Report Overview

South Africa Bottled Water Market – Industry Trends & Forecast Report, 2031

South Africa Bottled Water Market size was estimated at USD 2.94 billion in 2024. During the forecast period between 2025 and 2031, South Africa Bottled Water Market size is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8% reaching a value of USD 5.04 billion by 2031. The growth of South African Bottled Water Market is driven by rising health consciousness, urbanization, and water scarcity, leading consumers to seek safe hydration alternatives. Premium bottled water demand is increasing, alongside sustainability trends promoting eco-friendly packaging. E-commerce growth enhances accessibility, while innovative packaging solutions attract consumers. Regulatory shifts influence production standards, and affordability concerns shape purchasing behavior. Additionally, supply chain resilience ensures market stability amid logistical challenges. These factors collectively fuel market expansion and evolving consumer preferences.

Bottled Water – Overview

Bottled water is purified or natural drinking water packaged in plastic or glass bottles, available in still, sparkling, and mineral varieties. It is favored for convenience, perceived purity, and taste, often sourced from springs, wells, or municipal supplies. The industry faces environmental concerns due to plastic waste but continues to grow with sustainability efforts and premium offerings. Regulatory standards ensure safety, while innovations in packaging and distribution drive market expansion. Bottled water remains a dominant global beverage choice.

South Africa Bottled Water Market  

Growth Drivers

Growing Health and Wellness Trends

Consumers in South Africa are increasingly prioritizing health and wellness, driving demand for bottled water as a healthier alternative to sugary beverages. The market is witnessing a shift toward functional and premium water, including vitamin-infused and alkaline water. Rising concerns over water purity and hydration benefits further fuel growth. Brands are innovating with eco-friendly packaging and sustainable sourcing to align with wellness-conscious consumers. This trend is expected to accelerate market expansion in the coming years.

Challenges

Environmental Impact of Plastic Waste

South African Bottled Water Market faces growing environmental concerns due to plastic waste accumulation. Single-use PET bottles contribute to landfill overflow and marine pollution, harming ecosystems. Limited recycling infrastructure exacerbates the issue, while government regulations push for sustainable alternatives. Consumers are increasingly demanding eco-friendly packaging, prompting brands to explore biodegradable materials and refillable solutions. Despite efforts, plastic dependency remains a challenge, requiring industry-wide collaboration to mitigate environmental damage and promote sustainable practices.

Impact of Escalating Geopolitical Tensions on South Africa Bottled Water Market  

Rising geopolitical tensions are affecting South Africa Bottled Water Market through supply chain disruptions, currency volatility, and import-export restrictions. Trade conflicts and tariff impositions impact raw material costs, while economic instability weakens consumer purchasing power. Regulatory shifts and strained international relations influence market dynamics, affecting investment and expansion strategies. Additionally, logistics challenges due to global uncertainties hinder distribution efficiency. These factors collectively create market unpredictability, requiring businesses to adapt to evolving geopolitical landscapes.

South Africa Bottled Water Market  

Segmental Coverage

South Africa Bottled Water Market – By Product Type

By product type, South Africa Bottled Water Market is divided into Still Water, Sparkling Water, and Functional Water segments. The still water segment is the largest in South Africa Bottled Water Market. This dominance is driven by strong consumer preference for affordable, convenient hydration options and the widespread availability of still water across retail channels. Still water is often perceived as a healthier alternative to sugary beverages, further boosting its popularity. Additionally, the expansion of eco-friendly packaging and local sourcing initiatives has strengthened the segment’s appeal, making it the leading choice among South African consumers in the bottled water market.

South Africa Bottled Water Market – By Packaging Material

Based on packaging material, South Africa Bottled Water Market is divided into PET Bottles, Cans, and Glass Bottles segments. The PET Bottles segment is the largest in South Africa Bottled Water Market. This dominance is driven by the affordability, lightweight nature, and convenience of PET packaging, making it ideal for on-the-go consumption. PET bottles are widely used by both local and international brands due to their cost-effectiveness and recyclability. Additionally, the increasing demand for single-serve bottled water and the extensive retail distribution network further contribute to the widespread preference for PET bottles across the country.

South Africa Bottled Water Market – By Distribution Channel

On the basis of distribution channel, South Africa Bottled Water Market is divided into Off-trade (Retail Stores, Supermarkets) and On-trade (Hotels, Restaurants, Cafés) segments. The off-trade segment is the largest in South Africa Bottled Water Market, which includes retail stores and supermarkets. This dominance is driven by high consumer preference for convenient, affordable bottled water purchases for home and on-the-go use. Supermarkets and retail chains offer a wide variety of brands and packaging options, catering to diverse customer needs. The growth of private-label bottled water and increased health awareness further boosts off-trade sales, making it the most significant channel in the market.

Competitive Landscape

Major companies operating in South Africa Bottled Water Market include Nestlé Waters South Africa, Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa, Aquabella Natural Spring Water, Oasis Water, aQuellé, Valpré Spring Water, Bonaqua, Thirsti Water, Spar Bottled Water, Cape Aqua, Mountain Falls. To further enhance their market share, these companies employ various strategies, including mergers and acquisitions, partnerships, joint ventures, license agreements, and new product launches.

