China Bottled Water Market Overview, 2031

China’s bottled water market has experienced rapid growth over the past two decades, driven by rising health awareness, urbanization, and the demand for convenient, safe drinking water. Historically, China’s water supply was a mix of tap water, which in many regions was not considered safe for consumption, and bottled water, which was primarily marketed as a premium product. However, as China’s urban population grew and access to clean water became a widespread concern, bottled water rapidly transitioned from a luxury good to an everyday necessity. By the 2000s, the market saw a sharp rise, with brands like Nongfu Spring, Wahaha, and Ice Dew becoming household names across the country. Nongfu Spring, established in 1996, has become one of the leading bottled water companies, capitalizing on the preference for natural spring water, which is marketed as being healthier and purer than other options. As disposable incomes increased and lifestyle changes took hold, bottled water consumption in China soared, with consumers opting for convenient, on-the-go hydration. The market’s evolution has also been shaped by an increased focus on water quality, leading to the rise of premium bottled water segments, such as the high-end offerings from companies like Evergrande Spring. More recently, as the Chinese consumer became more health-conscious, functional waters those enriched with minerals, electrolytes, and even vitamins have gained traction, catering to a more wellness-focused demographic. Sustainability has also become a critical consideration, with growing demand for environmentally friendly packaging, as evidenced by companies like Tingyi, which is exploring the use of recyclable PET and eco-friendly materials. With China’s bottled water market continuing to grow, it reflects a shift in consumer habits driven by convenience, quality, and health, while also aligning with global trends toward sustainability.

According to the research report, "China Bottled Water Market Outlook, 2031," published by Bonafide Research, the China Bottled Water market is anticipated to grow at more than 7.50% CAGR from 2026 to 2031. China’s bottled water market is one of the largest and fastest-growing in the world, driven by a combination of increasing consumer demand for healthier beverage options, a growing middle class, and the ongoing concerns about water safety. Domestic giants like Nongfu Spring, founded by Chen Xian, dominate the market, holding a significant market share through their range of spring and mineral waters. Nongfu Spring’s strategic emphasis on natural spring water sourced from pristine regions in China has allowed it to capture the trust of consumers looking for purity and health benefits. Additionally, in 2019, Nongfu Spring went public, underscoring the market’s immense growth potential and attracting international attention. Other key players like Wahaha, which has also diversified into a range of bottled beverages, have contributed to the rapidly expanding market. Sparkling and flavored water options are gaining popularity, especially among younger, urban consumers who are shifting away from sugary soft drinks. As Chinese consumers become more conscious of health and wellness, the demand for functional waters has increased. Products that offer added benefits, such as enhanced hydration through electrolytes or antioxidants, are gaining traction. Premium bottled waters, often marketed with health claims, have also found a strong market among high-income consumers. For instance, Evergrande Spring, which sources water from deep underground aquifers, promotes itself as a high-end, mineral-enriched option. Sustainability is now a major focus for the Chinese bottled water market, with companies like Tingyi (Master Kong) looking to reduce their environmental impact by transitioning to recyclable packaging and exploring alternative materials. At the same time, water refill stations are becoming more common in cities as an eco-friendly solution to reduce plastic waste. The Chinese government’s tightening of environmental and food safety regulations also plays a key role in ensuring water quality and the safety of bottled products. With a large and diverse consumer base, China’s bottled water market is expected to continue expanding, driven by health trends, growing disposable income, and an increasing focus on sustainability and product innovation.

In China, the bottled water market is driven by both still and sparkling water, with still water being the most widely consumed product type. Leading domestic brands like Nongfu Spring and Wahaha dominate this category, offering a variety of still bottled water sourced from natural springs or purified sources. Still water is favored by consumers for its simplicity and convenience, especially in urban areas where access to clean drinking water can be inconsistent. Sparkling water, although a smaller segment compared to still water, is gaining popularity, especially among younger, more affluent consumers in major cities like Beijing and Shanghai. International brands like Perrier and San Pellegrino have successfully penetrated the Chinese market, positioning sparkling water as a premium offering. The rise of health-conscious behavior in China has also driven demand for functional water. Brands like Ganten and Master Kong have introduced functional waters that are enriched with minerals, vitamins, and electrolytes, catering to the growing interest in wellness and fitness. Enhanced water is another emerging trend, with products like Smartwater and Coco-Cola’s Vitaminwater being introduced to appeal to consumers seeking added hydration benefits. This trend is aligned with the increasing demand for low-sugar or sugar-free beverages and the desire for drinks that support a healthy lifestyle. As Chinese consumers become more health-conscious, these product types, particularly functional and enhanced waters, are expected to see sustained growth.

The distribution channels for bottled water in China reflect the country’s rapidly developing retail landscape, with both traditional and modern retail channels playing a significant role. Plastic packaging remains the most prevalent form of packaging in the bottled water sector, with leading brands such as Nongfu Spring and Wahaha using PET bottles for mass distribution. These bottles are favored for their low cost, light weight, and convenience, making them ideal for high-volume retail outlets such as supermarkets, convenience stores, and vending machines. In addition, e-commerce has become an increasingly important distribution channel in China. Online platforms like JD.com and Tmall provide a wide selection of bottled water brands, offering home delivery services that cater to the growing demand for convenience among urban consumers. Paper-based packaging, though still niche, is gaining interest as a sustainable alternative. Brands like Boxed Water Is Better have started to tap into the eco-conscious segment of the market, emphasizing the environmental benefits of recyclable cartons. Glass packaging is more common in the premium segment, with brands like Evian and San Pellegrino offering their products in glass bottles for the upscale dining experience. These premium waters are typically available through high-end restaurants, hotels, and specialty retailers in major cities. Metal packaging, including aluminum cans, has not yet gained significant traction in China, although eco-friendly packaging initiatives may encourage future growth in this area. The off-trade channel dominates the Chinese bottled water market, particularly through large retail chains such as Walmart, Carrefour, and RT-Mart, where consumers can access a wide variety of bottled water options. On-trade distribution, including hotels, restaurants, and cafes, is more significant for premium and functional water brands, which are increasingly offered as part of the dining experience in high-end establishments. Both off-trade and on-trade channels continue to be vital in driving bottled water consumption across different consumer segments in China.

Considered in this report
• Historic Year: 2020
• Base year: 2025
• Estimated year: 2026
• Forecast year: 2031



Aspects covered in this report
• Bottled Water Market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Product Type
• Still Water
• Sparkling Water
• Functional Water
• Enhanced Water

By Distribution Channel
• Off-trade
• On-trade