These are the 8 + 2 investments in the bottled water sector

New players, ambitious investment plans, strategic partnerships, competition in the “red”, but also higher operating costs is what 2022 will bring for the bottled water sector, one of the few categories of fast-moving consumer goods that Greek companies have managed to leave multinationals behind.

With the expectation that tourism will set a new record and with the certainty that the trend of a healthier lifestyle will prevail, larger and smaller companies in the water bottling industry are preparing to ride the rising “wave”.

Already in 2021, when total bottled water sales increased by around 8%, most bottlers regained lost ground, returning to pre-pandemic sizes despite huge increases in production costs, both due to rising electricity and raw material costs, estimate that the future will be even wetter.

Intense mobility from Evia and Loutraki to Mount Athos and Fokida

The emerging growth prospects are also changing the balances in the industry, as during the last months many investment moves have been made, while several more are coming.

The acquisition by the Achaean Loux beverage industry of 42.34% of the Dirfys bottling company with the price reaching 1.2 million euros came a few weeks after the announcement of the acquisition by N.U. Aqua of the water bottling plant of Pepsico Hellas in Loutraki, Corinth.

The investment of N.U. Aqua, according to the announcement of the Ministry of Development, is worth 20 million euros while in its full development it will exceed 55 million.

The same company is active in the production and bottling of water on Mount Athos. The water, with the name “Avaton”, will be produced and bottled in a factory of 3,000 sq.m. in an area that belongs to the Holy Monastery of Simon of Petra. The initial investment amounts to 30-35 million euros and in full growth will reach 40 million euros.

A water bottling plant will be acquired and the Mantis group of companies is one of the leading distributors of soft drinks, alcoholic beverages and consumer products in Greece. It has already acquired a pre-existing installation in Kastraki, Fokida.

Today Mantis has a commercial presence in the bottled water industry with the carbonated natural mineral water AQUA Carpatica of Valvis Holdings.

From salt water to sweet

Shipowner Panagiotis Tsakos, originally from Chios, has founded the company Nera Pigon Grammou and the construction of a water bottling plant in Nestorio, Kastoria, is already underway.

At the end of 2018, the municipal council of Nestorio gave the green light for the investment in the exploitation of the natural resources “Kefalovryso” and “Miso to Sadi” and three months ago the investment was approved under the provisions of the development law. Specifically, a grant of 2,879,264 euros was approved to the company Nera Pigon Grammou for the establishment and construction of a natural mineral water bottling unit in Nestorio, Kastoria, with a total reinforced cost of 6,392,810 euros.

Who is expanding

The third – or fourth if we include the private label – largest player in the industry, the AHB Group (water Theoni), is also making new investments. Specifically, within 2022, a new production line and a new storage and logistics service center will be created in Ellinopyrgos Mouzaki.

The new line will increase production volume by 60% of bottles / day in 500ml and 1500ml packages to meet domestic demand as well as international markets, as the company recently signed a major US trade agreement.

The production company of the carbonated natural mineral water Souroti is proceeding with the establishment of a new production unit at the Xino Nero location. The investment has been included in the development law. The contractual investment grant amounts up to 6.1 million euros, with the total increased cost of the investment reaching the amount of 24.9 million euros.

Pigi Olympou is also installing a new production line, which was acquired by the businessman and head of the company that is active in the guarding, fire safety and cleaning of building facilities, GrGenesis, Nasos Avramakos.

The moves of industry leaders

The leaders of the industry are also making important investment moves: Chitos with the brand Zagori and Continental Bottling Industry with Viko, whose total share now exceeds 37% in the branded products.

The three-year investment program of a total amount of 25 million euros of the company Hitos SA is in full swing, including new production lines at existing facilities in Ioannina, expansion of storage facilities and new facilities.

At the same time, after the acquisition of the company Ziria in Kyllini Stymfalia last year, Chitos is proceeding with the modernization of the unit, in order to fully meet its environmental and productive standards, while the nationwide distribution of water with the “Ziria” brand is planned.

It should be noted that as of January 1, 2021, Chitos has the exclusive distribution, marketing, merchandising and marketing of Evian and Ferrarelle, as well as the marketing and distribution of the entire portfolio of Green Cola.

At the same time, the Continental Bottling Industry Vikos SA continues its investment program, setting a goal for even higher performance.

It has already completed an investment plan of 25 million euros, which included the expansion of the water and soft drinks bottling unit in Kalpaki, Ioannina and respectively in the bottling unit in Perama, Ioannina, as well as the productive strengthening of the PE mold and plastic molding unit.