Global Sparkling Water Market Grows at a Staggering CAGR of 6.8%

Introduction

The global sparkling water market is witnessing significant expansion, propelled by a growing consumer inclination towards healthier options and a heightened demand for low-calorie, naturally flavoured beverages.  The global increase in health consciousness has transformed consumer behaviour from sugary sodas to sparkling water, regarded as a delightful and healthier alternative.  The market is further driven by the expansion of product portfolios that include functional sparkling waters enriched with vitamins, minerals, and botanicals.  The escalation of urbanisation and the millennial demographic's preference for premium, artisanal beverages also drive sales growth.  Innovations in packaging, including environmentally friendly bottles and cans, correspond with sustainability trends, augmenting market attractiveness.

Moreover, emerging markets in the Asia-Pacific region are experiencing swift adoption, propelled by an expanding middle class and enhanced retail infrastructure.  The proliferation of e-commerce platforms has improved the accessibility of sparkling water, providing consumers with a broader selection of brands and flavours.  Prominent beverage corporations are diligently investing in research and development as well as acquisitions to seize market share, propelling innovation and growth in the sparkling water sector worldwide.

Market Dynamics

Increasing consciousness of health and wellness drives market growth

The primary driver of the expansion of the worldwide sparkling water market is the rising global focus on health and wellness.  Consumers are increasingly substituting sugary sodas with low-calorie, clean-label alternatives due to escalating worries regarding obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.  The 2024 International Food Information Council (IFIC) survey indicated that 68% of consumers are decreasing their sugar consumption, resulting in heightened demand for unsweetened or naturally flavoured sparkling waters.

• In July 2024, PepsiCo expanded its Bubly brand by introducing a new range of electrolyte-enhanced sparkling water called Bubly Burst, aimed at individuals with active lifestyles.
• Nestlé Waters launched S.Pellegrino Essenza Boost in Q1 2025, incorporating beneficial plant extracts and caffeine for natural energy enhancement.

Public health programs, fitness gurus, and digital wellness platforms advocating for sugar-free hydration further enhance this health-centric behaviour.  The momentum is anticipated to continue, establishing sparkling water as a fundamental component in domestic and commercial beverage consumption.

Growth in developing markets and online retail platforms creates tremendous opportunities

Emerging regions and e-commerce platforms present significant growth prospects for the worldwide sparkling water industry.  Urbanisation, increasing middle-class affluence, and heightened lifestyle consciousness in nations such as India, Vietnam, and Brazil generate new consumer groups inclined to spend on healthier beverage alternatives.

• In November 2024, Coca-Cola India expanded their SmartWater effervescent line, launching it exclusively via Flipkart and JioMart, resulting in a 30% month-on-month sales boost in Tier-1 cities.

Social commerce, influencer promotions, and customised digital marketing have enhanced product visibility.  Moreover, localised production investments by firms such as Perrier (Nestlé) in Brazil and Indonesia diminish supply chain expenses and improve regional competitiveness.  As consumer preferences in developing nations increasingly favour health and digital shopping grows prevalent, these avenues signify crucial opportunities for sustained market growth.

Regional Analysis

Europe predominates the worldwide sparkling water market, with Germany, Italy, and France at the forefront of consumption.  The region's inclination towards mineral and natural sparkling waters is founded on cultural practices and a robust bottled water industry.  The growing health consciousness and stringent sugar content limitations in beverages position sparkling water as a favoured option.  Premium brands like San Pellegrino and Gerolsteiner prevail, providing mineral-laden sparkling waters with handcrafted branding.  European customers have significant environmental consciousness, leading to widespread utilisation of glass bottles and aluminium cans.  The European Union's Green Deal laws have prompted firms to use circular economy practices, such as reusable packaging and diminished plastic usage, thereby enhancing the market.  Public-private partnerships in nations such as Germany foster sustainability and local procurement, augmenting customer confidence and market stability.

Key Highlights

• The global sparkling water market size was valued at USD 22.4 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow from USD 24.0 billion in 2025 to USD 38.7 billion in 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.8% during the forecast period (2025-2033).
• By Product Type, the market is segmented into flavoured sparkling water, unflavored (plain) sparkling water, and functional sparkling water. Flavoured sparkling water holds the largest share within the product type segment, driven by growing consumer demand for refreshing beverages with taste but without added sugars or calories.
• By Packaging Type, the market is segmented into plastic bottles, glass bottles, cans, and others. Plastic bottles dominate the packaging segment, accounting for the largest market share due to convenience, lightweight nature, and cost-effectiveness.
• By Distribution Channel, the market is segmented into supermarkets/hypermarkets, convenience stores, online retail, speciality stores, and foodservice. Supermarkets and hypermarkets remain the dominant distribution channel, accounting for the largest share due to their extensive reach and product variety.
• Based on region, the global market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa. North America dominates the global market.

Competitive Players

1. Nestlé Waters
2. PepsiCo
3. The Coca-Cola Company
4. Danone
5. Spindrift
6. LaCroix (National Beverage Corp.)
7. San Pellegrino (Nestlé)
8. Perrier
9. AHA (Coca-Cola)
10. Mountain Valley Spring Company
11. Hint Water
12. Talking Rain
13. Waterloo Sparkling Water
14. Polar Beverages
15. Keurig Dr Pepper

Recent Developments

• In January 2025, Nestlé introduced a fully recyclable bottle made from 100% rPET for its Perrier sparkling water line in Europe, significantly reducing plastic waste and carbon footprint, supporting EU sustainability goals.
• In November 2024, Spindrift launched a new line of organic sparkling water with botanical infusions, targeting health-conscious consumers and premium markets in North America, backed by expanded distribution in major retail chains like Whole Foods.

Segmentation

1. By Product Type
   1. Flavoured Sparkling Water
   2. Unflavored (Plain) Sparkling Water
   3. Functional Sparkling Water (infused with vitamins, minerals, botanicals, etc.)
2. By Packaging Type
   1. Plastic Bottles
   2. Glass Bottles
   3. Cans
   4. Others (Cartons, Pouches)
3. By Distribution Channel
   1. Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
   2. Convenience Stores
   3. Online Retail
   4. Speciality Stores
   5. Foodservice (Restaurants, Hotels, Cafes)
4. By Region
   1. North America
   2. Europe
   3. Asia-Pacific
   4. Latin America
   5. The Middle East and Africa