China Bottled Water Market (2025-2029) | Analysis, Industry, Value, Companies, Competitive Landscape, Size & Revenue, Trends, Segmentation, Share, Forecast, Outlook, Growth

China Bottled Water Market Highlights

Topics Covered in the China Bottled Water Market Report

The China Bottled Water Market report comprehensively covers the market by quality, type, product, material, purchasing sources, pack size, end-user packaging, and provinces. The market report presents an unbiased and detailed analysis of the prevailing industry trends, high-growth segments, and market drivers that would guide stakeholders in devising strategic plans aligned with evolving market dynamics.

China Bottled Water Market Synopsis

China bottled water market is witnessing robust growth. The market is driven by increasing health awareness among consumers and rising spending power. There is high demand for bottled water that is rich in minerals and has boosting components. Furthermore, the industry is transforming towards eco-friendly packaging systems and reusable water bottle trends. Growing e-commerce platforms are further contributing to this industry expansion among various demographic areas. There is high demand for functional beverages with multi-flavors that enhance the product usage.

China Bottled Water Market is projected to grow rapidly, growing at a growth rate of (CAGR) of 4.85% during the forecast period 2025–2029. Major factors that are driving this industry expansion are rising demand of consumers for safer drinking options and increasing purchasing power of consumers. The increasing demand for premium bottled water options and emerging e-commerce platforms are further propelling China Bottled Water Market Growth. Increasing fitness trends and promoting proper hydration in the body further contribute to this industry expansion. Technological advancements are further making bottled water rich in minerals and with enhanced shelf life, thus making it a suitable choice for drinking.

China Bottled Water Market Challenges

Despite the immersive growth in the market, the China Bottled Water Industry faces few major challenges in its path of growth. Major challenges include high competition from local and international brands and strict regulations regarding plastic bans and eco-friendly material usage adoption by consumers. Further, distribution efficiency is being hindered by high logistics costs, particularly in rural areas. Moreover, supply chains get disrupted by government regulations on groundwater extraction from areas that are water-scarce. Fluctuating pricing of raw materials and changing trust level of consumers on various products also hinder the sustained revenue growth in the long run.

China Bottled Water Market Trends

China Bottled Water Market is seeing key trends like the swift adoption of smart packaging using QR codes for product traceability, growing demand for eco-friendly bottles, and interest in customized hydration options. Brands are focusing on sustainable sourcing and recyclable materials to match green consumer expectations. The rise of infused and functional waters supporting immunity, detox, and energy needs shows changing preferences. Celebrity partnerships and wellness-driven branding are also reshaping consumer purchasing choices.

Investment Opportunities in the China Bottled Water Market

Investment prospects in China Bottled Water Market are strong, particularly in health-centric and premium segments, where flavored and functional waters are gaining traction. Firms are launching niche products like oxygenated, alkaline, and probiotic water. Expansion into rural regions is rising via collaboration with local logistics providers. Sustainability efforts are spurring green investment in biodegradable packaging and enhanced filtration. AI-led improvements in manufacturing and supply chain systems are also attracting increasing levels of capital investment.

Leading Players of the China Bottled Water Market

The China Bottled Water Market Share is led by companies focusing on brand differentiation, strong distribution networks, and product innovation. Leading players include Nongfu Spring, Wahaha, C'estbon, Kunlun Mountains, and Coca-Cola China. Premium brands like Evian and Perrier are capturing urban markets, while regional brands are expanding in tier-2 and tier-3 cities. Local players are increasing market share by offering affordable products with comparable quality. Cross-border brands are also leveraging online platforms to enter the competitive Chinese market.

Government Regulations Introduced in the China Bottled Water Market

According to Chinese government data, regulatory bodies have implemented strict standards such as GB 19298-2014 for packaged drinking water quality. The National Health Commission requires explicit labeling of mineral composition and water source.  Recent initiatives within the "Healthy China 2030" framework prioritize enhanced access to potable water and increased openness in water procurement.  The State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) performs routine quality assessments.  Moreover, provincial prohibitions on non-recyclable plastic bottles have expedited advancements in sustainable packaging throughout the sector.

Future Insights of the China Bottled Water Market

China Bottled Water Market is expected to grow steadily, fueled by rising interest in healthier drinks and premium hydration options. Innovations on the horizon include blockchain-based traceability, AI-managed supply chains, and smart vending technologies in urban hubs. Increasing demand for biodegradable, plant-based packaging is set to influence brand direction. The spread into rural and semi-urban zones through local bottling units will lower logistics expenses and carbon emissions, improving sustainability and availability across diverse consumer groups.

Market Segmentation Analysis

The report offers a comprehensive study of the subsequent market segments and their leading categories.

Premium Segment to Dominate the Market – By Quality

According to Guneet Kaur, Senior Research Analyst, 6Wresearch, The premium bottled water segment dominates the China market due to increasing health-conscious consumers seeking enhanced mineral content, imported labels, and purity certifications. Urban professionals and the upper middle class are opting for international brands with premium positioning. 

Still Water to Dominate the Market – By Type

Among different types, still water holds the highest market share, primarily due to affordability and daily consumption patterns. This category is widely accepted across all age groups and is available in numerous local and national brands. The availability of still water in multiple packaging sizes enhances its convenience factor, while advancements in purification technologies ensure consumer trust. 

