business plan for bottled water company

Bottled Water Business Plan [Sample Template]

By: Author Tony Martins Ajaero

Home » Business ideas » Food Processing Industry » Bottled Water Production

Are you about starting a bottled water production business ? If YES, here is a complete sample bottled water production business plan template & feasibility report you can use for FREE .

Starting a bottled water business is one of the best steps to take. This is especially so because of the level of profitability in the industry. One of the thing that you should look to do before getting your business started is to do some thorough ground work and write a business plan

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A Sample Bottled Water Production Business Plan Template

1. industry overview.

Bottled water is one commodity that is consumed in all parts of the world and of course those that are in the business of producing bottled water are known to generate sales year in year out if the business is well – managed. As a matter of fact, economic downturn hardly affects the consumption of bottled water simple because it is a commodity that is as important as the air we breathe in.

Production companies in the bottled water industry basically purify and bottle water into plastic and glass bottles for consumption.

The bottled water are properly capped and labeled accordingly before being sold to the general public. Companies in this industry usually have an assortment of water offerings, such as spring water, mineral water, sparkling water and flavored water in a range of sizes and prizes.

Players in this industry are also involved in the manufacturing of ice manufacturing. It is common to find big corporations who are into production of soft drinks and food and beverages engage in the production of bottled water. Research conducted by IBIS World shows that in the united states of America, the level of concentration in the Bottled Water Production industry is modest, as the top four players are expected to generate 65.5 percent of revenue.

Given the heavy bulk weight of industry products and the relatively low value per unit sold, bottled water production is generally taken on by large companies with major economies of scale and heavy investments in transportation.

While the majority of bottled water production is performed as one of many activities within the corporate portfolios of international food and beverage companies, the remaining portion of the industry’s production is performed through small-sized local players.

The Bottled Water Production industry is a thriving sector of the economy of the United States of America and they generates a whooping sum of well over $5 billion annually from more than 565 registered and licensed bottle water production companies scattered all around the United States of America.

The industry is responsible for the employment of well over 14,360 people. Experts project the bottle water production industry to grow at a 4.0 percent annual rate. The Coca Cola Company, Nestle and Pepsi Co are the world leaders in the bottled water industry; they have the lion market share in the United States of America and in most countries of the world.

Despite the fact that there are big corporations who are into the production of bottled water, the fact remains that starting a small scale bottled water production business has minimal barriers to entry, with low start – up capital. Most players in the bottled water production industry are small- to medium-size establishments that cater to the local community.

With this kind of business, if you want to start on a small scale, you can choose to start servicing your local community. All you would need is contacts, packaging, networking and good marketing and customer service skills. However, if you intend starting it on a large scale, then you should consider spreading beyond your local community to state level and even national level.

Over and above, the bottled water production industry is a profitable industry and it is open for any aspiring entrepreneur to come in and establish his or her business; you can chose to start on a small scale servicing a community or you can chose to start on a large scale with several outlets in key cities all around the United States of America.

2. Executive Summary

Sparkles® Bottled Water Production Company is a licensed and standard bottled water production company that will be located in an industrial area in Bay – Orleans, Massachusetts. We have been able to secure a long term lease for a facility in a strategic location with an option of a long term renewal on an agreed terms and conditions that is favorable to us.

The facility has government approval for the kind of business we want to run and it is easily accessible and we are deliberate about that to facilitate easy movement of raw materials (plastics and bottles et al) and finished products (bottled waters).

We are in the bottled water production business to engage in purifying and bottling water, purifying and bottling carbonated water, labeling bottled water products, promoting bottled water brands, production bottled still water, production of bottled flavored water, production of bottled sparkling water and manufacturing ice et al.

We are also in business to make profits at the same to give our customers value for their money; we want to give people and businesses who patronize our bottled water the opportunity to be part of the success story of Sparkles® Bottled Water Production Company.

We are aware that there are several big scale and small scale bottled water production companies scattered all around the United States and Canada whose products can be found in every nooks and crannies of The United States and Canada.

This is why we spent time and resources to conduct our feasibility studies and market survey so as to enable us locate the business in an area that will support the growth of the business and also for us to be able offer much more than our competitors will be offering.

We ensured that our facility is easy to locate and we have mapped out plans to develop a wide distribution network for wholesalers all around Bay Orleans – Massachusetts and the United States of America.

Much more than producing healthy, portable and well packaged bottled water, our customer care is going to be second to none. We know that our customers are the reason why we are in business which is why we will go the extra mile to get them satisfied when they visit purchase any of our bottled water and also to become our loyal customers and ambassadors.

Sparkles® Bottled Water Production Company will ensure that all our customers (wholesale distributors) are given first class treatment whenever they visit our Depot / Plant. We have a CRM software that will enable us manage a one on one relationship with our customers (wholesale distributors) no matter how large the numbers of our customer base may grow to.

We will ensure that we get our customers involved when making some business decisions that will directly or indirectly affect them.

Sparkles® Bottled Water Production Company is family business that will be owned by Mark Harrison Clay and Family. Mark Harrison who is the Chief Executive Officer of the Company is Graduate of Micro Biology (B.Sc.) and he holds a Master’s Degree in Business Management (MBA).

He has well over 15 years of experience working in related industry as a senior manager prior to starting Sparkles® Bottled Water Production Company. He will be working with a team of professionals to build the business and grow it to enviably height.

3. Our Products and Services

Sparkles® Bottled Water Production Company is going to operate a standard and licensed bottled water production company whose products will not only be sold in Bay Orleans – Massachusetts but also throughout the United States of America.

We are in the bottled water production business to make profits and also to give our customers value for their money. These are some of the products that we will be offering;

• Purifying and bottling water
• Purifying and bottling carbonated water
• Labeling bottled water products
• Promoting bottled water brands
• Manufacturing ice
• Still water
• Flavored water
• Sparkling water

4. Our Mission and Vision Statement

• Our vision is to establish standard bottled water Production Company whose products will be not only be sold in Bay Orleans – Massachusetts, but also throughout the United States of America and Canada, and in other parts of the world.
• Our mission is to establish a standard and world class bottled water Production Company that in our own capacity will favorably compete with leaders in the industry such as Nestle Foods, The Coca Cola Company, and Pepsi Co et al.
• We want to build a bottled water production business that will be listed amongst the top 20 bottled water brands in the United States of America and Canada

Our Business Structure

Sparkles® Bottled Water Production Company is a business that is established with the aim of competing favorably with other leading bottled water brands in the industry. This is why we will ensure that we put the right structure in place that will support the kind of growth that we have in mind while setting up the business.

We will ensure that we only hire people that are qualified, honest, hardworking, customer centric and are ready to work to help us build a prosperous business that will benefit all the stake holders (the owners, workforce, and customers).

As a matter of fact, profit-sharing arrangement will be made available to all our senior management staff and it will be based on their performance for a period of five years or more depending how fast we meet our set target. In view of that, we have decided to hire qualified and competent hands to occupy the following positions;

• Chief Executive Officer (Owner)

Plant Manager

Human Resources and Admin Manager

Merchandize Manager

Sales and Marketing Manager

• Information Technologist
• Accountants/Cashiers

5. Job Roles and Responsibilities

Chief Executive Officer – CEO (Owner):