Scope of the Report

By Product Type

• Still Water

• Sparkling Water

• Functional Water

By Packaging Material

• PET Bottles

• Cans

• Glass Bottles

By Distribution Channel

• Off-trade (Retail Stores, Supermarkets)

• On-trade (Hotels, Restaurants, Cafés)

1. Research Framework
   1. Research Objective
   2. Product Overview
   3. Market Segmentation
2. Executive Summary
3. South Africa Bottled Water Market: Market Insights
   1. Industry Value Chain Analysis
   2. DROC Analysis
      1. Growth Drivers
         1. Increasing Health & Wellness Trends
         2. Demand for Sustainable & Eco-friendly Packaging
         3. Rising Urbanization & Changing Consumer Preferences
      2. Restraints
         1. Environmental Impact of Plastic Waste
         2. High Production & Distribution Costs
         3. Competition from Alternative Hydration Solutions
      3. Opportunities
         1. Expansion of Premium & Functional Bottled Water
         2. Growth in Online & Direct-to-Consumer Sales Channels
      4. Challenges
         1. Stringent Government Regulations & Compliance Requirements
         2. Supply Chain & Logistics Disruptions
   3. Technological Advancements/Recent Developments
   4. Regulatory Framework
   5. Porter’s Five Forces Analysis
      1. Bargaining Power of Suppliers
      2. Bargaining Power of Buyers
      3. Threat of New Entrants
      4. Threat of Substitutes
      5. Intensity of Rivalry
4. South Africa Bottled Water Market Strategies
5. South Africa Bottled Water Market: Pricing Analysis
6. South Africa Bottled Water Market Overview
   1. Market Size & Forecast, 2019–2031
      1. By Value (USD Billion)
   2. Market Share & Forecast
      1. By Product Type
         1. Still Water
         2. Sparkling Water
         3. Functional Water
      2. By Packaging Material
         1. PET Bottles
         2. Cans
         3. Glass Bottles
      3. By Distribution Channel
         1. Off-trade (Retail Stores, Supermarkets)
         2. On-trade (Hotels, Restaurants, Cafés)
7. Competitive Landscape
   1. List of Key Players and Their Offerings
   2. South Africa Bottled Water Market Share Analysis, 2024
   3. Competitive Benchmarking, By Operating Parameters
   4. Key Strategic Developments (Mergers, Acquisitions, Partnerships)
8. Impact of Escalating Geopolitical Tensions on South Africa Bottled Water Market
9. Company Profiles (Company Overview, Financial Matrix, Competitive Landscape, Key Personnel, Key Competitors, Contact Address, Strategic Outlook, SWOT Analysis)
   1. Nestlé Waters South Africa
   2. Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa
   3. Aquabella Natural Spring Water
   4. Oasis Water
   5. aQuellé
   6. Valpré Spring Water
   7. Bonaqua
   8. Thirsti Water
   9. Spar Bottled Water
   10. Cape Aqua
   11. Mountain Falls
10. Key Strategic Recommendations
11. Research Methodology
    1. Qualitative Research
       1.  Primary & Secondary Research
    2.   Quantitative Research
    3.   Market Breakdown & Data Triangulation
       1.  Secondary Research
       2.  Primary Research
    4. Breakdown of Primary Research Respondents, By Region
    5.   Assumptions & Limitations

*Financial information of non-listed companies can be provided as per availability.

  The segmentation and the companies are subject to modifications based on in-depth secondary research for the final deliverable.

List of Figures

Figure 1       South Africa Bottled Water Market: Market Segmentation

Figure 2       South Africa Bottled Water Market Value Chain Analysis

Figure 3       Company Market Share Analysis, 2024

Figure 4       South Africa Bottled Water Market Size, By Value (USD Billion), 2019–2031

Figure 5       South Africa Bottled Water Market Share, By Product Type, By Value, 2019–2031

Figure 6       South Africa Bottled Water Market Share, By Packaging Material, By Value, 2019–2031

Figure 7       South Africa Bottled Water Market Share, By Distribution Channel, By Value, 2019–2031

List of Tables

Table 1        South Africa Bottled Water Market Size, By Value (USD Billion), 2019–2031

Table 2        South Africa Bottled Water Market Size, By Product Type, By Value, 2019–2031

Table 3        South Africa Bottled Water Market Size, By Packaging Material, By Value, 2019–2031

Table 4        South Africa Bottled Water Market Size, By Distribution Channel, By Value, 2019–2031

Table 5   Nestlé Waters South Africa Company Overview 

Table 6   Nestlé Waters South Africa Financial Overview 

Table 7   Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa Company Overview 

Table 8   Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa Financial Overview 

Table 9   Aquabella Natural Spring Water Company Overview 

Table 10   Aquabella Natural Spring Water Financial Overview 

Table 11   Oasis Water Company Overview 

Table 12   Oasis Water Financial Overview 

Table 13   aQuellé Company Overview 

Table 14   aQuellé Financial Overview 

Table 15   Valpré Spring Water Company Overview 

Table 16   Valpré Spring Water Financial Overview 

Table 17   Bonaqua Company Overview 

Table 18   Bonaqua Financial Overview 

Table 19   Thirsti Water Company Overview 

Table 20   Thirsti Water Financial Overview 

Table 21   Spar Bottled Water Company Overview 

Table 22   Spar Bottled Water Financial Overview 

Table 23   Cape Aqua Company Overview 

Table 24   Cape Aqua Financial Overview 

Table 25   Mountain Falls Company Overview 

Table 26   Mountain Falls Financial Overview