ZHONGTAI SECURITIES·2025-12-05 12:50Core Insights - The report emphasizes the segmentation of demand in the bottled water industry, highlighting a shift from price competition to value competition as consumer preferences evolve towards health and functional benefits [5][27][36] - The market for bottled water in China is projected to reach CNY 224.23 billion in 2025, with a year-on-year growth of 3%, indicating a complex competitive landscape with varying performances among leading brands [15][16][36] - The focus of competition is shifting towards resource control, particularly water sources, as companies seek to differentiate themselves through quality and sustainability [33][36] Market Overview - The bottled water market is experiencing a diversification in consumer segments, with both budget and premium products seeing growth [17][20] - Major brands like Nongfu Spring hold a 33% market share, while Wahaha and Yibao follow with 19% and 17% respectively, showcasing a clear market leader and the impact of brand strategies on market positioning [15][16] - Regional brands, such as Quan Yang Quan, are capitalizing on strong distributor relationships and local cultural ties, achieving significant revenue growth [16][36] Pricing and Cost Trends - The price index for bottled water has shown a downward trend, particularly during peak seasons, as companies adopt "price for volume" strategies to maintain market share [17][20] - The cost of PET materials has been declining since 2024, providing manufacturers with the leverage to engage in price competition [20][21] Channel Dynamics - The report notes a significant shift in distribution channels, with traditional channels under pressure while special channels (特通渠道) are experiencing robust growth, indicating changing consumer purchasing behaviors [21][26] - Special channels, such as those serving specific venues like billiard halls and highway facilities, have seen GMV growth rates of 47% and 25% respectively [21][24] Future Outlook - The industry is expected to continue focusing on value enhancement and health trends, with consumers increasingly seeking products that offer functional benefits [27][29] - The competition is anticipated to transition from price wars to value wars, with brands needing to enhance product quality and adapt to diverse consumer scenarios [27][36] - The report suggests that companies with strong product matrices and quick market response capabilities, like Nongfu Spring, will likely lead in this evolving landscape [36]