The sparkling water market - France

The global sparkling water market, valued at $32.3 billion in 2021, is projected to experience significant growth, with expectations to triple by 2030, translating to a CAGR of 12.6% from 2022-2030. Within this market, bottled sparkling waters hold the largest share, accounting for 45%. A key driver of growth is the increasing public awareness of health concerns, steering consumers towards healthy, sugar-free alternatives like sparkling water, which is often rich in minerals like magnesium.

Flavored sparkling waters are especially gaining traction, indicated by new product launches like mango and apple-infused waters by Dash Water and Waterloo Sparkling Water in 2022. In terms of consumption, Asia leads with 31% of global bottled water intake, while Europe and North America follow closely. However, on a per capita basis, Europeans consume the most bottled water, averaging 103.3 bottles annually, with the French consuming an average of 114 bottles per person each year.

In France, sales of carbonated waters in supermarkets totaled €743.9 million from July 2021 to July 2022. The sector faces challenges, including environmental concerns over packaging, leading companies like Nestlé to invest in research for eco-friendly packaging solutions. The domestic French market has seen a shift in consumption habits towards non-alcoholic beverages and a strong preference for sparkling waters from brands such as Perrier and Badoit.

Additionally, new consumption patterns have emerged in response to ecological concerns, with consumers showing an interest in home carbonation systems and bulk water dispensing machines for both still and sparkling water.

Evolving Trends in France's Sparkling Water Market

In France, sparkling water has cemented its place in the beverage industry with a robust consumer base predominantly comprised of affluent individuals over 65. The market, characterized by national, regional, and flavored segments, is significantly influenced by the regionality of sparkling water sources, with the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region standing out as a major production area. The French market is seeing a distinctive trend where environmental concerns are shaping purchasing behaviors.

Consumers are increasingly opting for eco-responsible choices, prompting major players in the industry to invest in research and development for green packaging solutions, such as those pursued by Nestlé's Institute of Packaging Science. 

This rise can be attributed to the public's heightened health awareness, viewing sparkling water as a healthy, sugar-free alternative to other beverages and appreciating the mineral content it offers. In supermarkets, a subtle shift is happening with natural sparkling waters seeing a 5.6% decrease in sales, while flavored variants are maintaining their market presence with only a 0.5% drop.

Nonetheless, volumes indicate a 3.7% increase for flavored sparkling waters. Delving into the consumption habits of the French, we observe that around 23% of the population, equating to between 15 and 20 million people, consume bottled sparkling water daily. Sparkling water consumption is predominantly a fixture of meal times on weekdays, with flavored options gaining traction among consumers.

When considering popular brands, Perrier and Badoit lead the way, with approval ratings of 69.3% and 63.8% respectively. Notably, appreciation for these brands increases with age and varies by region, with the South and Ile-de-France regions expressing higher levels of appreciation. The sparkling water market, while facing challenges due to the environmental impact of packaging and recent supply chain difficulties for food-grade carbon dioxide, continues to adapt with innovations such as home carbonation systems.

Given the responsible consumption trends, the market is witnessing an increase in the ownership of home carbonation devices, reaching 20% in 2020, with 11% using them regularly. In summary, France's sparkling water market is characterized by a strong consumer base that is turning towards more environmentally friendly consumption, an increase in the flavored water segment.

Key Contenders Shaping the Sparkling Water Landscape in France

As the sparkling water market continues to bubble with activity, several key players stand out for their notable contributions and market impact. These organizations, through their established brands and innovative products, have carved out a significant presence in the industry, catering to the diverse preferences of French consumers.

• Nestlé Waters Group - The Hydration Powerhouse Leading the pack is Nestlé Waters Group, renowned for its iconic brands like Perrier, San Pellegrino, and Quezac. With Perrier's omnipresence on cafe tables and San Pellegrino's Italian-chic appeal, Nestlé Waters has solidified its reputation as a provider of premium sparkling mineral waters. Meanwhile, Quezac captures the essence of the French countryside, offering consumers a taste of Occitanie's natural heritage.

• Danone Group - The Health-Focused Titan Another major contender in the market is the Danone Group, which boasts ownership of classic brands such as Badoit and Salvetat. Badoit brings a touch of elegance with its fine bubbles and a hint of prestige, rooted in its history as a luxurious dining accompaniment. Salvetat, on the other hand, positions itself as a lighter, more refreshing alternative, often featuring flavor-infused varieties that cater to consumers looking for a zestful twist in their sparkling water experience.

• Groupe Alma - The Diverse Portfolio Connoisseur Distinguished by its broad range of offerings, Groupe Alma has developed a portfolio that includes names like St Yorre, known for its naturally carbonated mineral water rich in minerals. Cristalline, Rozana, Vichy Célestins, and Vals are also part of the family, each having its unique appeal to different segments of the market, from cost-conscious consumers to those seeking specialized mineral content.

• Specialized and Private Label Producers - The Niche Innovators Smaller, specialized brands like Saint Amand and Orezza from Corsica offer their unique flavors and regional charm, creating specialized niches within the market. Private labels such as Carrefour, E.Leclerc, and the Casino Group (Monoprix, Franprix, Casino, etc.) have also made their mark by offering affordable yet quality alternatives to the leading brands, giving consumers more choices without compromising on taste or effervescence. These players within the market demonstrate the vibrancy and competition found within the French sparkling water industry. 

Inforamtion

• Number of pages : 30 pages
• Format : Digital and PDF versions
• Last update : 05/05/2023

Summary and extracts

List of charts

• Sales projections for sparkling waters
• Average consumption of bottled water by region
• Breakdown of sales of sparkling waters in supermarkets by flavour
• Breakdown of volume of sparkling water sold in supermarkets by flavor
• Growth in supermarket sales and volumes
• The seven biggest consumers of bottled water
• Selection criteria for the purchase of a non-alcoholic beverage (other than still water)
• Percentage of French people who drink bottled water at least once a day, by type of water
• Number of people using flavored water, by brand
• France's favourite sparkling water brands
• Comparison of sparkling water brand ratings by age category
• Level of appreciation of surveyed sparkling water brands by gender
• Comparison of the level of appreciation of four sparkling water brands by region
• Change in the number of employees and companies registered under NAF code 11.07A
• Food products most affected by shortages
• Drive weight in belly values and trends
• Trends in French bottled water consumption practices