The 15 Largest Sparkling Water Brands In The World

If you’re not yet a fan of sparkling water, now is the time to explore this rapidly growing beverage category. The sparkling water industry has emerged as one of the leading segments in non-alcoholic drinks, with a marked shift toward healthier options and innovative flavors.

Big names in the beverage industry, such as PepsiCo and Coca-Cola, have launched their own sparkling water brands, each cultivating unique identities to capture a share of this multi-billion-dollar market.

Curious about the top players in sparkling water? You might find your favorite brand among the largest contenders, and the reasons behind their popularity are fascinating.

15 Largest Sparkling Water Brands

1. Private label

   2021 Sales: $199 billion

   Private-label sparkling water brands generated an impressive $571,099,204 in sales from August 2018 to August 2019, reflecting a 7.9% growth over the previous year. They command a significant 18.3% of the overall market share.

   Many of your favorite sparkling waters fall into this category, including store brands like Costco’s Kirkland and Kroger’s Simple Truth Organic Seltzer Water.

2. San Pellegrino. Lombardy, Italy

   2022 Sales: $981.13 million
   Up 9% over the previous year
   4.9% of the market share

   San Pellegrino is renowned for its high-quality mineral water sourced from the Italian Alps. The water undergoes a natural process that enriches it with mineral salts over a span of 30 years. Established more than 620 years ago, this brand has a rich history that intertwines with Italian culture and gastronomy.

   Currently owned by Nestlé, San Pellegrino offers a range of distinctly Italian flavors, including:

   • Aranciata
   • Aranciata Rossa
   • Arancia Fico D’India
   • Chinotto
   • Clementina
   • Limonata
   • Limone Menta
   • Melograno Arancia
   • Pomelmo

3. Sparkling Ice. Preston, Washington

   2022 Sales: $836.46 million
   Up 4.5% over the previous year
   15.3% of the market share

   Founded in 1987, Sparkling Ice has made a significant impact in the sparkling water market. The brand introduced its caffeinated version in 2018 and provides innovative cocktail and mocktail recipes, extending its reach into the mixology scene.

4. La Croix. Fort Lauderdale, Florida

   2022 Sales: $707.8 million
   Up 39.9% over the previous year
   13.7% of the market share

   Once a leader in flavored sparkling water, La Croix remains a strong contender despite facing challenges related to ingredient controversies. National Beverage Corporation, its parent company, produces several other well-known brands.

5. La Croix Curate. Fort Lauderdale, Florida

   2022 Sales: $707.8 million
   Down 13.5% over the previous year
   1.7% of the market share

   La Croix Curate focuses on bold, culturally inspired flavors and aims to attract a younger demographic, differentiating itself from its parent brand.

6. Polar Beverages. Worcester, Massachusetts

   2022 Sales: $420.0 million
   Up 3.7% over the previous year
   6% of the market share

   This family-owned company has been a staple since 1882. Polar Beverages is recognized as the largest independent bottling company in the U.S. and continues to grow its national presence.

   Find Polar Beverages Jobs Near Me

7. Bubly. Harrison, NY

   2022 Sales: $376.69 million
   Up 94.2% over the previous year
   6.2% of the market share

   Launched in 2018, Bubly has rapidly gained popularity thanks to its clever marketing and strong backing from PepsiCo, driving impressive sales growth.

8. Perrier. Vergeze, Gard, France

   2022 Sales: $323.67 million
   Up 12% over the previous year
   9.2% of the market share

   Perrier has maintained its iconic status since its inception in 1863. Owned by Nestlé, it has diversified its flavor offerings to compete with newer brands while maintaining its classic appeal.

   Find Perrier Jobs Near Me

9. Topo Chico. Monterrey, Mexico

   2022 Sales: $172 million
   Up 26.5% over the previous year
   4.4% of the market share

   Sourced from a legendary spring, Topo Chico has been a favorite since 1895. Acquired by Coca-Cola in 2017, it has gained traction in the U.S. market, especially among cocktail enthusiasts.

10. Schweppes. Plano, Texas

    2022 Sales: $54 million
    Down 14% over the previous year
    1.7% of the market share

    With origins dating back to 1783, Schweppes has evolved from tonic water to include flavored sparkling waters. Today, it is owned by Keurig Dr. Pepper.

Honorable Mention Sparkling Water Brands

In addition to the leaders, several other brands are carving out their space in the sparkling water market.

1. Spindrift

   Boston, Massachusetts

   The first sparkling water in the U.S. flavored with real fruit juice, Spindrift offers a unique taste experience, with a minimal calorie count.

2. Bai Bubbles

   Hamilton, New Jersey

   Part of the Keurig Dr. Pepper family, Bai Bubbles combines sparkling water with antioxidants, aiming to meet the growing health-conscious consumer demand.

3. AHA

   Dallas, Texas

   AHA brings a unique twist with dual flavors in each can, targeting health-focused consumers with no sweeteners or calories.

4. Saratoga Sparkling Water

   Saratoga Springs, NY

   Established in 1872, Saratoga Spring Water Company is expanding into flavored waters, aiming to capture market interest.

5. VOSS

   Iveland, Norway

   Known for its premium packaging, VOSS offers a range of still and sparkling waters that appeal to a luxury market segment.

How We Ranked the Top 15 Sparkling Water Companies

To create our ranking of the most profitable sparkling water brands, we analyzed industry data compiled by Information Resources Inc. and reported by Beverage Industry. Let’s delve deeper into each company and their market strategies.

Private Label Sparkling Water

Private-label sparkling water refers to products sold under various store brands, which are often manufactured by third-party vendors. These vendors handle the production, while retailers focus on branding and marketing. If you enjoy sparkling water from your local grocery store, chances are you’re sampling a private label product.

Sparkling Water Industry FAQ

1. Who is the target market for sparkling water?

   The target market for sparkling water primarily consists of consumers under 35 years of age. Sales have surged by 42% over the past five years, largely driven by Millennial and Gen Z consumers, making them key demographics for sparkling water brands.

2. What percentage of people prefer sparkling water?

   Only 13% of consumers prefer sparkling water over other beverages. While regular water remains the favorite for 84% of consumers, sparkling water is gaining traction, particularly among younger audiences.

Final Thoughts

This overview of leading sparkling water brands highlights the vibrant growth and resilience of the sparkling water market. Many of these brands boast a rich history spanning over a century, and their continued success draws attention from larger beverage companies.

As health trends evolve, sparkling water brands are expected to innovate further, offering more infused options and health-oriented varieties. The job market in this sector is also expanding, providing numerous opportunities for those interested in joining this dynamic industry. Whether you aim for a position with a major brand or a smaller local company, the sparkling water sector offers a refreshing career path.

Author

Kristin Kizer

Kristin Kizer is an award-winning writer, television and documentary producer, and content specialist who has worked on a wide variety of written, broadcast, and electronic publications. A former writer/producer for The Discovery Channel, she is now a freelance writer and delighted to be sharing her talents and time with the wonderful Zippia audience.