Sweetened or flavoured mineral and aerated waters market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the market volume for sweetened or flavoured mineral and aerated waters in Germany declined from 8 795 million liters to 8 021 million liters. The sharp drop in 2020 was primarily driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to the closure of hospitality venues and sharply reduced out-of-home consumption. Earlier regulatory pressures, such as the new NRW water law that strengthened public water utilities, had already introduced headwinds for the bottled water industry.

Post-pandemic recovery began in 2021, with market volume growing to 8 578 million liters by 2022. This expansion was supported by the hot summer of 2022, which boosted demand for refreshing beverages, and by increasing health consciousness that favored flavoured waters as a low-calorie alternative. The aromatised mineral water segment saw notable growth, reinforced by home consumption trends and the wider availability of flavour concentrates for use with soda makers.

Market growth moderated thereafter, reaching 8 800 million liters in 2024 after a slight dip from 2023. Consumer preferences gradually shifted towards unsweetened and still mineral water, while flavoured sparkling water lost some ground. Concurrently, the rise of public refill stations for reusable bottles and ongoing regulatory updates on labeling and quality requirements continued to shape the market environment.

Production sweetened or flavoured mineral and aerated waters in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In Germany, the production value of sweetened or flavored mineral and aerated waters reached 4 428 million US dollars in 2020, showing a modest increase of 1.4% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 11.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.6%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 4 636 million US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 16.4%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the most significant decline of 5.8%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, M l

Germany's production of sweetened or flavored mineral and aerated waters continued to decline for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output totaled 8 597 million liters, reflecting a moderate year-on-year decrease of 6.9%. The highest production level was achieved in 2018 with 9 416 million liters, which also marked the largest annual increase of 8.3%.

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

Exports sweetened or flavoured mineral and aerated waters from Germany

Exports in kind, M l

Export volumes of sweetened or flavored mineral and aerated waters from Germany fell for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports amounted to 1 345 million liters, representing a limited decline of 3.9% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 5.9%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 2.0%. The peak was recorded in 2018 at 1 478 million liters, which also saw the largest annual increase of 3.4%. The most significant decline occurred in 2019 with a drop of 5.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, France, and Belgium were the key partners for Germany's exports of sweetened or flavored mineral and aerated waters in volume terms. The Netherlands accounted for 32.4% of exports, France for 12.2%, and Belgium for 10.9%, collectively representing 55.4% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Germany's export value of sweetened or flavored mineral and aerated waters declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 814.8 million US dollars, marking a 2.5% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 3.1%, with an average annual decline of 1.0%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 905.5 million US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 7.7%. The most significant drop occurred in 2019 with a decline of 7.7%.

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

During the 2017-2020 period, the Netherlands, France, and Belgium played a notable but not dominant role as buyers of sweetened or flavored mineral and aerated waters from Germany in value terms. The Netherlands accounted for 23.7% of exports, France for 13.0%, and Belgium for 9.0%, with their combined share reaching 45.7% of total export value.

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

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

Imports sweetened or flavoured mineral and aerated waters to Germany

Imports in kind, M l

After two years of growth, import volumes of sweetened or flavored mineral and aerated waters into Germany declined. In 2020, imports stood at 769 million liters, reflecting a solid decrease of 16.3% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports fell by 4.6%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 1.6%. The peak was recorded in 2019 at 919 million liters, which also saw the largest annual increase of 7.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three main markets—Austria, France, and Denmark—collectively absorbed 73.6% of Germany's total imports of sweetened or flavored mineral and aerated waters in volume terms.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Following two years of increase, Germany's import value of sweetened or flavored mineral and aerated waters declined. In 2020, imports totaled 759.9 million US dollars, showing a controlled year-on-year decrease of 4.1%. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 19.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 6.2%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 792.3 million US dollars, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 with a rise of 16.8%.

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

Throughout the 2017-2020 period, Austria, Denmark, and France formed the core of Germany's imports of sweetened or flavored mineral and aerated waters in value terms. Austria accounted for 53.3% of imports, Denmark for 16.4%, and France for 10.9%, together representing 80.6% of total import flows.

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

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