• Increases management’s effectiveness by recruiting, selecting, orienting, training, coaching, counseling, and disciplining managers; communicating values, strategies, and objectives; assigning accountabilities; planning, monitoring, and appraising job results; developing incentives; developing a climate for offering information and opinions; providing educational opportunities.
• Creates, communicates, and implements the organization’s vision, mission, and overall direction – i.e. leading the development and implementation of the overall organization’s strategy.
• Responsible for fixing prices and signing business deals
• Responsible for providing direction for the business
• Responsible for signing checks and documents on behalf of the company
• Evaluates the success of the organization
• Responsible for overseeing the smooth running of the bottled water production plant
• Part of the team that determines the quantity of bottled water that are to be produced
• Map out strategy that will lead to efficiency amongst workers in the plant
• Responsible for training, evaluation and assessment of plant workers
• Ensures that the steady flow of both raw materials to the plant and easy flow of finished products through wholesale distributors to the market
• Ensures operation of equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; calling for repairs.
• Ensures that the plant meets the expected safety and health standard at all times.
• Responsible for overseeing the smooth running of HR and administrative tasks for the organization
• Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining personal networks; participating in professional organizations.
• Enhances department and organization reputation by accepting ownership for accomplishing new and different requests; exploring opportunities to add value to job accomplishments.
• Defines job positions for recruitment and managing interviewing process
• Carries out staff induction for new team members
• Responsible for training, evaluation and assessment of employees
• Oversee the smooth running of the daily office and factory activities.
• Manages vendor relations, market visits, and the ongoing education and development of the organizations’ buying teams
• Helps to ensure consistent quality of bottled water
• Responsible for the purchase of raw materials and packaging materials (bottles, and plastics et al)
• Responsible for planning sales, monitoring inventory, selecting the merchandise, and writing and pricing orders to vendors
• Ensures that the organization operates within stipulated budget.
• Manages external research and coordinate all the internal sources of information to retain the organizations’ best customers and attract new ones
• Models demographic information and analyze the volumes of transactional data generated by customer purchases
• Identifies, prioritizes, and reaches out to new partners, and business opportunities et al
• Responsible for supervising implementation, advocate for the customer’s needs, and communicate with clients
• Develops, executes and evaluates new plans for expanding increase sales
• Documents all customer contact and information
• Represents the company in strategic meetings
• Helps to increase sales and growth for the company

Accountant/Cashier

• Responsible for preparing financial reports, budgets, and financial statements for the organization
• Provides managements with financial analyses, development budgets, and accounting reports; analyzes financial feasibility for the most complex proposed projects; conducts market research to forecast trends and business conditions.
• Responsible for financial forecasting and risks analysis.
• Performs cash management, general ledger accounting, and financial reporting
• Responsible for developing and managing financial systems and policies
• Responsible for administering payrolls
• Ensuring compliance with taxation legislation
• Handles all financial transactions for the organization
• Serves as internal auditor for the organization

Client Service Executive

• Ensures that all contacts with customer (e-mail, walk-In center, SMS or phone) provides the client with a personalized customer service experience of the highest level
• Through interaction with customers on the phone, uses every opportunity to build client’s interest in the company’s products and services
• Manages administrative duties assigned by the store manager in an effective and timely manner
• Consistently stays abreast of any new information on Sparkles® Bottled Water Production Company products, promotional campaigns etc. to ensure accurate and helpful information is supplied to clients when they make enquiries

Production Workers/Machine Operators:

• Responsible for purifying and bottling water
• Handles purifying and bottling carbonated water
• Handles labeling of bottled water products
• Promotes bottled water brands
• Responsible for the manufacturing of ice
• Responsible for the bottling of still water
• Responsible for the bottling of flavored water
• Responsible for the bottling of sparkling water
• Assists in packaging and loading bottled water into distribution trucks
• Any other duty as assigned by the restaurant manager.

Distribution Truck Drivers

• Assists in loading and unloading bottled water.
• Maintains a logbook of their driving activities to ensure compliance with federal regulations governing the rest and work periods for operators.
• Keeps a record of vehicle inspections and make sure the truck is equipped with safety equipment
• Assists the transport and logistics manager in planning their route according to a delivery schedule.
• Local-delivery drivers may be required to sell products or services to stores and businesses on their route, obtain signatures from recipients and collect cash.
• Transport finished goods and raw materials over land to and from manufacturing plants or retail and distribution centers
• Inspects vehicles for mechanical items and safety issues and perform preventative maintenance
• Complies with truck driving rules and regulations (size, weight, route designations, parking, break periods etc.) as well as with company policies and procedures
• Collects and verify delivery instructions
• Reports defects, accidents or violations

6. SWOT Analysis

We know that if a proper SWOT analysis is conducted for our business, we will be able to position our business to maximize our strength, leverage on the opportunities that will be available to us, mitigate our risks and be welled equipped to confront our threats.

Sparkles® Bottled Water Production Company employed the services of an expert HR and Business Analyst with bias in start – up business to help us conduct a thorough SWOT analysis and to help us create a Business model that will help us achieve our business goals and objectives.

This is the summary of the SWOT analysis that was conducted for Sparkles® Bottled Water Production Company;

Part of what is going to count as positives for Sparkles® Bottled Water Production Company is the vast experience of our management team, we have people on board who are highly experienced and understands how to grow business from the scratch to becoming a national phenomenon.

So also, the wide varieties of bottled water in terms of flavor, packaging and size et al that we produce, our large national distribution network and of course our excellent customer service culture will definitely count as a strong strength for the business.

A major weakness that may count against us is the fact that we are a new bottled water production company and we don’t have the financial capacity to engage in the kind of publicity that we intend giving the business especially when big names like Nestle Foods, The Coca Cola Company and Pepsi Co et al are already determining the direction of the market both in the United States and in the global market.

• Opportunities:

The opportunities for bottled water production companies with a wide range of bottled water products are enormous. This is due to the fact that almost all Americans and people from all over the world can afford bottled water and they drink it regularly.

As a result of that, we were able to conduct a thorough market survey and feasibility studies so as to position our business to take advantage of the existing market for bottled water and also to create our own new market. We know that it is going to requires hard work, and we are determine to achieve it.

We are quite aware that just like any other business, one of the major threats that we are likely going to face is economic downturn and unfavorable government policies. It is a fact that economic downturn affects purchasing power.

Another threat that may likely confront us is the arrival of a new bottled water production company in same location where ours is located.

7. MARKET ANALYSIS

• Market Trends

If you are conversant with the trend in the bottled water production industry, you will quite agree that despite the fact that there are competitions in different stages of the industry. That is competitions amongst bigger corporations such as Pepsi Co, The Coca Cola Company and Nestle et al and also competitions amongst smaller and medium scale bottled water production companies.

Most bottled water company are leveraging on creativity in terms of packaging and marketing to continue to stay afloat in the industry. One creativity approach that is common is ensuring that their bottled water conforms to the appropriate PH – level.

As a matter of fact it is common to find bottled water production companies especially medium scale and small scale bottled water companies specially labeling their bottled water for specific occasions to meet the demand of their clients. For example, a client that is celebrating his or her birthday may strike an agreement with a bottled water company to specially label the bottled water that will be served in the occasion to conform with the occasion.

Lastly, another trend in the bottled water production industry is the adoption of eco – friendly approach towards the production and packaging of bottled water. As a matter of fact, the industry’s adoption of eco-friendly practices will likely persuade environmentally conscious consumers to buy its products, while increasing operators’ efficiency.

8. Our Target Market

When it comes to selling bottled water, there is indeed a wide range of available customers. In essence, our target market can’t be restricted to just a group of people, but all those who resides in our target market locations.

In view of that, we have conducted our market research and we have ideas of what our target market would be expecting from us. We are in business to engage in wholesale distribution and to retail bottled water to the following groups of people;

• Restaurants and Canteens
• Event Planners, Parties and Corporate Functions
• Corporate Executives
• Government Officials
• Business People
• Celebrities
• Military Men and Women
• Sports Men and Women
• Everybody in our target market location

Our Competitive Advantage

A close study of the bottled water production industry reveals that the market has become much more intensely competitive over the last decade. As a matter of fact, you have to be highly creative, customer centric and proactive if you must survive in this industry.

We are aware of the stiffer competition and we are well prepared to compete favorably with other bottled water production companies in Bay Orleans – Massachusetts and throughout the United States and Canada.

Sparkles® Bottled Water Production Company is launching a standard bottled water brand that will indeed become the preferred choice of residence of Bay Orleans – Massachusetts and every city where our bottled water will be retailed.

Part of what is going to count as competitive advantage for Sparkles® Bottled Water Production Company is the vast experience of our management team, we have people on board who are highly experienced and understands how to grow business from the scratch to becoming a national phenomenon.

