The water cooler market - France

Between now and 2020, the European water cooler market, which includes carbonated coolers, network coolers and atmospheric coolers, is set to continue expanding despite challenges such as high sensitivity to water and rental prices, and pressure on margins. The French market reflects a shift from bottle fountains to networked fountains, which offer advantages such as better water quality and greater safety. Although there is no specific numerical data for 2020 in the text provided, the number of drinking fountains in France has reached 560,000, with growth trends showing an increasing preference for modern, networked solutions. The main players in the French market are Culligan, Waterlogic and Château d'eau.

Despite the existing demand for water coolers in the workplace, companies are still reluctant to adopt these solutions, partly due to a lack of awareness of water consumption budgets. The market is being driven by factors such as environmental concerns, the desire for healthier water, such as microfiltered water, and the appeal of a communal hydration space. Innovation in the sector is notable, with developments such as SAFEPATH CU+ antibacterial technology and European standardization efforts.

Regulations are evolving, with forthcoming French legislation set to ban the free distribution of plastic bottles in public places by 2021 and make the installation of water fountains mandatory by 2022.

Workplace hydration trends on the French market

In the French market, the trend is clearly towards improving access to water in the workplace, with particular emphasis on the critical role of hydration in employee health. Studies underline the significant health impact that even mild dehydration, of the order of 1-2%, can have on physical performance and fatigue levels. Beyond the physical implications, dehydration can also reduce an individual's ability to concentrate, which is of particular concern in a work environment.

Despite this awareness, satisfaction levels regarding access to drinking water in the workplace remain low among employees. With over three-quarters of the workforce expressing dissatisfaction, this reveals a gap between the need to hydrate and the reality of current workplace provision. The demand for water fountains in the workplace is observable, with a preference for tap water. However, companies are reluctant to fully meet this need. For example, bottled water fountains are the least preferred by consumers, accounting for only around 4% of workplace use. This shift in preference is in line with the decline observed for bottled water fountains in France, whereas they are slightly preferred at European level.

In addition, environmental concerns play an important role in the evolution of demand. Many employees resort to plastic bottles due to the lack of communal water points, resulting in inadequate recycling and disposal practices - an unsustainable solution that runs counter to ecological awareness.

From a financial point of view, the notion of a water cooler as a workplace amenity is not fully accepted, with many participants unaware of their company's water consumption budget. Nonetheless, almost 30% believe that their company's expenditure on water access is minimal. In terms of market segmentation, the French market is diversified, with atmospheric fountains designed for small workplaces and networked fountains offering better water quality.this offers opportunities for innovation in water purity and safety technologies.

Overall, the trend in the French market points to a growing demand for better hydration solutions in the workplace, driven by health, environmental concerns and changing preferences in terms of water quality and access to water.

The water cooler landscape in France is characterized by the presence ofmajor players who have firmly established their market dominance by offering innovative hydration solutions in a variety of sectors - from businesses to public spaces. These market leaders have made a significant contribution to the industry through their range of products and services, each specializing in different segments to meet the diverse needs of consumers.

• Culligan is a world leader, not only in France but also internationally. With a massive customer base and a vast network of employees and stores, the company offers complete water solutions, including water coolers that have become indispensable in office spaces. Its expertise ranges from traditional bottled water solutions to advanced purification systems.
• Waterlogic is another major player, known for its specialization in networked water coolers. It focuses on technology that purifies tap water, making it safer and more pleasant for consumers to drink.
• Present in many countries, Waterlogic is renowned for its quality and its clientele, both corporate and public institutions.
• Château d'eau, meanwhile, has seized the throne of French market leader in water fountains. Its success is due to a solid infrastructure that spans the entire country. With a plethora of installations to its credit, Château d'eau has secured a reputation for reliability in the distribution of drinking water through its fountains.
• Beyond these giants are innovative companies such as Laguneo, which specializes in atmospheric water fountains. Their unique technology extracts moisture from the air to produce water, offering an environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional water supply methods.
• For facilities that focus on the filtration aspect, Brita proves to be a specialist supplier. The company is renowned for its filtration systems that improve the quality of tap water, ensuring that health and taste are never compromised, whether in a domestic setting or in the workplace.
• Unlike the big companies, companies like Aquafontaine and Axô provide niche services and thrive on customized solutions and customer-centric approaches to workplace hydration. Unlike larger companies, these players tend to offer a more personalized experience, appealing to consumers who appreciate a tailored service.
• Exquado, meanwhile, does not disclose its financial data, but continues to play an important role in the water cooler community, maintaining its market position through its offerings.

Together, these key players contribute to a dynamic and competitive market in France, each bringing something unique to the table. Their combined efforts ensure that businesses and employees have access to healthy, convenient and efficient water coolers.

Inforamtion

• Number of pages : 30 pages
• Format : Digital and PDF versions
• Last update : 01/08/2021

Summary and extracts

List of charts

• Nombre de fontaines à eau
• Répartition du marché européen
• Répartition du marché par pays
• Évolution du chiffre d'affaires des fontaines à eau
• Évolution du nombre de fontaines à bonbonnes
• Évolution du nombre de fontaines réseau
• Lieux d'implantation des fontaines à eau
• Au sein de votre entreprise, vous consommez principalement de l’eau
• Selon vous, le budget de consommation d’eau au sein de la société est:
• Quelle attitude correspond le plus à vos salariés et collaborateurs:
• Selon vous, quel type d’eau est la plus saine pour vous?
• Pour votre consommation personnelle d’eau, vous préférez:
• En entreprise, procédez-vous au tri sélectif, notamment pour les bouteilles d’eau utilisées?
• Principaux acteurs de l'industrie des fontaines à eau, par chiffre d'affaires
• Êtes-vous satisfait de l'accès à l'eau dans votre entreprise?