Whilst the latest Zenith Global Water Dispense Market report noted a general drop in dispenser placements in 2024, it is certain to say the value of water is on the rise. The report highlighted that industry revenue rose by 8.5%, largely down to strong growth in integrated tap systems (ITS) and the higher value they command. Across the UK market ITS systems have grown by 22%, a statistic very much in line with Borg & Overström’s own tap system growth of 46.2% over the same period, with a focus on sparkling drinking water.
The increased demand in the Borg & Overström T-series range of integrated taps is driven by a number of factors, including the premiumisation of water and the rise in popularity of sparkling drinking water.
Originating in consumer demand from the high street, where functional, flavoured and sparkling water-based drinks have boomed, thanks to buyer preference for healthy alternatives to sugary sodas, this trend has now filtered into POU dispensing and workplace hydration.
Demand for high quality water becomes a priority
Companies and consumers alike are demanding better quality water, without the need for plastic and with sparkling drinking water options. Gone are the days of a simple glass of tap water, today, workplaces expect water which is freshly-filtered, beautifully designed and offers sparkling, and Borg & Overström are perfectly positioned to turn the essential glass of water into an exceptional experience. In fact, demand for sparkling water has grown significantly over the past 12 months for Borg & Overström. Today, over 50% of our machines are sold with a sparkling water option.
This move towards POU sparkling water is good news for OCS and vending providers, not only do they command a higher rental rate compared to standard water dispensers, but they also open up ongoing revenue streams through added consumables, like CO₂ cannisters. In addition, by offering high-end sparkling water solutions, providers can ensure they offer a full-service beverage solution.
Water can sometimes be seen as an optional add-on to a breakroom, but in reality, water is the one item that every single person will interact with in any workplace. By making water a core element of every breakout solution, it drives footfall and has been proven to increase sales of consumables by around 20%.
It is clear that water is a valuable key component to any breakroom, and sparkling drinking water only improves this value further.
Command higher rental fees from sparkling water.
Integrated tap systems themselves, such as the Borg & Overström T2 or T3, command their own increased value over water dispensers, and with innovative MonoFit® easy-install design, any service provider can quicky and easily install a premium tap with the ease of a dispenser. Offering sparkling, chilled, ambient and boiling water these multifunctional, compact countertop solutions elevate any breakout space, boosting the return you can see from water.
Providing clean water to those in need
Borg & Overström believe everyone should have access to clean drinking water, and their dispensers live up to this belief, with the option to donate to the Made Blue foundation.
For less than a cup of coffee, you can match the water dispensed from a tap or dispenser with clean water for someone elsewhere in the world. Together with their trade partners, Borg & Overström have donated 44 million litres of clean drinking water to those in need.
That is equivalent to 11 Olympic sized swimming pools and enough for 1000 people for almost 4 years. Coupled with the fact that a T3 hot tap from Borg & Overström saves around 70% on energy running costs, thanks to EcoMode technology, you can see why they say their water is good for you and good for the planet.
For breakroom, beverage, vending and office coffee service providers, the opportunity is clear. Sparkling water integrated tap dispensers not only command higher rental fees but also ensure recurring revenue through consumables like CO₂ canisters and filters. Placing water at the core of what you offer is a simple but effective way to increase margins and deliver ongoing value to customers who are increasingly seeking full-service, sustainable beverage solutions.
