Mineral water contains dissolved minerals or gases in large amounts. It is different from regular water because it is high in calcium carbonate, magnesium sulphate, potassium, and sodium sulphate. Mineral water is also saturated with carbon dioxide or hydrogen sulphide. Mineral waters are usually still (non-gaseous) or sparkling (gaseous) depending on the presence or absence of the gases added to them.
The term Mineral Water is mainly used for any bottle-packed carbonated or soda water completely opposite to that of tap water. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Mineral water is a water-containing at least 250 parts per million total dissolved solids, also called TDS, originating from geologically and physically conserved underground water sources.
Traditionally, mineral waters were ingested at places such as baths, wells or spas, but nowadays, it is more commonly used as bottled water at the source for distributed utilisation.
Classification of Mineral water
As a report formulated by European legislation, natural mineral water originates typically from an underground reservoir, stems from one or many natural or boring sources, and they rsionhave particular hygienic properties and healthy properties.
Mineral composition in the water helps us to classify natural mineral water as:
- Bicarbonate mineral water
- Sulphate mineral water
- Chloride mineral water
- Calcic mineral water
- Fluorite mineral water
- Magnesium mineral water
- Ferrous mineral water
- Sodium rich mineral water
Difference between mineral water and regular water
Water ( H2O) is a chemical compound having one oxygen and two hydrogen atoms. Water covers most of the earth’s surface as there is 70 percent water on earth, and it forms ¾ of our body. Hence, water consumption is way too essential for living creatures.
The water that is present in nature is called natural water or regular water. But on the other hand, mineral water contains minerals in it.
Mineral waters differ from regular drinking water because of their stem purity and conservation. They come straight from an underground reservoir, and unlike regular drinking water, they do not undergo chemical processing. As the name explains itself, mineral waters contain high quantities of minerals like magnesium, calcium, and sodium. When comparing which one is better, mineral waters are a way more good source of nutrients and minerals.
When the water gets from sources like rivers, wells, lakes, mineral waters are only obtained from the minerals enriched region. This clarifies that water from all sources can not be treated as mineral water. Water from all sources is converted to mineral water by adding nutrients and minerals from outside.
Health benefits of mineral water
All living organisms on earth need water to live, and the main source of water in the body is drinking or taking it from outside. Although it is not easy to clarify by seeing or testing that water is different, actually, there are multiple types of water on earth:
- Tap water
- Purified water
- Distilled or deionized water
- Electrolyte water
- Alkaline water
- Mineral or spring water
Mineral water is also called spring water because it is drawn from natural springs, a place where moving underground water comes out of a hole or opening in the ground’s surface.
Mineral waters are also created artificially by adding salts to distilled water or aerifying it with carbon dioxide to make it more carbonated. Nevertheless, mineral water is naturally carbonated to altering degrees.
- Due to being carbonated and enriched in minerals, mineral water provides many health benefits.
- Lowers the levels of bad cholesterol and raises the level of good cholesterol.
- Lowers Blood pressure.
- Improves gallbladder function.
- Relieving symptoms of consumption.
Mineral Water Market In India
Increased water pollution, a lack of fresh and clean drinking water, and rising health concerns have all outpaced the expansion of India’s mineral water market. From its present value of INR 160 billion, the market is predicted to reach INR 403.06 billion by the end of 2023, growing at a CAGR of 20.75 percent from 2018. According to volume, the market is expected to reach 35.53 billion litres by 2023, with a CAGR of 18.25% from 2018 to 2023.
Bisleri, Kinley, and Aquafina are the most popular mineral water brands in India.
Insights into segments by stock keeping unit (SKU), Mineral water is available in India in four different sizes: one-litre bottles, two-litre bottles, 500-millilitre bottles, and 250-millilitre bottles.
In 2018, one-litre bottles had the highest market share (42%) among the different SKUs, followed by 500-millilitre bottles and 250-millilitre bottles.
Companies that are doing major marketing of mineral water in India are
- Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd.
- Coca-Cola India Pvt. Ltd.
- Dhariwal Industries Pvt. Ltd.
- Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation
- Narang Group
- Nestle Group
- Parle Agro Pvt. Ltd.
- PepsiCo, Inc.
- Tata Global Beverages Ltd.
- United Breweries Ltd.
People are more aware of the benefits of drinking mineral water
The Indian mineral water market is expected to grow faster over the forecast period as a result of increasing urbanisation, rising public awareness of health and cleanliness, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic, a lack of safe drinking water, and other reasons. Another major aspect driving this market is the growing number of overseas tourists, who prefer mineral water to tap water, according to analysts. In order to reach India’s untapped consumer base, particularly in rural areas, corporations are producing new products and changing old product portfolios. Other factors, such as government initiatives and higher disposable income, are likely to improve mineral water demand in India over the projection period.
In India, there is a growing demand for flavoured mineral water
Flavoured mineral water is becoming increasingly popular in India. Flavoured mineral water is more popular than ordinary bottled water among consumers. Because it contains fruit essence and artificial sweeteners, flavoured water frequently replaces conventional water bottles. They’re also seen as a healthy alternative to sugary soft drinks, which is helping to fuel their appeal. The mineral water sector in India will be able to broaden their product offerings and extend their consumer base as a result of this transition.
Conclusion
Indian Market facing challenges while selling mineral water are :
In recent years, several companies selling fake branded bottled mineral water have gotten underway in the market. These fake suppliers do not maintain quality and hygiene standards, which in turn leads to health issues among consumers. As a result, consumers lose faith in bottled water, thus affecting the overall sales.