WATER
UK water dispensers top 800,000 for the first time
Growth in the micro market sector has accelerated in the last three years, but with workplaces changing so significantly during the pandemic, what is the future of this unattended self-service retail concept?
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Jon Wicks, chair of the WHA, Phillipa Atkinson-Clow, general manager of the WHA, and keynote speaker Professor Jon Wicks at the WHA conference
he UK water
dispense industry beat its pre-
covid performance in 2022, according to the latest UK Water Dispense Market report from Zenith Global Commercial. The report was presented at the Water Dispenser & Hydration Association (WHA) conference on 16 March at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Milton Keynes.
The total number of water dispensers installed in December 2022
passed 800,000 for the first time. Some 46% were mains-fed water dispensers. Bottled water dispensers now account for 43%, having been overtaken by mains-fed in 2021. Multi-functional integrated tap systems make up the remaining 11%. The increased use of refillable water bottles is helping to reduce the amount of single use plastic waste and can significantly improve the carbon footprint of organisations that encourage their use. Despite severe cost and
wage inflation combined with the end of COVID restrictions and favourable summer weather, the industry’s revenue rose only marginally to £177 million. “Competition in the sector remains intense and many people have not returned to full-time office working,” commented Zenith Global Chairman Richard Hall, who presented the findings to the WHA conference. “That is a key factor, since 80% of bottled water and mains-fed dispensers are installed in workplaces.”
“The growth in the market underlines the demand for access to drinking water,” says Jon Wicks, chair of the WHA. “Our members are fully committed to a sustainable industry, so the focus on returnable, refillable bottles is very pleasing. “Purchasing systems from WHA members guarantees that you’re
offering them the most suitable product for your needs, thanks to the industry specific training and audits they take to ensure they are providing the best level of service and expertise.” Zenith Global forecasts continuing moderate and steady growth
by most measures over the coming five years to 2027, taking the total number of water dispensers up to 840,000. Professor Damien Hughes, an international speaker and author of the best-selling management book, Liquid Thinking, delivered the keynote address at the WHA conference.
HYDRATION: CHANGES ARE COMING! As hydration moves ever upwards in the health agenda, the need to supply hydration in the workplace, in hospitality venues, at leisure sites and at home becomes ever more important. The recent Water Dispenser and Hydration Association (WHA) conference saw discussion and information exchanged around some of the latest innovations in hydration technology. Conventional water dispensers still have their place, but
Zenith Global Chairman Richard Hall addresses the WHA conference
Here are some of the other key findings presented at the WHA conference: · The average bottled water throughput per dispenser was 790 litres. · Savings on plastic use by provision of returnable and refillable bottles. · The number of integrated tap systems has grown 32% in the past five years.
· Mains-fed dispensers for homes was the fastest growing segment in 2022.
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alternatives are required to meet new challenges. For example, there’s a growing need for outdoor hydration BFS (Bottle Filling Station) points, which need to be robust and contamination-proof. There’s also the move towards enhanced and flavoured water, with specialist dispensers coming online to meet the demand because, for some people, hydrating is easier with flavours. Then there’s IoT (Internet of Things) – as more consumers look to monitor their health, the demand for IoT or smart water bottles is going to increase. Just as their fitness watch can tell them they’ve done their 10,000 steps, their IoT water bottle can tell them they’ve drunk their two litres. Integrated Tap Systems (ITS) are growing hugely, notably in hospitality, where restaurants and other venues are moving away from bottled water and are adapting to high volume in-house systems. These filter mains water and can dispense chilled water, still or sparkling, providing a low-carbon hydration alternative. Phillipa Atkinson-Clow, general manager of the WHA, says,
“The conference provided the ideal forum to discuss these new technologies, and at the WHA Trade Show delegates were able to get hands-on experience of several of the latest launches and innovations. “The buzz was very positive. There are a lot of changes on the way for the hydration industry, and we want to make sure WHA members are up to speed!”
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