Lastly, our employees will be well taken care of, and their welfare package will be among the best within our category ( startups bottled water companies ) in the bottled water industry, meaning that they will be more than willing to build the business with us and help deliver our set goals and achieve all our aims and objectives.

We will also give good working conditions and commissions to freelance sales agents that we will recruit from time to time.

9. SALES AND MARKETING STRATEGY

• Sources of Income

Sparkles® Bottled Water Production Company is established with the aim of maximizing profits in the bottled water production industry in both the United States of America and Canada and we are going to go all the way to ensure that we do all it takes to sell a wide range of bottled water products to a wide range of customers.

Sparkles® Bottled Water Production Company will generate income by selling the following products;

10. Sales Forecast

One thing is certain when it comes to bottled water production business, if your bottled water are well – packaged and branded and if your production plant is centrally positioned and easily accessible, you will always attract customers cum sales and that will sure translate to increase in revenue generation for the business.

We are well positioned to take on the available market in Bay Orleans – Massachusetts and every city where our bottled water will be sold and we are quite optimistic that we will meet our set target of generating enough income / profits from the first six month of operations and grow the business and our clientele base.

We have been able to critically examine the bottled water production industry and we have analyzed our chances in the industry and we have been able to come up with the following sales forecast. The sales projection is based on information gathered on the field and some assumptions that are peculiar to startups in Bay Orleans – Massachusetts.

Below is the sales projection for Sparkles® Bottled Water Production Company, it is based on the location of our business and other factors as it relates to small scale and medium scale bottled water production company start – ups in the United States;

• First Fiscal Year-: $100,000
• Second Fiscal Year-: $250,000
• Third Fiscal Year-: $750,000

N.B : This projection is done based on what is obtainable in the industry and with the assumption that there won’t be any major economic meltdown and there won’t be any major competitor offering same products and customer care services as we do within same location. Please note that the above projection might be lower and at the same time it might be higher.

• Marketing Strategy and Sales Strategy

Before choosing a location for Sparkles® Bottled Water Production Company and also the kind of distilled drinks to produce, we conduct a thorough market survey and feasibility studies in order for us to be able to be able to penetrate the available market in our target market locations.

We have detailed information and data that we were able to utilize to structure our business to attract the numbers of customers we want to attract per time and also for our products to favorable compete with other leading brands in the United States of America and Canada.

We hired experts who have good understanding of the bottled water production industry to help us develop marketing strategies that will help us achieve our business goal of winning a larger percentage of the available market in Bay Orleans – Massachusetts and other cities in the United States of America and Canada.

In other to continue to be in business and grow, we must continue to sell our products to the available market which is why we will go all out to empower or sales and marketing team to deliver our corporate sales goals. In summary, Sparkles® Bottled Water Production Company will adopt the following sales and marketing approach to sell our distilled alcoholic drinks;

• Introduce our bottled water brand by sending introductory letters to residence, bottled water merchants and other stakeholders in Bay Orleans – Massachusetts and other cities both in the United States of America and Canada
• Open our bottled water production company with a party so as to capture the attention of residence who are our first targets
• Engage in road show in targeted communities from time to time to sell our products
• Advertise our products in community based newspapers, local TV and radio stations
• List our business and products on yellow pages ads  (local directories)
• Leverage on the internet to promote our bottled water brands
• Engage in direct marketing and sales
• Encourage the use of Word of mouth marketing (referrals)

11. Publicity and Advertising Strategy

Despite the fact that our bottled water production plant is a standard one with a wide range of bottled water products that can favorably compete with other leading brands, we will still go ahead to intensify publicity for all our products and brand. We are going to explore all available means to promote Sparkles® Bottled Water Production Company.

Sparkles® Bottled Water Production Company has a long term plan of distributing our bottled water in various locations all around the United States of America and Canada which is why we will deliberately build our brand to be well accepted in Bay – Orleans, Massachusetts before venturing out.

As a matter of fact, our publicity and advertising strategy is not solely for selling our products but to also effectively communicate our brand. Here are the platforms we intend leveraging on to promote and advertise Sparkles® Bottled Water Production Company;

• Place adverts on both print (community based newspapers and magazines) and electronic media platforms
• Sponsor relevant community programs
• Leverage on the internet and social media platforms like; Instagram, Facebook , twitter, et al to promote our bottled water brand
• Install our Bill Boards on strategic locations all around major cities in the United States of America and Canada
• Engage in road show from time to time in targeted communities
• Distribute our fliers and handbills in target areas
• Position our Flexi Banners at strategic positions in the location where we intend getting customers to start patronizing our products.
• Ensure that our bottled water is well branded and that all our staff members wear our customized clothes, and all our official cars and distribution vans are customized and well branded.

12. Our Pricing Strategy

When it comes to pricing for products such as bottled watered, there are two sides to the coin. We are aware of the pricing trend in the bottled water production industry which is why we have decided to produce various sizes of bottled water.

In view of that, our prices will conform to what is obtainable in the industry but will ensure that within the first 6 to 12 months our products are sold a little bit below the average prices of various bottled water production brands in the United States of America.

We have put in place business strategies that will help us run on low profits for a period of 6 months; it is a way of encouraging people to buy into our bottled water brands.

• Payment Options

At Sparkles® Bottled Water Production Company, our payment policy is all inclusive because we are quite aware that different people prefer different payment options as it suits them. Here are the payment options that will be available in every of our outlets;

• Payment by cash
• Payment via Point of Sale (POS) Machine
• Payment via online bank transfer (online payment portal)
• Payment via Mobile money
• Payment via check (for wholesale distributors)

In view of the above, we have chosen banking platforms that will help us achieve our payment plans without any itches.

13. Startup Expenditure (Budget)

• The Total Fee for Registering the Business in Massachusetts – $750.
• Legal expenses for obtaining licenses and permits as well as the accounting services (software, P.O.S machines and other software) – $1,300.
• Marketing promotion expenses for the grand opening of Sparkles® Bottled Water Production Company in the amount of $3,500 and as well as flyer printing (2,000 flyers at $0.04 per copy) for the total amount of – $3,580.
• Cost for hiring Business Consultant – $2,500.
• Insurance (general liability, workers’ compensation and property casualty) coverage at a total premium – $2,400.
• Cost for payment of rent for 12 month at $1.76 per square feet in the total amount of $105,600.
• Cost for construction of a standard bottled water production plant – $100,000.
• Other start-up expenses including stationery ($500) and phone and utility deposits ( $2,500 ).
• Operational cost for the first 3 months (salaries of employees, payments of bills et al) – $100,000
• The cost for Start-up inventory (raw materials, bottles and packaging materials et al) – $80,000
• Storage hardware (bins, rack, shelves, food case) – $3,720
• The cost for counter area equipment (counter top, sink, ice machine, etc.) – $9,500
• Cost for water purifying, bottling and packaging equipment – $100,000
• Cost for store equipment (cash register, security, ventilation, signage) – $13,750
• Cost of purchase of distribution vans – $100,000
• The cost for the purchase of furniture and gadgets (Computers, Printers, Telephone, Fax Machines, tables and chairs et al) – $4,000.
• The cost of Launching a Website – $600
• The cost for our opening party – $10,000
• Miscellaneous – $10,000

We would need an estimate of $500,000 to successfully set up our bottled water production plant in Bay – Orleans, Massachusetts. Please note that this amount includes the salaries of all the staff for the first 3 month of operation.

Generating Funding/Startup Capital for Sparkles® Bottled Water Production Company

Sparkles® Bottled Water Production Company is a family business that is owned and financed by Mark Harrison Clay and Family. They do not intend to welcome any external business partners, which is why he has decided to restrict the sourcing of the start – up capital to 3 major sources.

These are the areas we intend generating our start – up capital;

• Generate part of the start – up capital from personal savings and sell of stocks
• Source for soft loans from family members and friends
• Apply for loan from my Bank

N.B: We have been able to generate about $200,000 (Personal savings $150,000 and soft loan from family members $50,000) and we are at the final stages of obtaining a loan facility of $300,000 from our bank. All the papers and document have been signed and submitted, the loan has been approved and any moment from now our account will be credited with the amount.

