Bottled Water in Canada

2021 DEVELOPMENTS

As the COVID-19 pandemic comes to an end, retail sales migrate to the foodservice industry

One of the most notable shifts witnessed in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic was the shift from the on-trade to the off-trade. This comes as no surprise due to lockdown and the ongoing restrictions seen in 2020, which saw the closure of foodservice establishments.

Sparkling flavoured bottled water sees the most dynamic growth in 2021

In 2021, sparkling flavoured bottled water will see the most dynamic current value growth. The product area has been benefitting from an improved image compared with earlier years in which it was linked to the use of artificial flavours and ingredients.

Nestlé Waters of Canada becomes BlueTriton Brands Inc in 2021 and continues to lead

Over the review period, Nestlé Waters of Canada retained its lead of bottled water, with a wide product portfolio that ranges from the economy-positioned Nestlé Pure Life, (which leads overall bottled water), to a premium range including Perrier, S Pellegrino and Montclair, which appeal to an affluent consumer base. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the player begun to discontinue its economy products before eventually becoming a new company named Blue Triton Brands Inc in 2021, which will continue to lead the product area.

PROSPECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES

Bottled water faces many challenges as consumers spend more time outside of their homes

Over the forecast period, bottled water will likely face many challenges as a whole. Many of the drivers seen in 2020 and slightly in 2021 will not continue in the years to come.

Functional benefits sought after in bottled water as the health and wellness trend gathers pace

Functional benefits will be one of the key selling points within bottled water over the forecast period. The main reason for this is due to the growing health and wellness trend that was already gathering pace prior to the pandemic and has been further accelerated because of it.

Sugar tax is on the way and set to detriment flavoured bottled water

Over the forecast period, the government is set to implement the sugar tax. BC province is the first one in Canada to pass the legislation similar to the one already in place in Mexico and other countries.