Mineral water is a type of water that contains minerals and trace elements, such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium, that are naturally present in the water. Unlike tap water, which may be treated with chemicals to remove impurities and contaminants, mineral water is sourced from natural springs or wells and is considered to be a pure, natural source of water.
The mineral content of mineral water varies depending on the source, and different brands may contain different levels of minerals and trace elements. Some mineral waters may also have additional health benefits, such as alkaline water that is claimed to have a higher pH level, which is said to help neutralize acid in the body.
To be classified as mineral water, the water must meet certain criterias:
• Originating from a protected underground source.
• Being bottled at the source without any treatment would change its natural composition.
• Containing at least 250 parts per million (ppm) of total dissolved solids (TDS), which includes minerals and trace elements.
• Meeting strict microbiological standards to ensure safety and quality.
• Mineral water is popular among consumers who are looking for a natural, healthy alternative to other types of bottled water. It is also commonly used in the food and beverage industry as an ingredient in products such as soft drinks, beer, and other beverages.
The market scope for mineral water is significant and growing, driven by a range of factors such as increasing health awareness, rising disposable incomes, and changing consumer preferences.
The global mineral water market is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 7.5% from 2021 to 2026, according to a report by IMARC Group. The market is projected to reach a value of approximately $68 billion by 2026, up from $45 billion in 2020.
The market for mineral water is segmented based on product type, packaging type, distribution channel, and region. Based on product type, the market is segmented into still mineral water, sparkling mineral water, and flavored mineral water. Among these, still mineral water is the most popular product type, accounting for the largest share of the market.
Based on packaging type, the market is segmented into PET bottles, glass bottles, cans, and others. PET bottles are the most used packaging type for mineral water, accounting for the largest share of the market.
Based on distribution channel, the market is segmented into supermarkets/hypermarkets, convenience stores, online retail, and others. Supermarkets/hypermarkets are the most popular distribution channel for mineral water, accounting for the largest share of the market.
Geographically, Europe is the largest market for mineral water, followed by North America and Asia-Pacific. However, the Asia-Pacific region is expected to witness the fastest growth in the coming years, driven by factors such as rising health awareness, increasing urbanization, and growing disposable incomes.
The market scope for mineral water is significant and is expected to continue growing in the coming years, driven by a range of factors such as increasing health consciousness, rising demand for healthy beverages, and changing consumer preferences.
Who are the major players in the Market for Mineral water?
The market for mineral water is highly competitive, with a large number of global and regional players operating in the market. Some of the major players in the market for mineral water include:
· Nestlé S.A.
· Danone S.A.
· Coca-Cola Company
· PepsiCo, Inc.
· Gerolsteiner Brunnen GmbH & Co. KG
· CG Roxane, LLC
· San Pellegrino S.p.A.
· Vöslauer Mineralwasser AG
· FIJI Water Company LLC
· Highland Spring Group
These companies operate in various regions and offer a range of products, including still mineral water, sparkling mineral water, and flavored mineral water. They also use different packaging formats and distribution channels to reach consumers.
Other notable players in the market include Perrier, Evian, Badoit, Acqua Panna, and Aqua Minerale.
Commercial production of mineral water involves several steps, including sourcing water from a natural spring or well, bottling and packaging the water, and distributing it to retailers or consumers. Here are the basic steps involved in the commercial production of mineral water:
· Sourcing: The first step in the production of mineral water is sourcing the water from a natural spring or well. The water is usually tested to ensure it meets the standards for mineral water and is free from impurities and contaminants.
· Filtration: The water is then filtered to remove any remaining impurities, such as sediment or microorganisms.
· Mineralization: The water is then infused with minerals and trace elements, either naturally present in the water or added through a process of mineralization.
· Carbonation (optional): If producing sparkling mineral water, carbon dioxide gas is added to the water to create carbonation.
· Bottling: The mineral water is then bottled and sealed in various sizes and packaging formats, such as PET bottles, glass bottles, or cans.
· Labeling: The bottles are labeled with the brand name, logo, and other relevant information, such as the source and mineral content of the water.
· Packaging: The bottled mineral water is then packaged into cases or pallets for shipping and distribution.
· Distribution: The mineral water is distributed to retailers, such as supermarkets, convenience stores, and online retailers, or sold directly to consumers.
Commercial production of mineral water requires adherence to strict quality and safety standards to ensure that the final product is safe and of high quality. The production process may vary slightly depending on the specific brand and product type, but these basic steps are common to most commercial mineral water production processes.