Romania’s mineral water market is expected to increase by 3 to 5 percent in 2012, according to the Romanian non-alcoholic beverages producer Rio-Bucovina.

In 2011 the local bottled water market amounted to around EUR 333 million (RON 1.4 billion) and reachef a volume of 12 million hectoliters. This meant a consumption of 54.55 liters per year per person, a moderate increase of 3 percent compared to 2010.

"The trend over the next two years will be to no longer take social measures that would significantly affect consumers' income, which is a factor that will help restore and increase consumption,” said Camelia Hoinarescu, Marketing Manager Rio Bucovina.

In 2011, 99 percent of the Romanians preferred the Romanian natural mineral water, due to its reputation as well as due to the ‘high price’ of the imported brands, according to Rio Bucovina. Moreover, over 60 percent of the Romanian consumers are women, and 40 percent are men, while the consumption of still water is higher than the mineral water, with a total of about 60 percent of the total.

Rio Bucovina was established in 2006. The brands sold by the company are Bucovina – still and sparkling natural mineral water, La Vitta and Malibu, Bon Ton – soft drinks, Golden Horse – energy drink and La Vitta – food products.

Irina Popescu, irina.popescu@romania-insider.com

(photo source: the company)