14. Sustainability and Expansion Strategy

The future of a business lies in the numbers of loyal customers that they have the capacity and competence of the employees, their investment strategy and the business structure. If all of these factors are missing from a business (company), then it won’t be too long before the business close shop.

One of our major goals of starting Sparkles® Bottled Water Production Company is to build a business that will survive off its own cash flow without the need for injecting finance from external sources once the business is officially running.

We know that one of the ways of gaining approval and winning customers over is to retail our bottled water and other products a little bit cheaper than what is obtainable in the market and we are well prepared to survive on lower profit margin for a while.

Sparkles® Bottled Water Production Company will make sure that the right foundation, structures and processes are put in place to ensure that our staff welfare are well taken of. Our company’s corporate culture is designed to drive our business to greater heights and training and retraining of our workforce is at the top burner.

As a matter of fact, profit-sharing arrangement will be made available to all our management staff and it will be based on their performance for a period of three years or more. We know that if that is put in place, we will be able to successfully hire and retain the best hands we can get in the industry; they will be more committed to help us build the business of our dreams.

Check List/Milestone

• Business Name Availability Check: Completed
• Business Registration: Completed
• Opening of Corporate Bank Accounts: Completed
• Securing Point of Sales (POS) Machines: Completed
• Opening Mobile Money Accounts: Completed
• Opening Online Payment Platforms: Completed
• Application and Obtaining Tax Payer’s ID: In Progress
• Application for business license and permit: Completed
• Purchase of Insurance for the Business: Completed
• Leasing of facility and construction of standard bottled water plant: In Progress
• Conducting Feasibility Studies: Completed
• Generating capital from family members and friends: Completed
• Applications for Loan from the bank: In Progress
• Writing of Business Plan: Completed
• Drafting of Employee’s Handbook: Completed
• Drafting of Contract Documents and other relevant Legal Documents: In Progress
• Design of The Company’s Logo: Completed
• Graphic Designs and Printing of Packaging Marketing / Promotional Materials: In Progress
• Recruitment of employees: In Progress
• Purchase of the Needed furniture, racks, shelves, computers, electronic appliances, office appliances and CCTV: In Progress
• Creating Official Website for the Company: In Progress
• Creating Awareness for the business both online and around the community: In Progress
• Health and Safety and Fire Safety Arrangement (License): Secured
• Opening party / launching party planning: In Progress
• Establishing business relationship with vendors – wholesale suppliers / merchants: In Progress

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Bottled Water Business

Back to All Business Ideas

How to Start a Bottled Water Business: A Step by Step Guide

Written by: Carolyn Young

Carolyn Young is a business writer who focuses on entrepreneurial concepts and the business formation. She has over 25 years of experience in business roles, and has authored several entrepreneurship textbooks.

Edited by: David Lepeska

David has been writing and learning about business, finance and globalization for a quarter-century, starting with a small New York consulting firm in the 1990s.

Published on April 13, 2022

Investment range

$6,550 - $15,100

Revenue potential

$130,000 - $416,000 p.a.

Time to build

1 – 3 months

Profit potential

$46,000 - $83,000 p.a.

Industry trend

Here are the most important things to consider when starting a bottled water business:

• Source of water — Find a location close to a clean and sustainable water source. Consider natural water sources such as springs and aquifers.
• Grants — There are a few grants available that can help you start your bottled water business such as Small Business Grants , Drinking Water Grants , and Environmental Grants.
• Licenses — As bottled water is a consumable product, you will need many licenses, such as approval from the health department , FDA approval , environmental permits, water rights , and state-specific permits. 
• Equipment — Invest in high-quality equipment like pumps, pipes, and storage tanks for the water. To treat the water further, add filtration, reverse osmosis units, and UV systems. Your facilities also need bottling, packaging, and shipping equipment.
• Niche — Find a niche and stand out. Think about eco-friendly bottles, flavored and enhanced water, fitness-focused products, kids’ water, etc.
• Register your business — A limited liability company (LLC) is the best legal structure for new businesses because it is fast and simple. Form your business immediately using ZenBusiness LLC formation service or hire one of the best LLC services on the market.
• Legal business aspects — Register for taxes, open a business bank account, and get an EIN .

Interactive Checklist at your fingertips—begin your bottled water business today!

You May Also Wonder:

Can a bottled water business be profitable?

Yes, bottled water has good profit margins. Your key will be to brand your water in a way that is appealing to consumers. You also need to find a reliable manufacturer.

How can I start a bottled water business without opening my own plant?

You can find a water company that will produce your water and packaging and put your own brand and label on it.

Who buys the most bottled water?

The  United States is the country  that buys the most bottled water in the world.

How can I increase the sales of my bottled water?

To increase the sales of your bottled water, focus on marketing and branding by highlighting the quality and unique features of your product. Target your advertising efforts to reach your desired market through various channels. Consider product placements and partnerships to increase visibility and availability. 

What distribution channels should I consider for selling my bottled water?

To distribute your bottled water effectively, consider selling through retail stores, online platforms, beverage distributors, direct sales at events and via subscriptions, and B2B partnerships with establishments like restaurants and gyms. This strategy broadens your market reach and simplifies logistics.

Step 1: Decide if the Business Is Right for You

Pros and cons.

Starting a bottled water business has pros and cons to consider before deciding if it’s right for you.

• Good money — Profit margins on bottled water are fairly high
• Flexibility — Run your business from home as a white label company
• Hot market — Demand for bottled water is strong
• Saturated market — Competition is fierce in the bottled water industry
• Partner needed — Finding a white label water company can be challenging

Bottled Water Industry Trends

Industry size and growth.

• Industry size and past growth — The global bottled water industry was worth $303 billion in 2022 and it’s been steadily growing.(( https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/bottled-water-market )) The US market share is worth $9.3 billion.(( https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/market-research-reports/bottled-water-production-industry/ ))
• Growth forecast — The global bottled water industry is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.4% annually by 2032 to reach more than half a trillion dollars.(( https://www.statista.com/outlook/cmo/non-alcoholic-drinks/bottled-water/worldwide ))
• Number of businesses — There are 476 bottled water production businesses in the US.(( https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/market-research-reports/bottled-water-production-industry/ )) 
• Number of people employed — The US bottled water production industry employs 15,708 people.(( https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/market-research-reports/bottled-water-production-industry/ )) 

Trends and Challenges

• Alkaline waters, which have a higher pH level than regular bottled water, are increasingly popular because they are thought to improve energy. The same is true for electrolyte-enhanced water.
• New to the market is hydrogen water, made with more hydrogen and thought to increase energy and endurance as well as to provide antioxidants. Though it’s new, it’s increasing in popularity quickly despite its higher price. 
• Plastic water bottles are piling up in landfills, leading to environmental concerns and increased governmental regulation. This has spurred manufacturers to look for alternative bottling. Many manufacturers are using recycled plastic, but some are moving to cans and paper cartons as better alternatives.
• Plastic bottle production in the United States requires about 17.6 million barrels of oil annually, which is of increasing concern due to the current energy situation.

Consumer Spending

• Average consumer spend — The average person in the US consumes about 46.5 gallons of bottled water per year.(( https://www.statista.com/statistics/183377/per-capita-consumption-of-bottled-water-in-the-us-since-1999/ )) 
• Potential customer base — A recent survey shows that 49 million Americans consume bottled water.(( https://tappwater.co/blogs/blog/how-many-people-consume-bottled-water-globally ))
• Average prices — Consumers tend to buy bottled water in bulk. The average price for a 24-bottle case is $6.99, while specialty waters sell for up to $15 or more. They are commanding a higher price due to the way they are presenting their water to consumers, creating the impression of more health benefits.(( https://bottledwater.org/bottled-water-prices-advertising/ ))

How Much Does It Cost to Start a Bottled Water Business?

Startup costs for a bottled water business range from $6,500 to $15,000. Your costs will depend on the minimum your manufacturer will allow you to order since the bulk of your startup costs are for your initial inventory. 

You could start your search for a manufacturer on this online platform .  

