South Africa Bottled Water Market: Forecasts & Growth to 2031

The South Africa Bottled Water market is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 4.1%, reaching USD 1.11 billion in 2031 from USD 0.91 billion in 2026.

Bottled water is expected to hold a significant share in the South African market, owing to factors like a lack of drinkable water, an increase in waterborne disease, rising health consciousness, and increasing disposable income among the people in the country. For instance, the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) states that climate-induced changes in the water cycle and drought are expected to increase across Southern Africa over the next decade.

Additionally, South Africa is one of the driest countries in the world, ranking 29th out of 193 countries surveyed by the IPCC, which has an average yearly rainfall of about 50% of the global average. Hence, if the availability of water from natural resources falls, it will inversely increase the demand for bottled water in the projected period.

Furthermore, companies have started providing innovative solutions in the country. For instance, Coca-Cola has expanded the rollout of refillable 2-liter and 1.5-liter PET (RefPET) plastic bottles, which can be cleaned, refilled, and reused before being recycled and made into new PET bottles in South Africa. Therefore, in the coming years, a shortage of water is expected to push the market for bottled water.

According to the World Integrated Trade Solution (WITS), the imports of Mineral and aerated waters unsweetened in South Africa increased from 4,448,040 Liters in 2021 to 5,225,920 Liters in 2023. These figures suggest the growing domestic demand for packaged drinking water in South Africa. 

Some of the major companies include Nestlé S. A. and Africqua.

• NESTLÉ PURE LIFE is mineral water that is filtered through the earth and stored in deep Dolomite lakes. NESTLÉ PURE LIFE ensures standards, including UV treatment.

• Africqua-Mount Aqua Water has been bottling water since 2001. They have the current production facilities. The company can bottle more than 2,000,000 bottles of water per month.

South Africa Bottled Water Market Drivers:

The increasing water crisis and companies' rising focus on bottled water products are propelling the South African bottled water market.

According to the International Trade Administration, various elements are impacting the availability of fresh water in the nation. Deforestation, the construction of dams, the destruction of wetlands, rapid urbanization, mining activities, agricultural practices, unintentional water pollution, and excessive energy consumption collectively contribute to a water crisis in the country.

Additionally, the increased occurrence of hot and dry conditions leads to a heightened rate of evaporation, exacerbating the scarcity of fresh water. These factors are anticipated to intensify the shortage of fresh water, compelling individuals to increasingly rely on bottled water. As per the National Water and Sanitation Master Plan, South Africa is projected to experience a 17% deficit in water supply by 2030.

Strategic mergers and acquisitions are expected to boost the market in the coming years. For instance, in December 2023, Varun Beverages announced the acquisition of BevCo, a South African beverage company, for INR1,320 crores. This acquisition will help the company to increase its geographical presence, as BevCo has manufacturing and franchise rights from PepsiCo Inc. in Lesotho, Eswatini, and South Africa.

As per the Government of South Africa, the households in the Western Cape were 27.7%, and Gauteng, with 40.5% reported the lowest proportions of water interruptions, below the national average of 48.4%. In contrast, a significantly larger proportion of households in Mpumalanga, with 60.9%, North West, with 65.2%, and the Northern Cape, with 65.8%, reported experiences of interruptions. 45.2% of the population had access to water through piped water sources, while 29.4% had to depend on on-site water. Additionally, 12.2% of people relied on communal taps for their water supply, and 1.9% had to obtain water from their neighbors' taps. The limited availability of water in the country has led companies to perceive a necessity to introduce bottled water, aiming to enhance their presence in response to the prevailing water challenges.

South Africa Bottled Water Market Segment Analysis:

• The 330ml bottle size segment is expected to grow significantly

By size, the South African bottled water market is segmented into 330 ml, 500 ml, 1 liter, 5 liters, and others. With the increasing health awareness among individuals in South Africa, the sales of purified and ultra-purified bottled water, especially the 330 ml bottles, will witness an upward trend. This is mainly due to the perfect, easy-to-carry size of the bottle; hence, it is preferred more than others and promotes healthy hydration throughout the day. For instance, the Nestlé Pure Life Still Spring Water 330ml is one of the most suitable bottled water options among consumers for family outings or school trips.

Moreover, the 330ml size of bottled water is one of the most popular categories as it is a premium product widely preferred for natural hydration. The consumers find it easy to fit into their bags in addition to its affordable price range among other varieties and sizes of bottled water, as reflected in the table above. As such, it is the most suitable travel companion. For instance, the tourism sector in the country is continuously expanding with each passing year. According to the estimates of the South African government, the nation’s tourism sector continues to grow, with total arrivals reaching 8.92 million in 2024, marking an impressive 5.1% increase compared to 2023. This highlights favorable prospects for different sizes of bottled water products as their sales are rising with more foreign tourist footfall in South Africa.

