China Premium Bottled Water Market (2025 - 2033) Size, Share, & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Spring Water, Sparkling Water, Mineral Water, Others), By Distribution Channel (Supermarkets & Hypermarkets, Specialty Stores, Online, Others), And Segment Forecasts

China Premium Bottled Water Market Summary

The China premium bottled water market was valued at USD 3.10 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 6.54 billion by 2033, expanding at a CAGR of 8.5% from 2025 to 2033. Market growth in China is primarily driven by rising disposable incomes, a shift in consumer preferences toward healthy and natural hydration options, and the strong appeal of luxury brands.

Demand for high-quality, imported, artisan bottled water, premium packaging expands the customer base among affluent urban consumers and hospitality businesses. Urban consumer demand is a key growth driver in the China premium bottled water industry. In major cities such as Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou, affluent households purchase high-quality bottled water from natural springs, prioritizing health benefits and product authenticity. The rise in disposable incomes, modern packaging formats such as glass bottles, and a growing interest in trusted regional water sources continue to expand the premium segment. Companies launch differentiated product lines with clear provenance to strengthen market presence and address these evolving expectations. For instance, in December 2024, Nongfu Spring launched a new natural mineral water, offering 380 milliliter glass bottles sourced from Changbai Mountain at a mid-tier price through key retail channels.

Premium position, focus on sustainability, and greater health awareness strengthen the market. Consumers now prefer bottled water with certified purity, balanced mineral content, and responsibly sourced ingredients. To meet these demands, brands adopt sustainable practices, shift to eco-friendly packaging, and introduce sparkling and flavored premium lines. Wider placement in luxury hotels, fine dining venues, and upscale retail outlets increases brand visibility while maintaining exclusivity. Constant innovation, strong branding, and targeted partnerships support market expansion.

Consumer Insights

Shifting lifestyles and stronger health awareness among younger urban consumers shape the China premium bottled water industry. Millennials and Gen Z choose bottled water that matches their focus on wellness, sustainability, and trusted natural sources. Demand for glass packaging, certified mineral content, and clear origin labels reflects this preference, especially in Tier 1 and 2 cities with higher disposable incomes.

Demographic shifts and rapid urbanization continue to diversify premium consumption patterns. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the urbanization rate in China reached 66.16% by the end of 2023. This expansion is expected to create a larger base of affluent urban households willing to pay a premium for safe, certified mineral water that reflects status and healthy living.

Product Insights

The mineral water segment accounted for a revenue share of 41.5% in 2024. This growth is driven by strong consumer preference for bottled water sourced from trusted natural springs and mountain reserves, which offer certified purity and balanced mineral content. The segment includes glacier-sourced mineral water, high-altitude spring water, and select imported premium labels positioned to meet the expectations of urban households. Demand for mineral water packaged in elegant glass bottles and backed by clear origin branding continues to strengthen its market position. Rising health awareness, lifestyle upgrades, and a growing focus on sustainability further support the growth of China premium bottled water industry.

The sparkling water segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 9.1% from 2025 to 2033, driven by a shift in consumer preferences toward beverages that offer health benefits and a premium, refreshing experience. Urban consumers, especially younger groups, prefer sparkling mineral water as an alternative to sugary soft drinks, which reflects stronger health awareness and demand for low-calorie choices. Brands expand their sparkling ranges with natural flavors, imported labels, and elegant packaging to strengthen premium positioning. Wider availability in high-end restaurants, luxury hotels, and upscale retail outlets supports the growth of the China premium bottled water industry.

Distribution Channel Insights

The supermarkets & hypermarkets accounted for the largest revenue share in 2024. This growth is driven by their extensive reach, strong consumer trust, and ability to showcase a wide selection of premium domestic and imported brands under one roof. These retail formats offer high visibility for premium bottled water products through dedicated shelf space, branded displays, and promotional activities that attract households seeking convenience and product variety. Strategic partnerships with major supermarket chains and hypermarket operators continue to strengthen market penetration for leading brands, ensuring consistent availability and reinforcing consumer preference for trusted retail channels.

The online segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period. This growth is supported by the rapid expansion of e-commerce platforms across major cities and the efforts of premium bottled water brands to strengthen digital distribution. Companies partner with major online marketplaces and offer direct-to-consumer services to reach urban households that prioritize convenience, flexible purchase options, and wider product choices.

Key China Premium Bottled Water Company Insights

Some prominent players in China's premium bottled water market include Nongfu Spring and Tibet Glacier Mineral Water Co., Ltd.

Recent Developments

• In January 2024, Nongfu Spring announced a USD 703 million investment to build a new factory in Jiande City, China, expanding its beverage production capacity and strengthening its market presence.

China Premium Bottled Water Market Report Scope

China Premium Bottled Water Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at the country level and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2021 to 2033. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the China premium bottled water market report based on product and distribution channel:

• Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2033)

  • Spring Water

  • Sparkling Water

  • Mineral Water

  • Others

• Distribution Channel Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2033)

  • Supermarkets & Hypermarkets

  • Specialty Stores

  • Online

  • Others