India’s rich splash out as luxury water becomes latest status symbol

South China Morning PostCenter-RightEN 1 min read 100% complete by ReutersJanuary 31, 2026 at 06:02 AM

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In India, premium bottled water is emerging as a status symbol among the wealthy, fueling a $400 million market. This trend is driven by a growing wellness craze and the perception of nutritional value, with brands like Evian, Perrier, San Pellegrino, and India's Aava being popular choices. A water sommelier is even guiding consumers on selecting the right water based on minerality and other factors. While local premium brands cost around $1 per liter, imported brands can cost upwards of $3, significantly more than basic bottled water. This demand for premium water exists in a country where clean water is a privilege, with a large percentage of groundwater being contaminated and tap water often unsafe to drink.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Indore 40% Himachal Pradesh 40% Tata 50% San Pellegrino 60% Italy ×260% France ×260% Evian 60% Perrier 60% Aava ×270% Avanti Mehta 80% India ×590%

Keywords

luxury water 100% premium water 90% india 90% status symbol 80% mineral water 70% water sommelier 60% water contamination 60% wellness craze 50% bottled water 50% clean water 40%