INDUSTRY
REPORT 2026
Natural mineral and spring water producers
Supporting Health, Nature and Communities
Appreciated for their unique qualities since Roman times, natural mineral waters and spring waters reflect the quality and heritage of European production. As Europe’s leading non-alcoholic beverage category by volume, the sector is firmly rooted in local economies, with over 900 bottling sites spread across the continent.
Natural mineral waters must be pure at source. Their purity depends on healthy ecosystems and thriving water cycles. This is why producers place sustainable water management and environmental protection at the heart of their operations. Natural mineral waters and spring waters contribute to healthier lifestyles as a natural, calorie-free source of hydration. They also provide safe, reliable drinking water when regular supplies are disrupted or as emergency relief.
Representing more than 500 producers, most of them small and medium-sized enterprises, Natural Mineral Waters Europe (NMWE) supports the sector in its transition to sustainability.
This Report provides an overview of the sector’s economic, social and environmental contributions, and our key priorities.
“Natural mineral waters and spring waters are unique products reflecting the local terroir from which they are drawn. Their unique bond with nature drives the sector’s pioneering role towards sustainable source management and environment protection, in partnership with local stakeholders. Our sustainability commitment extends to the promotion of Deposit Refund Systems as the most effective way to reach circularity for our packaging.”
Alessandro Pasquale
President of NMWE
“Water is our most precious resource. Access to safe and high-quality water is essential for citizens’ health and for the European economy. In today’s context, it is more important than ever to work together to preserve healthy water systems. NMWE and its members are stepping up their efforts and are ready to engage and collaborate with policymakers, NGOs and the wider community towards securing the availability of quality water resources for future generations.”
Patricia Fosselard
Secretary General
Explore the key themes shaping Europe’s natural mineral and spring water sector:
Supporting local economies
With more than 500 European bottling companies, over 900 production sites and an estimated 100,000 direct jobs, the sector plays an important role in local economies, attracting investment and supporting social infrastructure. Natural mineral and spring waters must come from protected underground sources, be bottled at source and abstracted at sustainable levels. This ties production to rural and often remote locations across Europe, with more than 2,000 officially recognised sources in the EU and EEA supporting a widely dispersed network of mainly small and medium-sized enterprises.
Key characteristics
Natural mineral and spring waters account for 97% of all packaged water sold in Europe and, subject to unique EU rules, they are among the EU’s most strictly controlled food and drink products. They must come from protected underground sources and be microbiologically wholesome and bottled at source. They may not be disinfected or chemically treated, and their packaging must have a tamper-evident closure. Natural mineral water is defined by its original purity, stable mineral content and, in some cases, recognised health benefits. Each water has a distinct taste, unique characteristics and mineral composition shaped by the geology of the source.
Healthy hydration
Water is essential to life. It makes up around 60% of the adult body, and every organ, tissue and cell depends on it. Adequate hydration supports physical and mental health. Yet many Europeans do not meet EFSA recommendations for daily water intake. Under-hydration is associated with negative health outcomes, including non-communicable diseases such as kidney stones and type 2 diabetes. Hydration needs to increase during pregnancy and breastfeeding, while children and older adults face a greater risk of dehydration. Free from calories and additives, water is the healthiest way to hydrate. Promoting healthy hydration is a simple, cost-effective way to improve health outcomes across Europe.
Water cycles and nature
Natural mineral and spring waters are unique products shaped entirely by nature. Their quality and characteristics depend on healthy water cycles, supported by ecosystems that regulate, filter and stabilise water resources. This intrinsic connection makes protecting water and biodiversity not only an environmental responsibility, but a necessity for the long-term availability of high-quality water resources. Securing water availability, managing resources responsibly and preserving natural ecosystems are central to producers’ efforts to safeguard nature and strengthen water resources. NMWE helps advance and expand these practices across the wider sector, by supporting members in integrating nature considerations into source protection as illustrated by the Guidance developed in collaboration with the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Resource efficiency
In a world of finite resources, industry has a responsibility to use them efficiently. For the natural mineral and spring water sector, this translates into three main areas: water, materials and energy. Building on its pledge under the EU Code of Conduct on Responsible Food Business and Marketing Practices, NMWE turns its sustainability commitments into practical support for members. This includes a free Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) tool developed with Pilario to help members measure and manage their environmental impacts and meet reporting requirements without placing undue burdens on smaller producers.
Emergency relief
Natural mineral and spring water producers play a vital role in supporting communities during emergencies. Their close ties to local sources and established operational networks allow them to mobilise quickly, providing safe, reliable drinking water during natural disasters, heatwaves, droughts and other humanitarian crises. Working with local authorities, NGOs and health services, the sector helps ensure supplies reach vulnerable communities safely and efficiently. Looking ahead, it is strengthening its emergency response networks, investing in partnerships to build community resilience and meet future needs.
