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Data sheet on French mineral waters
Fact Sheets /
Wednesday 4 February 2015
Mineral water and spring water have several points in common: they are both from underground and are pure and un polluted.
Mineral water production in France
- 6.5 billion litres of mineral water are produced in France each year.
- That represents a turnover of around 3.5 billion euros or 2.5% of turnover from the whole French agri-food industry.
- France is the third largest producer of mineral water in Europe, behind Italy (7.8 billion litres) and Germany (7.5 billion litres).
- Production is divided into still water (85%) and sparkling water (15%).
- The industry generates around 10,000 direct jobs and 30,000 indirect jobs.
- There are a total of approximately 70 natural mineral springs in France (mainland and overseas departments and territories).
- 3435 million bottles of spring water are produced each year.
What is the difference between mineral water and tap water?
Natural mineral water must strictly come from an underground spring, formed away from any source of pollution. Its original purity is a regulatory requirement. Its physical and chemical composition must also be stable for its health benefits to be recognised.
Tap water, on the other hand, comes from various sources: 63% comes from underground (water tables or springs) and 37% from surface water (rivers, lakes, etc.). It is cleaned using chemical or micro biological treatments to meet drink ability and public health standards.
Exports of French mineral water
- France is the leading exporter of mineral water in the world, with 40% of the market share, representing turnoverof more than 600 million euros.
- In second place come Italy (17%) and China (14%).
- In terms of destination countries,France mainly exports to Benelux, Germany, the UK, the United States and Japan.More than 80% of exports go to Europe or North America.
- A third of national production, or more than 2 billion litres, is exported each year.
- The French mineral water sector experienced a very strong growth between 2000 and 2008, with sales increasingby an average of 9% a year.
Mineral water consumption in France
- The French consume almost 145 litres of mineral water per year per person.
- The average price of a bottle of spring water is 0.14 euros/litre compared with 0.35 euros/litre for a bottle of mineral water.
What is the difference between mineral waterand spring water?
Mineral water and spring water have several points in common: they are both from underground and are pure and un polluted.
However, they differ in their mineral composition. The composition of mineral water is stable in minerals and trace elements. Because they have a high mineral content, some mineral waters can claim to offer health benefits.
That is not true of spring water, which can not make any health claims. However, it is recommended for new-born babies.
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