Furthermore, the higher sales of 330 ml of bottled water are also attributed to its increasing demand in meetings and parties, among other events. Additionally, the mineral composition offered under these bottles adequately meets the demand of the health-conscious public in states such as Gauteng and Northern Cape. For instance, an average product of this size of bottled water contains natural electrolytes (mg/L) with Calcium (80) and magnesium (26), whereas the mineral composition includes Bicarbonates (360), sulfate (14), silica (15), and chlorides (10).

• The glass segment is predicted to grow considerably

The South African bottled water market is segmented by packaging material into glass, PET, and others. Glass is a major material for bottled water packaging in South Africa since it is recyclable and non-reactive. In addition, it meets consumer desire for environmentally friendly items, displays a high-end image, and maintains the purity of the water.

The glass-bottled water market in the nation benefits from government attempts to decrease plastic waste since they encourage a transition to more sustainable packaging. Bottled water firms are encouraged to switch to more eco-friendly options, such as glass, by policies that support recycling and limit the use of single-use plastics.

As per the Center of Science and Environment, with an estimated 60.14 million people living in South Africa, the nation produces around 12.7 million tonnes of solid trash annually, of which 2.4 million tonnes are made up of plastic waste. Plastic makes up 18% of its overall trash composition. The nation produces 41 kilograms of plastic garbage per person per year, substantially more than the global average of 29 kg. Only fourteen percent of this is recycled. Three percent of this garbage leaks directly into the environment, and around forty percent of it is improperly handled.

This is raising the demand for glass packaging among consumers, supporting the bottled water industry's sustainability and government environmental goals. Furthermore, the government's strategic approach to curbing littering and illegal dumping, as well as to "reducing the production of single-use plastics such as food wrappers, disposable cups, and straws that are currently destroying marine habitats in South Africa," is specifically outlined in the 2020 National Waste Management Strategy (2020 NWMS).

As per the Statistics South Africa department, the UN General Assembly proclaimed 2022 the International Year of Glass on May 18, 2021. The purpose of the glass spotlight was to highlight the significance of glass in society and demonstrate how glass-based technology may support sustainable development. Glass is important because it improves building exteriors and provides insulation, among other things. It is composed of recyclable, naturally occurring raw elements, including limestone, soda ash, and sand. To achieve sustainable development in three areas: economic, social, and environmental, all UN member states and participants in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development benefit from the International Year of Glass.

Moreover, glass packaging is emphasized by South African bottled water firms to appeal to environmentally aware consumers. Glass is positioned as a sign of quality in premium branding initiatives, appealing to customers looking for a luxurious bottled water experience.

For instance, Mountainfalls offers the finest assortment of glass water bottles for hydration requirements in its Glass Mineral Water bottles collection. The company’s products are ideal for customers searching for a more sustainable and health-conscious method of staying hydrated since they are made with both style and utility in mind. Mountainfalls is one of Cape Town's top suppliers of glass bottles. The business’s products are crafted with premium, long-lasting, and environmentally sustainable materials. These glass water bottles are perfect for use at home, work, or traveling.

Moreover, Aqua.v mineral water's glass bottles are packaged in timber crates, which are a renewable resource. Being the first business in South Africa to provide spring mineral water in glass bottles that can be returned, Aqua. V contributes to a sustainable and healthy lifestyle. In addition, the spotless glass line by La Vie De Luc offers three sizes: 750 ml, 440 ml, and 250 ml. Overall, the glass packaging material market is influenced by the market players' strategies to provide sustainable packaging, owing to the customers' growing awareness in the nation.

South Africa Bottled Water Market Key Developments:

• March 2026: The Coca?Cola Company confirmed a R17.6 billion (?$1 billion) investment in South Africa through 2030, aimed at expanding production capacity, enhancing distribution infrastructure, and accelerating innovation in bottled water and beverage supply chains.

• July 2025: aQuellé was awarded first place in Community Upliftment at the KZN Top Business Awards 2025, reinforcing its investment in water access and community-driven distribution initiatives.

• March 2025: iPRO Hydrate officially launched its vitamin- and electrolyte-enhanced bottled water range in South Africa, targeting fitness-focused consumers with functional hydration containing Vitamin C and B12.

South Africa Bottled Water Market Scope: