Retail sales increase as people seek alternatives to carbonated, sugary beverages and packaging that is sustainable.
American consumers love bottled water more than they ever have -- literally.
Based on data from the Beverage Marketing Corp., the beverage that is packaged is already the leading product in the beverage category recording a volume record of 15.7 million gallons in 2021. This high-end mark for bottled water surpassed the previous record of 15.3 billion gallons, set by carbonated soft drinks in 2004.
Bottled water has been outselling soft drinks each year since the year 2016. This can be attributed to consumers who increasingly choose to drink bottled water instead of other drinks that are packaged to drink for hydration. Consumers shifting away from less-healthful packaged drinks have fueled much of the category's rise.
"An increasing trend in consumption per capita demonstrates the consistent, steady demand for a product consumers believe is healthier than other drinks," Michael Bellas (chairman and CEO of BMC) stated in an announcement. The attraction of bottled water to Americans is due to its various inherent qualities, which include its connection with convenience, safety, healthfulness, and value.
The U.S. bottled water consumption amounted to 4.7 percent in 2021. On average, every American consumed 47 gallons bottle water in 2021. This is which is a 3.9 percent increase from 2010. BMC figures show that sales of bottled water increased by 11.2% up to $40.2 billion in 2021, an increase of 3.9% over 2010.
Consumers changing to healthier packaged beverages has contributed 30% to the growth in bottled water in the last year.
"Bottled water's freedom from artificial ingredients and calories appeals to many consumers," Bellas explained. Some consumers may have switched to diet drinks, while others chose bottled water. Some consumers began to be concerned about artificial sweeteners, and have shifted away from conventional beverages.
Nine out of 10 Americans (91 percent) would like bottled water to be sold wherever other drinks are sold, according to the results of a survey done on behalf of the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) by The Harris Poll. The reverse could also happen if people decide to switch from drinks that contain sugar to bottled water. If bottled water is unavailable, 74% of consumers say they will turn to other packaged drinks, not tap water, a poll found.
People are choosing to consume fewer calories, and bottled water is healthier. Jill Culora is the vice chief of communications for IBWA. She explained that bottled water containers are 100% recyclable even the caps. They also use less plastic than other beverages packaged in bottles.
Soda bottles, which require thicker plastic due to the carbonation and/or bottling processes use an average of 188% more PET plastic than bottled water containers (23.9 grams versus 8.3 grams for 16.9-ounce containers) according to IBWA. Bottled water, too, has the smallest water and energy use footprint of any packaged beverage as per the associations. On average, 1.39 liters of water (including one liter of water consumed) and 0.21 megajoules of energy are needed to produce one liter of the final bottle of water.
Culora reported that people are more likely to choose to drink bottled water for health reasons. This is especially crucial considering the nation's high levels of diabetes, obesity, and heart disease.