Packaged Drinking Water to Dominate the Market – By Product

Packaged drinking water leads the product category in China’s bottled water market due to mass accessibility and affordability. It is widely distributed through vending machines, retail stores, and food service locations. 

Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) to Dominate the Market – By Material

PET bottles dominate the material category due to their cost-effectiveness, durability, and recyclability. These bottles are lightweight, making transportation efficient, and widely accepted by consumers. Most major players prefer PET packaging due to its compatibility with high-speed production lines and lower environmental footprint when properly recycled. 

Supermarket/Hypermarket to Dominate the Market – By Purchasing Sources

Supermarkets and hypermarkets are the leading purchasing sources for bottled water in China, as they offer variety, competitive pricing, and convenience. Chains like Carrefour, RT-Mart, and Walmart China stock both domestic and international water brands. These outlets serve as one-stop destinations for families and bulk buyers. 

1501 ml and above Pack Size to Dominate the Market – By Pack Size

The 1501 ml and above segment dominates the market by pack size due to high household and commercial demand. These larger bottles are favored by offices, restaurants, and homes for daily water consumption and cost efficiency. Bulk packaging also reduces plastic use per liter, aligning with environmental goals. 

Plastic Bottle to Dominate the Market – By End-user Packaging

Plastic bottles remain the top end-user packaging format in China due to their affordability, portability, and strong distribution ecosystem. Innovations in lightweight bottle designs and recycled content are enhancing sustainability. Companies are investing in bio-based plastics and returnable bottle programs to maintain eco-compliance. 

Key Attractiveness of the Report

• 10 Years of Market Numbers.
• Historical Data Starting from 2021 to 2024.
• Base Year: 2024.
• Forecast Data until 2029.
• Key Performance Indicators Impacting the Market.
• Major Upcoming Developments and Projects.

Key Highlights of the Report:

• China Bottled Water Market Outlook
• Market Size of China Bottled Water Market, 2024
• Forecast of China Bottled Water Market, 2029
• Historical Data and Forecast of China Bottled Water Revenues & Volume for the Period 2019- 2029F
• China Bottled Water Market Trend Evolution
• China Bottled Water Market Drivers and Challenges
• China Bottled Water Price Trends
• China Bottled Water Porter's Five Forces
• China Bottled Water Industry Life Cycle
• Historical Data and Forecast of China Bottled Water Market Revenues & Volume By Product Type for the Period 2019- 2029F
• Historical Data and Forecast of China Bottled Water Market Revenues & Volume By Still Water for the Period 2019- 2029F
• Historical Data and Forecast of China Bottled Water Market Revenues & Volume By Sparkling Water for the Period 2019- 2029F
• Historical Data and Forecast of China Bottled Water Market Revenues & Volume By Functional Water for the Period 2019- 2029F
• Historical Data and Forecast of China Bottled Water Market Revenues & Volume By Others for the Period 2019- 2029F
• Historical Data and Forecast of China Bottled Water Market Revenues & Volume By Packaging for the Period 2019- 2029F
• Historical Data and Forecast of China Bottled Water Market Revenues & Volume By PET for the Period 2019- 2029F
• Historical Data and Forecast of China Bottled Water Market Revenues & Volume By Cans for the Period 2019- 2029F
• Historical Data and Forecast of China Bottled Water Market Revenues & Volume By Others for the Period 2019- 2029F
• Historical Data and Forecast of China Bottled Water Market Revenues & Volume By Distribution Channel for the Period 2019- 2029F
• Historical Data and Forecast of China Bottled Water Market Revenues & Volume By Off-trade for the Period 2019- 2029F
• Historical Data and Forecast of China Bottled Water Market Revenues & Volume By On-trade for the Period 2019- 2029F
• China Bottled Water Import Export Trade Statistics
• Market Opportunity Assessment By Product Type
• Market Opportunity Assessment By Packaging
• Market Opportunity Assessment By Distribution Channel
• China Bottled Water Top Companies Market Share
• China Bottled Water Competitive Benchmarking By Technical and Operational Parameters
• China Bottled Water Company Profiles
• China Bottled Water Key Strategic Recommendations

Market Covered

The market report provides a detailed analysis of the following market segments:

By Quality

• Premium
• Non-Premium

By Type

• Still Water
• Spring Water
• Sparkling Water
• Purified Water
• Mineral Water

By Product

• Still Bottled Water
• Packaged Drinking Water
• Functional Water Bottle
• Flavored Bottled Water
• Distilled Bottled Water
• Carbonated Bottled Water

By Material

• Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
• Glass

By Purchasing Sources

• Supermarket/Hypermarket
• Online Retail Stores
• Grocery Stores
• Food Serving Places
• E-retailers
• Clubs
• Home and Office Delivery
• Others

By Pack Size

• 1501 ml and above
• 1001 ml - 1500 ml
• 501 ml - 1000 ml
• 331 ml - 500 ml
• 330 ml

By End-user Packaging

• Plastic Bottle
• Glass Bottle
• Drum (Bulk)
• Can

By Provinces

• Guangdong
• Beijing
• Shanghai
• Jiangsu
• Rest of China