How Much Can You Earn From a Bottled Water Business?

The average price for a private-label specialty case of bottled water is about $10. You can either sell your water online on a site like Amazon, or you can try to find local stores that will stock your water. Your profit margin after manufacturing and packaging costs will be around 35%. 

In your first year or two, you might sell 250 cases a week, bringing in $130,000 in annual revenue. This would mean nearly $46,000 in profit, assuming that 35% margin. As your brand gains recognition and you get your products into grocery stores, sales could climb to 800 cases per week. At this stage, you’d rent out a distribution center and hire staff, reducing your margin to about 20%. With an annual revenue of $416,000, you’d still have a nice profit of more than $83,000.

What Barriers to Entry Are There?

There are a few barriers to entry for a bottled water business. Your biggest challenges will be:

• Finding a manufacturing partner
• Competition from established firms

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Step 2: hone your idea.

Now that you know what’s involved in starting a bottled water business, it’s a good idea to hone your concept in preparation to enter a competitive market. 

Market research will give you the upper hand, even if you’re already positive that you have a perfect product or service. Conducting market research is important, because it can help you understand your customers better, who your competitors are, and your business landscape.

Why? Identify an Opportunity

Research bottled water businesses in your area to examine their products, price points, and what sells best. You’re looking for a market gap to fill. For instance, maybe the local market is missing a spring water or sachet water company. Sachet water is pre-filtered water heat-sealed in plastic bags instead of bottles.

You might consider targeting a niche market by specializing in a certain aspect of your industry, such as mineral water or purified water.

This could jumpstart your word-of-mouth marketing and attract clients right away. 

What? Choose Your Product Line and Define the Product Range

Bottled water companies are legally allowed to offer:

• Mineral water from an underground source with naturally occurring trace minerals
• Spring water
• Well water, artesian well water 
• Purified water, or treated tap water 

You can choose any of those. Your key will be your labeling and how you brand your product. You could decide to offer vitamin or flavored water, but that would move you out of the bottled water category and into the soft drink category and would make production much more difficult. 

How Much Should You Charge for Bottled Water?

If you present your water as a high-end specialty water, you can charge about $10 per case. The key to this is in packaging and branding that creates the impression of a superior product. Using phrases like “natural spring water” and giving your bottles a confident, appealing design goes a long way. If you go to Amazon and search for bottled water, you’ll see many ways in which water is presented as high-end and commands prices as high as $15 or even $20. 

You should aim for a profit margin of about 35% after manufacturing and packaging costs.

Once you know your costs, you can use our profit margin calculator to determine your markup and final price points. Remember, the prices you use at launch should be subject to change if warranted by the market.

Who? Identify Your Target Market

Your target market will be broad, but it may tend to be a younger crowd. You can find them on sites like TikTok and Instagram, but you could also advertise on Facebook, LinkedIn, and beyond.  

Where? Choose a Location

When selecting a location for a bottled water company, the approach varies depending on whether you have a partner manufacturer or not:

• Water source — Prioritize a location near a high-quality, sustainable water source like a spring or well.
• Regulatory compliance — Ensure compliance with water extraction and bottling regulations.
• Market proximity — Choose a location close to your target market to reduce transportation costs.
• Infrastructure and accessibility — Look for adequate infrastructure for bottling and packaging, and good transportation links.
• Water source — The same priority for a sustainable, high-quality water source applies.
• Manufacturing facilities — You’ll need space for your own bottling and packaging facilities.
• Labor availability — Ensure access to a skilled workforce for various operational roles.
• Environmental and community impact — Assess and minimize environmental impact and build positive community relations.

In both scenarios, consider the local climate, the potential for natural disasters, and the legal and political environment. Future expansion possibilities and overall costs are also important factors.

Step 3: Brainstorm a Bottled Water Business Name

Here are some ideas for brainstorming your business name:

• Short, unique, and catchy names tend to stand out
• Names that are easy to say and spell tend to do better 
• Name should be relevant to your product or service offerings
• Ask around — family, friends, colleagues, social media — for suggestions
• Including keywords, such as “mineral water” or “spring water,” boosts SEO
• Name should allow for expansion, for example, “AquaSource Bottling” over “AquaSource Sparkling Water” or “Coconut Bay Water”
• A location-based name can help establish a strong connection with your local community and help with the SEO but might hinder future expansion

Discover over 280 unique bottled water brand name ideas here . If you want your business name to include specific keywords, you can also use our bottled water name generator. Just type in a few keywords, hit Generate, and you’ll have dozens of suggestions at your fingertips.

Once you’ve got a list of potential names, visit the website of the US Patent and Trademark Office to make sure they are available for registration and check the availability of related domain names using our Domain Name Search tool. Using “.com” or “.org” sharply increases credibility, so it’s best to focus on these. 

Find a Domain

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Finally, make your choice among the names that pass this screening and go ahead with domain registration and social media account creation. Your business name is one of the key differentiators that sets your business apart. However, once you pick your company name and start with the branding, it is hard to change the business name. Therefore, it’s important to carefully consider your choice before you start a business entity.

Step 4: Create a Bottled Water Business Plan

Here are the key components of a business plan:

• Executive summary — A concise overview of your bottled water business, highlighting key points and objectives.
• Business overview — Detailed information about the bottled water industry, your company’s mission, and its structure
• Product and services — Explanation of the types of bottled water you offer, including any unique features or benefits
• Market analysis — Examination of the target market for bottled water, considering demographics, trends, and potential growth
• Competitive analysis — Assessment of other bottled water companies in the market, identifying strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats
• Sales and marketing — Strategies for promoting and selling your bottled water, including distribution channels and advertising plans
• Management team — Introduction of key individuals involved in running the business, emphasizing their qualifications and roles
• Operations plan — Details on how your bottled water business will operate, covering production, quality control, and distribution
• Financial plan — Projections of your business’s financial performance, including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow forecasts
• Appendix — Supplementary materials such as supporting documents, charts, and additional information to enhance the business plan

If you’ve never created a business plan, it can be an intimidating task. You might consider hiring a business plan specialist to create a top-notch business plan for you.

Step 5: Register Your Business

Registering your business is an absolutely crucial step — it’s the prerequisite to paying taxes, raising capital, opening a bank account, and other guideposts on the road to getting a business up and running.

Plus, registration is exciting because it makes the entire process official. Once it’s complete, you’ll have your own business! 

Choose Where to Register Your Company

Your business location is important because it can affect taxes, legal requirements, and revenue. Most people will register their business in the state where they live, but if you’re planning to expand, you might consider looking elsewhere, as some states could offer real advantages when it comes to bottled water businesses. 

If you’re willing to move, you could really maximize your business! Keep in mind that it’s relatively easy to transfer your business to another state. 

Choose Your Business Structure

Business entities come in several varieties, each with its pros and cons. The legal structure you choose for your bottled water business will shape your taxes, personal liability, and business registration requirements, so choose wisely. 

Here are the main options:

• Sole proprietorship — The most common structure for small businesses makes no legal distinction between company and owner. All income goes to the owner, who’s also liable for any debts, losses, or liabilities incurred by the business. The owner pays taxes on business income on his or her personal tax return.
• General partnership — Similar to a sole proprietorship, but for two or more people. Again, owners keep the profits and are liable for losses. The partners pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.
• Limited Liability Company (LLC) — Combines the characteristics of corporations with those of sole proprietorships or partnerships. Again, the owners are not personally liable for debts.
• C Corporation — Under this structure, the business is a distinct legal entity and the owner or owners are not personally liable for its debts. Owners take profits through shareholder dividends, rather than directly. The corporation pays taxes, and owners pay taxes on their dividends, which is sometimes referred to as double taxation.
• S Corporation — This refers to the tax classification of the business but is not a business entity. An S Corp can be either a corporation or an LLC , which just needs to elect this structure for tax status. In an S Corp, income is passed through directly to shareholders, who pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.

We recommend that new business owners choose LLC as it offers liability protection and pass-through taxation while being simpler to form than a corporation. You can form an LLC in as little as five minutes using an online LLC formation service. They will check that your business name is available before filing, submit your articles of organization , and answer any questions you might have.

