behavior among its citizens, with many adopting the use of water bottles, or "gourdes", as a sustainable alternative to single-use plastics. The shift in consumer preferences can be attributed to a collective awareness of the impact of lifestyle choices on the environment, as well as a response to increasingly stringent regulations, particularly regarding the use of plastic products.

Growing apprehension about the health risks associated with single-use plastics has further fuelled demand for safer, reusable water bottles. The French water bottle market is booming, and is estimated to be worth between 580 million and 1.1 billion euros. Eco-responsible inertia is not limited to individual consumers, but also extends to businesses and public authorities. Companies and local authorities are actively involved in gourd distribution. Paris, for example, distributed around 50,000 gourds at a music festival, in an ongoing effort to support sustainable practices.

In terms of consumer behavior, more than half of the French population uses gourds regularly, with the average user owning around two gourds, which are typically used over a four-year period. In particular, young people, especially in the 25-34 age bracket, and women, mainly from the south of France, are the main gourd users. This widespread adoption also echoes the move away from bottled water to tap water.

Whereas in the early 2000s, more than half the population preferred bottled water, the current trend is a reversal, with the majority now preferring tap water. This change is due to confidence in the quality of tap water, the exorbitant cost of bottled water and heightened ecological awareness, with 77% of the population considering the use of plastic bottles to be problematic for the environment.

Another aspect influencing the market is the material preference for water bottles, with stainless steel being the material of choice in France, in contrast to the global market dominated by plastic. The criteria for selecting a water bottle are essentially functional, encompassing factors such as size, cost, ease of use, sturdiness and isothermal capacity.

Increased consumer awareness, rising living standards in developing countries and the ban on rigid plastics are all contributing significantly to the growth of this global market.

The dynamics of the water bottle industry

As we explore the dynamic landscape of the gourd market, it's essential to highlight the innovative companies that play a key role in shaping this industry. These players offer unique products that meet the diverse needs of consumers, from sustainability and health to luxury and convenience, and are recognized for the distinct place they occupy in the market.

• Luxury brands: basic products for everyday use

Luxury groups such as Chanel and Prada have ventured into the water bottle market, bringing their signature aesthetics and high-quality craftsmanship to a product that has traditionally prioritized functionality over style. These high-end offerings are aimed at consumers seeking an element of luxury in their daily hydration habits, harmoniously combining fashion and ecological awareness.

• Sports giants: promoting active hydration

Decathlon stands out among sports-related retailers, offering a range of water bottles that appeal to sports enthusiasts. Their selection ranges from the simplest models to thermal options for outdoor activities. Decathlon products are designed with functionality in mind, allowing users to hydrate on the move without compromising quality or performance.

• Home-grown French innovators

In the booming French market, Qwetch stands out for its ability to customize its stainless steel water bottles, giving them a unique touch. Gobilab offers eco-friendly options, including water bottles with replaceable parts for long-term use. Zeste, meanwhile, focuses on sleek design combined with sustainable materials, and Gaspajoe (Wakapop) offers a playful approach to water bottles, with bright patterns and fun elements to appeal to a younger audience.

• Global water bottle manufacturers: industry trends

internationally, we see Hydro Flask leading the way with its insulated, high-performance stainless steel bottles, designed for a wide variety of activities and climates. Thermos maintains its long-standing reputation for quality insulation technology across its entire product range. Klean Kanteen focuses on health and environmental impact by offering sustainable solutions. S'well nods to both functionality and fashion with bottles that promise to keep beverages at the desired temperature while also flaunting a certain style.

These key market players collectively contribute to the dynamic and innovative nature of the French and global water bottle markets, meeting a range of needs from luxury to sustainability, sport and health. Each brand brings its own unique vision, contributing to a dynamic market as diverse as its consumer base. As the industry develops, these players continue to set the pace and direction of the market.

Inforamtion

• Number of pages : 30 pages
• Format : Digital and PDF versions
• Last update : 26/09/2023

Summary and extracts

List of charts

• Global water bottle market size forecast
• What are the main eco-responsible gestures to adopt on a daily basis?
• In your day-to-day life, what reusable equipment do you use to eat or drink away from home?
• To what extent do you consider the following practices to be environmentally problematic?
• What do the French drink?
• Water consumption trends
• Use of water treatment equipment
• What do you think are the main differences between tap water and bottled water?
• How did you get the gourd you're currently using?
• When you bought your current water bottle, what criteria did you take into account when choosing it?
• What material is your current water bottle(s) made of?
• Search frequency for the word "gourde" on Google
• Estimated size of the French gourd market
• Number of visits to the websites of 6 water bottle brands
• Exports of isothermal bottles and vacuum containers by volume
• Exports of isothermal bottles and vacuum containers by value
• Main buyers of French isothermal bottles and vacuum containers
• Imports of isothermal bottles and vacuum containers by volume
• Imports of isothermal bottles and vacuum containers by value
• France's leading suppliers of isothermal bottles and vacuum containers