Bottled Water Industry Loses Steam

According to a recent study by Canadean, global beverage industry experts, the growth of the bottle water industry is expected to slow significantly over the next 5 years.

From 2000 to 2008, the industry saw double-digit growth rates. In 2009, the beverage industry as a whole expects to see a 2% increase, with that rate growing higher as the economic situation turns around. The energy drink industry is expected to grow the most.

However, Canadean expects that the bottled water industry will see growth of less than 1% over the next five years, and the future beyond may be even bleaker. While the economy is somewhat to blame, growing concerns about the environment are also making people turn to tap water instead. In addition, better and more affordable water filtration systems and bottles are enticing more consumers to turn away from bottled water.

An important note, though – the industry is still growing, which is more than can be said for some industries in this economy.

Picture via shrff14 at Flickr.