Form Your LLC

Choose Your State

We recommend ZenBusiness as the Best LLC Service for 2024

Step 6: Register for Taxes

The final step before you’re able to pay taxes is getting an Employer Identification Number or EIN. You can file for your EIN online, or by mail/fax. Visit the IRS website to learn more. Keep in mind that, if you’ve chosen to be a sole proprietorship, you can simply use your social security number as your EIN. 

Once you have your EIN, you’ll need to choose your tax year. Financially speaking, your business will operate in a calendar year (January–December) or a fiscal year, a 12-month period that can start in any month. This will determine your tax cycle, while your business structure will determine which taxes you’ll pay.

The IRS website also offers a tax-payers checklist , and taxes can be filed online.

It is important to consult an accountant or other professional to help you with your taxes to ensure you’re completing them correctly.

Step 7: Fund Your Business

Securing financing is your next step and there are plenty of ways to raise capital:

• Bank loans — This is the most common method but getting approved requires a rock-solid business plan and a strong credit history.
• SBA-guaranteed loans — The Small Business Administration can act as a guarantor, helping gain that elusive bank approval via an SBA-guaranteed loan .
• Government grants — A handful of financial assistance programs help fund entrepreneurs. Visit Grants.gov to learn which might work for you.
• Friends and family — Reach out to friends and family to provide a business loan or investment in your concept. It’s a good idea to have legal advice when doing so because SEC regulations apply.
• Crowdfunding — Websites like Kickstarter and Indiegogo offer an increasingly popular low-risk option, in which donors fund your vision. Entrepreneurial crowdfunding sites like Fundable and WeFunder enable multiple investors to fund your business.
• Personal — Self-fund your business via your savings or the sale of property or other assets.

Bank and SBA loans are probably the best options, other than friends and family, for funding a bottled water business. You might also try crowdfunding if you have an innovative concept. 

Step 8: Apply for Bottled Water Business Licenses and Permits

Starting a bottled water business requires obtaining a number of licenses and permits from local, state, and federal governments.

Federal regulations, licenses, and permits associated with starting your business include doing business as (DBA), health licenses and permits from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration ( OSHA ), trademarks, copyrights, patents, and other intellectual properties, as well as industry-specific licenses and permits. 

You may also need state-level and local county or city-based licenses and permits. The license requirements and how to obtain them vary, so check the websites of your state, city, and county governments or contact the appropriate person to learn more. 

You could also check this SBA guide for your state’s requirements, but we recommend using MyCorporation’s Business License Compliance Package . They will research the exact forms you need for your business and state and provide them to ensure you’re fully compliant.

This is not a step to be taken lightly, as failing to comply with legal requirements can result in hefty penalties.

If you feel overwhelmed by this step or don’t know how to begin, it might be a good idea to hire a professional to help you check all the legal boxes.

Step 9: Open a Business Bank Account

Before you start making money, you’ll need a place to keep it, and that requires opening a bank account .

Keeping your business finances separate from your personal account makes it easy to file taxes and track your company’s income, so it’s worth doing even if you’re running your bottled water business as a sole proprietorship. Opening a business bank account is quite simple, and similar to opening a personal one. Most major banks offer accounts tailored for businesses — just inquire at your preferred bank to learn about their rates and features.

Banks vary in terms of offerings, so it’s a good idea to examine your options and select the best plan for you. Once you choose your bank, bring in your EIN (or Social Security Number if you decide on a sole proprietorship), articles of incorporation, and other legal documents and open your new account. 

Step 10: Get Business Insurance

Business insurance is an area that often gets overlooked yet it can be vital to your success as an entrepreneur. Insurance protects you from unexpected events that can have a devastating impact on your business.

Here are some types of insurance to consider:

• General liability — The most comprehensive type of insurance, acting as a catch-all for many business elements that require coverage. If you get just one kind of insurance, this is it. It even protects against bodily injury and property damage.
• Business property — Provides coverage for your equipment and supplies.
• Equipment breakdown insurance — Covers the cost of replacing or repairing equipment that has broken due to mechanical issues.
• Worker’s compensation — Provides compensation to employees injured on the job.
• Property — Covers your physical space, whether it is a cart, storefront, or office.
• Commercial auto — Protection for your company-owned vehicle.
• Professional liability — Protects against claims from a client who says they suffered a loss due to an error or omission in your work.
• Business owner’s policy (BOP) — This is an insurance plan that acts as an all-in-one insurance policy, a combination of the above insurance types.

Step 11: Prepare to Launch

As opening day nears, prepare for launch by reviewing and improving some key elements of your business. 

Essential Software and Tools

Being an entrepreneur often means wearing many hats — from marketing to sales to accounting — which can be overwhelming. Fortunately, many websites and digital tools are available to help simplify many business tasks. 

You may want to use industry-specific software, such as LS Retail , Vend , or Retail Pro , to manage purchasing, inventory, and invoicing.

• Popular web-based accounting programs for smaller businesses include Quickbooks , FreshBooks , and Xero . 
• If you’re unfamiliar with basic accounting, you may want to hire a professional, especially as you begin. The consequences of filing incorrect tax documents can be harsh, so accuracy is crucial. 

Develop Your Website

Website development is crucial because your site is your online presence and needs to convince prospective clients of your expertise and professionalism.

You can create your own website using website builders . This route is very affordable, but figuring out how to build a website can be time-consuming. If you lack tech savvy, you can hire a web designer or developer to create a custom website for your business.

However, people are unlikely to find your website unless you follow Search Engine Optimization ( SEO ) practices. These are steps that help pages rank higher in the results of top search engines like Google. 

Here are some powerful marketing strategies for your future business:

• Website & SEO — Optimize your website and online listings to increase visibility in search results, focusing on bottled water and hydration solutions.
• Engaging social media campaigns — Highlight the purity and source of your water on platforms like Instagram and Twitter to engage a health-conscious audience.
• Interactive website features — Develop an engaging website that educates visitors on the health benefits and sustainability efforts of your brand.
• Health and wellness blogging — Share content on the importance of hydration, water purity, and eco-friendly practices.
• Customer testimonials — Utilize positive feedback to build trust and encourage trial of your water.
• Hydration stations at events — Set up branded stations at local sports and wellness events to promote your product.
• Partnerships with fitness centers — Collaborate with gyms and yoga studios to supply your bottled water, reinforcing a healthy lifestyle image.
• Rewards program — Implement a program that rewards repeat purchases with discounts or other incentives.
• Targeted advertising campaigns — Reach health-conscious consumers and sustainability advocates through targeted digital ads.
• Influencer marketing — Work with health and wellness influencers to amplify the benefits of your water.
• Striking branding and packaging — Design distinctive labels and packaging that reflect the quality and values of your brand.
• Email marketing — Maintain engagement with your customer base through newsletters that provide hydration tips, company updates, and special promotions.

Focus on USPs

Unique selling propositions, or USPs, are the characteristics of a product or service that set it apart from the competition. Today, customers are inundated with buying options, so you’ll have a real advantage if they are able to quickly grasp how your bottled water business meets their needs or wishes. It’s wise to do all you can to ensure your USPs stand out on your website and in your marketing and promotional materials, stimulating buyer desire. 

Global pizza chain Domino’s is renowned for its USP: “Hot pizza in 30 minutes or less, guaranteed.” Signature USPs for your bottled water business could be: 

• Refreshing natural spring water to live your healthiest life 
• Fortifying mineral water so you’re always at your best 
• Hydrogen water to give you an energy boost

You may not like to network or use personal connections for business gain but your personal and professional networks likely offer considerable untapped business potential. Maybe that Facebook friend you met in college is now running a bottled water business, or a LinkedIn contact of yours is connected to dozens of potential clients. Maybe your cousin or neighbor has been working in bottled water for years and can offer invaluable insight and industry connections. 

The possibilities are endless, so it’s a good idea to review your personal and professional networks and reach out to those with possible links to or interest in bottled water. You’ll probably generate new customers or find companies with which you could establish a partnership. 

