Mineral and aerated waters market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

The Italian market for mineral and aerated waters reached 18.9 billion liters in 2018, supported by a consolidated production base and the emergence of functional and flavored water segments. Volume declined to 16.8 billion liters in 2019, then recovered to 17.4 billion liters in 2020 as premium functional waters gained traction and consumers shifted toward naturally sparkling varieties over classic carbonated waters.

After a dip to 16.6 billion liters in 2021, the market rebounded to 18.4 billion liters in 2022, driven by the expansion of discount retail channels—which captured 28% of modern distribution—and rising per‑capita consumption to 252 liters, the highest in Europe. However, volume fell sharply to 15.2 billion liters in 2023 despite ongoing innovation in enriched waters and the adoption of bio‑based bottles by some producers.

A vigorous recovery followed in 2024, with market volume surging to 19.8 billion liters. This growth was propelled by record export performance, sustained discount‑channel sales, increased investment in sustainability and bottle design, and the expansion of functional beverages such as vitamin‑enriched and fortified waters launched by major brands.

Production mineral and aerated waters in Italy

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Italy's production of mineral and aerated waters declined in value for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 3 300 M $ US, remaining virtually unchanged from the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 3 419 M $ US. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 3.1%, while the largest increase was in 2018, at 2.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Italy in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, M l

In 2020, Italy produced 18 869 M l of mineral and aerated waters, reflecting a slight year-over-year increase of 2.2%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 2.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 0.8%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 18 456 M l, and the maximum in 2018 at 20 476 M l. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 9.9%, while the largest increase was in 2018, at 6.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Italy in kind, 2017-2020, M l

Exports mineral and aerated waters from Italy

Exports in kind, M l

After a two-year increase, Italy's exports of mineral and aerated waters in volume declined. In 2020, exports totaled 1 502 M l, marking a year-over-year drop of 9.4%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 1 658 M l, with the largest increase occurring in 2018 at 6.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Italy in kind, 2017-2020, M l

From 2017 to 2020, France, the United States, and Switzerland formed the main cluster of markets for Italy's exports in volume. France accounted for 24.0% of exports, the United States for 19.1%, and Switzerland for 11.7%, with their combined share reaching 54.8% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Italy in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

After a two-year rise, Italy's exports of mineral and aerated waters in value declined. In 2020, exports amounted to 615.6 M $ US, representing a reduction of 9.1% from the prior year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.6%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 677.5 M $ US, and the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 14.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Italy in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, France, and Germany made the biggest contribution to Italy's exports in value terms. The United States accounted for 35.7% of exports, France for 15.6%, and Germany for 9.4%, with their combined share totaling 60.7% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Italy in value, 2017-2020

Imports mineral and aerated waters to Italy

Imports in kind, M l

Italy's imports of mineral and aerated waters in volume declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 15 M l, down by 23.1% from a year earlier. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 35.2%, equating to an annualized rate of 13.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Italy in kind, 2017-2020, M l

Throughout 2017 to 2020, France and Slovenia remained the primary suppliers of mineral and aerated waters to Italy in volume terms. Their combined share accounted for 83.2% of total imports, with other countries making up the remainder.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Italy in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Italy's imports of mineral and aerated waters in value declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 7.1 M $ US, equivalent to a year-over-year decline of 21.2%. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 33.3%, equating to an annualized rate of 12.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Italy in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the leading destinations for Italy's imports in value terms were France, Slovenia, and the United States. France accounted for 48.0% of imports, Slovenia for 22.9%, and the United States for 5.0%, with their combined share reaching 75.9% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Italy in value, 2017-2020