Step 12: Build Your Team

If you’re starting out small from a home office, you may not need any employees. But as your business grows, you will likely need workers to fill various roles. Potential positions for a bottled water business include:

• Distribution center workers — preparing bottled water for shipping
• General manager — ordering, accounting
• Marketing lead — SEO strategies, social media

At some point, you may need to hire all of these positions or simply a few, depending on the size and needs of your business. You might also hire multiple workers for a single role or a single worker for multiple roles, again depending on need. 

Free-of-charge methods to recruit employees include posting ads on popular platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, or Jobs.com. You might also consider a premium recruitment option, such as advertising on Indeed , Glassdoor , or ZipRecruiter . Further, if you have the resources, you could consider hiring a recruitment agency to help you find talent. 

Step 13: Run a Bottled Water Business — Start Making Money!

Ready to get in on the action? The bottled water industry is set to double, which means now is the perfect time to create your own bottled water brand. You can start for a relatively low investment if you can find a white-label manufacturer and make a nice return on that investment. You just have to come up with an identity for your water and design your packaging well, and you can bring in some good money.

Now that you understand the business, it’s time to hit the ground running and launch your bottled water business!

This business model is informative and beneficial for entrepreneurs. Many thanks for such a great help.

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• Decide if the Business Is Right for You
• Hone Your Idea
• Brainstorm a Bottled Water Business Name
• Create a Bottled Water Business Plan
• Register Your Business
• Register for Taxes
• Fund Your Business
• Apply for Bottled Water Business Licenses and Permits
• Open a Business Bank Account
• Get Business Insurance
• Prepare to Launch
• Build Your Team
• Run a Bottled Water Business — Start Making Money!

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How to Start a Profitable Bottled Water Business [11 Steps]

By Nick Cotter Updated Feb 05, 2024

Business Steps:

1. perform market analysis., 2. draft a bottled water business plan., 3. develop a bottled water brand., 4. formalize your business registration., 5. acquire necessary licenses and permits for bottled water., 6. open a business bank account and secure funding as needed., 7. set pricing for bottled water services., 8. acquire bottled water equipment and supplies., 9. obtain business insurance for bottled water, if required., 10. begin marketing your bottled water services., 11. expand your bottled water business..

Starting a bottled water business requires a thorough understanding of the market to identify your potential customers, competitors, and overall demand. A solid market analysis will guide your business strategy and help you carve out a niche in the competitive landscape. Consider these key points while performing your market analysis:

• Examine the current market size for bottled water in your target region and project its growth rate.
• Analyze the key players in the bottled water industry, including large corporations and small local brands, to understand their market share, products, and pricing strategies.
• Identify your target demographic by considering factors like age, income level, lifestyle, and buying habits, and understand what drives their purchasing decisions.
• Research consumer trends and preferences, such as the demand for flavored, mineral, spring, or purified water, and the growing interest in eco-friendly packaging.
• Assess the legal and regulatory environment, including health standards, labeling requirements, and environmental regulations that may affect your business operations.
• Explore the distribution channels used by existing bottled water companies, such as retail stores, online platforms, and direct delivery services.
• Conduct a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) to determine your potential competitive advantage in the market.

Are bottled water businesses profitable?

Yes, bottled water businesses can be highly profitable. Many bottled water companies have seen significant increases in sales and profits in recent years as more people become aware of the health benefits of drinking quality water. Additionally, bottled water businesses may benefit from reduced operating costs due to the lack of large-scale infrastructure and production investments required for other beverage types.

Starting a bottled water business requires a well-thought-out plan to navigate the competitive landscape and regulatory requirements. A comprehensive business plan is essential for securing funding, understanding your market, and mapping out strategies for growth. Here are the key elements to include in your bottled water business plan:

• Executive Summary: Briefly summarize your business concept, the problem you're solving, your target market, and financial projections.
• Company Description: Detail your business's mission, goals, and the unique factors that will make your bottled water brand stand out.
• Market Analysis: Research and describe your target audience, industry trends, and competitive landscape.
• Organizational Structure: Outline your company's management team, roles, and experiences that contribute to the business's success.
• Product Line: Describe the types of bottled water you'll offer, including any unique features or benefits.
• Marketing and Sales Strategy: Explain how you plan to attract and retain customers, including branding, pricing, and sales channels.
• Operational Plan: Detail the production process, equipment needed, supply chain logistics, and facility requirements.
• Financial Projections: Offer realistic financial forecasts including start-up costs, profit and loss, cash flow, and balance sheet projections.

How does a bottled water business make money?

Bottled water businesses typically make money by selling water in bottles to customers. This type of business could target a variety of people such as athletes and gym-goers who need to hydrate throughout the day, busy professionals who don't have access to clean drinking water, or people going on hikes in the wilderness. By targeting a specific demographic, bottled water businesses can make money by selling their product to the right consumers. As an example, a 11 Steps To Starting a Successful Spice Business could target health-conscious individuals looking for natural ingredients and flavors to enhance their meals.

Developing a bottled water brand is crucial to differentiate your product in a competitive market. Your brand should resonate with your target audience and encapsulate your company's values and unique selling proposition. Consider the following steps to create a compelling brand identity:

• Define your brand's mission and vision to guide your branding decisions and communicate your company's purpose.
• Research your target market to understand your customers' preferences and create a brand that appeals to them.
• Select a brand name that is memorable, easy to pronounce, and reflects the essence of your product.
• Design a logo and packaging that stand out on shelves and align with your brand's image, ensuring it's also functional and sustainable.
• Create a compelling brand story that connects emotionally with consumers and highlights the purity and source of your water.
• Develop a marketing strategy that leverages social media, collaborations, and influencer partnerships to increase brand awareness.
• Ensure your branding is consistent across all platforms, from your labels and website to your advertising and social media profiles.

How to come up with a name for your bottled water business?

Naming your bottled water business is an important part of establishing your brand in the marketplace. When coming up with a name, you should think of something creative and memorable that reflects the qualities of your product. Consider using words that denote purity, naturalness, and health, such as “Fresh” or “Natural.” Additionally, make sure the name is easy to pronounce and understand, so potential customers don’t have to struggle to remember or pronounce it. Finally, use a name that stands out from the competition so you can be sure to make an impression.

Formalizing your business registration is a critical step in establishing a legitimate bottled water business. This process lays the foundation for your operations, allowing you to conduct business legally, hire employees, and handle financial matters properly. Here's what you need to do:

• Choose a Business Name: Select a unique and memorable name for your bottled water business, ensuring it's not already in use by checking with your local business registry.
• Decide on a Business Structure: Determine whether you'll operate as a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), or corporation. Consider legal liability, taxation, and administrative complexity in your decision.
• Register Your Business: File the necessary paperwork with your state's secretary of state office or equivalent. This may include articles of incorporation for corporations or articles of organization for LLCs.
• Obtain an EIN: Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS for tax purposes, especially if you plan to hire employees.
• Register for Taxes: Register with state and federal agencies to handle sales tax, payroll tax, and any other applicable taxes.
• Obtain Necessary Permits and Licenses: Secure all required local, state, and federal permits and licenses, including those specific to water bottling and distribution.
• Register Your Trademarks: Protect your brand and product names by registering trademarks with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) if necessary.

Resources to help get you started:

Access vital resources designed for bottled water entrepreneurs featuring market trends, operational best practices, and strategic growth advice:

• Beverage Industry Magazine : Offers insights into beverage market trends, including bottled water, with articles on marketing, production, and distribution. Website .
• IBWA (International Bottled Water Association) : Provides comprehensive industry reports, best practices guides, and regulatory updates for bottled water businesses. Website .
• Mintel Reports : Features detailed market research reports on the bottled water industry, including consumer trends and competitive analysis. Website .
• Beverage Daily Newsletter : Daily updates on the beverage industry, including significant movements within the bottled water sector. Website .
• Euromonitor International : Offers global strategic market analysis, which includes the bottled water industry's growth forecasts, competitive landscapes, and consumer trends. Website .

Starting a bottled water business requires adherence to various regulations to ensure product safety and compliance with local, state, and federal laws. Before beginning operations, it is crucial to acquire the necessary licenses and permits. Here’s a guide to help you navigate this process:

• Research local zoning regulations to ensure your business location is approved for bottled water production.
• Obtain a business license from your city or county government, which is essential for operating legally.
• Apply for a water bottling permit from the state health department, which will require demonstrating that your water meets safety standards.
• Register with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a food facility, since bottled water is regulated as a food product.
• Ensure you have the proper labeling permits that comply with the FDA's requirements for bottled water, including nutritional labeling and claims.
• Check if you need a permit for water rights or water extraction from your local water authority, especially if you source water from a natural spring or well.
• Consider obtaining organic or other special certifications if your bottled water meets specific criteria, which might require additional permits or inspections.

What licenses and permits are needed to run a bottled water business?

In order to start and run a bottled water business, you will need to obtain several licenses and permits. Depending on the state or country your business is located in, some of the necessary licenses and permits may include a general business license, a food handlers license, a manufacturing license, and an occupational health license. In addition, you may need to obtain approval from your local zoning board as well as any other applicable local agencies. Finally, if you plan to sell your products outside of your state or country, you may need to obtain additional licensing and permits from those jurisdictions.

Opening a business bank account is a critical step for managing your finances and legitimizing your bottled water business. Alongside, securing the necessary funding will ensure that you have the financial resources to cover startup costs, production, and marketing. Follow these guidelines to set up your financial foundation:

• Research banks that offer business banking services and compare their fees, services, and customer support to find the best fit for your company’s needs.
• Prepare the required documentation, such as your business registration, EIN (Employer Identification Number), and personal identification, to open a business bank account.
• Consider applying for a business credit card to help track business expenses and build your company's credit history.
• Explore various funding options like small business loans, investors, crowdfunding, or grants specifically designed for startups or the beverage industry.
• Create a detailed business plan that outlines your financial projections and growth strategy to present to potential lenders or investors.
• Understand the terms and conditions of any funding you accept to ensure it aligns with your business goals and financial capabilities.

Setting the right price for your bottled water services is crucial for balancing customer satisfaction and your business's profitability. In determining your pricing strategy, consider factors like production costs, market demand, competition, and perceived value. Follow these guidelines to establish an effective pricing strategy:

• Cost Analysis: Calculate the total cost of producing your bottled water, including sourcing, filtration, bottling, packaging, and distribution, to determine the minimum price per unit.
• Competitive Pricing: Research the prices of competitors and position your product accordingly. You can choose to match, undercut, or exceed these prices based on your brand positioning and target market.
• Value-based Pricing: Consider the unique selling points (USPs) of your bottled water, such as mineral content or eco-friendly packaging, to justify a premium price if applicable.
• Volume Discounts: Offer discounts for bulk purchases to encourage larger orders and attract distributors or retailers.
• Dynamic Pricing: Be prepared to adjust prices in response to market trends, seasonal demand, and promotional activities.

What does it cost to start a bottled water business?

Initiating a bottled water business can involve substantial financial commitment, the scale of which is significantly influenced by factors such as geographical location, market dynamics, and operational expenses, among others. Nonetheless, our extensive research and hands-on experience have revealed an estimated starting cost of approximately $71500 for launching such an business. Please note, not all of these costs may be necessary to start up your bottled water business.

Starting a bottled water business entails ensuring that you have the right equipment and supplies to produce, bottle, and distribute your product efficiently. The following is a list of essential items and considerations to keep in mind when acquiring your bottled water equipment and supplies:

• Water Source: Secure a reliable water source, such as a well or a natural spring, and ensure it meets safety standards.
• Filtration System: Invest in a robust water filtration and purification system to guarantee the quality of your water.
• Bottling Machine: Choose an appropriate bottling machine that can handle your production volume, whether it's automated or manual.
• Washing and Rinsing Equipment: Acquire equipment for washing and rinsing your bottles to maintain hygiene and safety standards.
• Labeling and Packaging Supplies: Obtain labeling machines and materials, as well as packaging equipment to present and protect your product.
• Quality Control Tools: Implement quality control measures with the necessary tools to monitor the consistency and safety of your water.
• Storage Facilities: Ensure you have adequate storage for both raw materials and the finished product, adhering to appropriate conditions.
• Delivery System: Set up a reliable delivery system, which may include acquiring a fleet of delivery vehicles.

List of software, tools and supplies needed to start a bottled water business:

• Bottled Water – approximately $0.50 to $1 per bottle
• Water Filtration System – approximately $1,000 to $3,000
• Water Testing Equipment – approximately $150 to $300
• Manual Bottle Filler – approximately $500 to $750
• Labeling Machine – approximately $500 to $1,000
• Bottles – approximately 50 cents to one dollar each
• Caps and other Sealing Products – approximately 10 cents per item
• Water Delivery Vehicle – Approximately ranging from $15,000 for a used truck to over 30,000 for a new one.
• Packaging and Shipping Supply Costs - Approximately from a few cents per label or envelope up to several dollars for boxes.
• Marketing and Advertising Costs - Approximately varies depending on the type of advertising you choose.

Securing the right business insurance is an essential step in protecting your bottled water business from potential risks and liabilities. It's important to understand the various types of insurance available and to determine which ones are required or recommended for your specific business needs. Below are some guidelines to help you navigate the process:

• General Liability Insurance: This coverage can protect your business from claims involving bodily injuries and property damage resulting from your products or operations.
• Product Liability Insurance: Essential for bottled water businesses, this insurance covers legal fees and damages if your product is found to have caused harm to a consumer.
• Commercial Property Insurance: This protects your business premises, equipment, and inventory in case of fire, theft, or other covered disasters.
• Workers’ Compensation Insurance: If you have employees, most states require you to carry this insurance to cover medical costs and lost wages for work-related injuries or illnesses.
• Commercial Auto Insurance: If your business involves delivery or transportation, this insurance covers vehicles used for business purposes.
• Business Interruption Insurance: In the event of a disaster or unexpected event that disrupts operations, this insurance can help cover lost income.

Consult with an insurance agent who specializes in commercial policies to ensure you have comprehensive coverage tailored to your business needs.

Marketing is a crucial step in the success of your bottled water business, as it helps to create brand awareness and attract customers. A well-planned marketing strategy can set you apart from competitors and build a loyal customer base. Here are some effective strategies to market your bottled water services:

• Develop a Brand Identity: Create a compelling logo, slogan, and brand story that resonate with your target audience and differentiate your product in the market.
• Online Presence: Build a professional website and utilize social media platforms to engage with customers and promote your bottled water.
• Content Marketing: Share informative content about the benefits of your water, hydration tips, and sustainability practices to educate and attract customers.
• Local Partnerships: Partner with local businesses, gyms, and events to showcase your product and gain exposure.
• Advertising: Invest in both online and offline advertising, such as PPC ads, radio spots, and local newspapers to reach a wider audience.
• Customer Referral Programs: Encourage word-of-mouth marketing by offering incentives for customers who refer new clients.
• Product Sampling: Distribute free samples at high traffic locations to let potential customers taste the quality of your water firsthand.

Once your bottled water business is up and running, it's time to think about expansion. Growing your business can involve a variety of strategies from increasing your product line to reaching new markets. Here are some key steps to consider:

• Introduce New Products: Consider adding flavored, sparkling, or mineral-enhanced water options to attract a broader customer base.
• Upgrade Production Capacity: Invest in more advanced bottling and purification equipment to increase output and efficiency.
• Expand Distribution Networks: Partner with more retailers, or explore online sales channels to widen your market reach.
• Pursue Bulk Sales: Target businesses, schools, and event organizers for bulk sales opportunities.
• Engage in Marketing Campaigns: Increase brand awareness through social media, influencer partnerships, and traditional advertising.
• Export Internationally: Research and comply with international trade regulations to start exporting your bottled water.
• Focus on Sustainability: Emphasize eco-friendly packaging and practices to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.
• Franchise Your Business: If your brand is strong, consider franchising to allow others to open locations under your business model.