Top 10 Most Expensive Bottled Water in the World

Aruna Madrekar

Updated · Oct 20, 2023

Top 10 Most Expensive Bottled Water in the World

Most Expensive Bottled Water: Bottled water has become an everyday necessity in today’s society, with many opting for it over tap water. Unfortunately, not all brands of bottled water are created equally and some can be prohibitively costly; we will explore these 10 expensive brands by taking a closer look.

Price variations in bottled water depend on several factors, such as its source, packaging, and marketing strategies. Some brands have gained a reputation for offering luxurious and exclusive water, with prices that reflect this luxury and exclusivity. Recently, demand has skyrocketed for high-end brands with some charging thousands for single bottles – this article explores why these expensive brands remain desirable among consumers.

Though many may question the ethics of spending large sums of money on bottled water brands, there’s no denying they have become status symbols for many. From unique packaging and source water quality to marketing that makes each bottle seem like art – there’s no denying these brands hold some allure for consumers. In this section we will examine some of the world’s top 10 most expensive bottled water brands and their value; 

Key Takeaway:

  • Bottled water prices depend on various factors, including its source, packaging design and marketing
  • Some brands have gained a reputation for offering luxurious offerings at exorbitant costs.
  • Though expensive, these brands have become status symbols for some individuals with their unique packaging, access to purer water sources, and marketing that presents each bottle like a work of art.
  • Variety of Types: Bottled water comes in various types like artesian, ground, spring, distilled, purified, and well water.
  • Regulation: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates bottled water, following standards from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
  • Health Considerations: Bottled water is chosen by many for its perceived health benefits. However, some treatments like distillation, reverse osmosis, or filtration are needed to make it safe for those with weakened immune systems.
  • Oil Demand: Producing the annual demand for water bottles in the U.S. requires around 17 million barrels of oil.
  • Recycling Rates: Only 25% of purchased bottles are recycled, leading to a growing problem of plastic waste.
  • Pollution Impact: Discarded plastic bottles can absorb pollutants, increasing environmental pollution.
  • Ocean Pollution: Approximately 10% of plastic waste, including water bottles, ends up in the ocean.
  • Sales Growth: In 2016, 12.8 billion gallons of bottled water were sold in the U.S., showing an 8.2% volume growth from previous years.
  • Cost Comparison: Purchasing bottled water is much more expensive than using tap water, with potential annual costs of up to $346 compared to 48 cents for tap water.
  • Packaging Costs: Most of the cost of bottled water is due to packaging, not the water source or quality.
  • These statistics highlight the environmental and financial impact of bottled water consumption, emphasizing the importance of recycling and responsible water use.

History of Bottled Water

Bottled water has been around since antiquity, first being recorded during Roman and Greek civilizations. Back then, however, bottled water was considered an exclusive luxury item, reserved solely for wealthy individuals and the privileged few. But during the 19th century with glass bottles becoming more widely available as well as improved transportation methods making bottled water much more widely accessible than before.

Early 20th-century Americans became increasingly concerned with the quality and purity of their drinking water supply, prompting new technologies such as filtration and disinfection to increase quality bottled water production.

Today, bottled water is a multi-billion dollar industry with thousands of different brands and varieties available globally. While some may still prefer tap water or alternative forms of hydration for their hydration needs, others swear by the flavorful taste and convenience of bottled water as their preferred means for staying hydrated.

Though popular, bottled water has received significant criticism and debate over time. Some argue it wastes resources as production requires significant energy and water usage; others point out environmental concerns related to plastic bottles taking hundreds of years to decompose in landfills and endangering wildlife if improperly discarded.

Even so, demand for bottled water remains strong despite these concerns; many consumers are willing to pay top dollar for pure and luxurious waters available. From glacial waters harvested from remote corners of Earth to designer bottles adorned with diamonds and gold embellishments – the world of bottled water can be an intriguing and often surprising one!

Factors Determining the Price of Bottled Water

Bottled water prices depend heavily on various factors. Here are some of the main ones:

Source of Water

Water source is one of the primary factors determining the cost of bottled water, with different companies opting to source from natural springs or purified municipal supplies. While natural spring sources tend to cost more, as they require additional processing and transportation costs and could potentially come from remote locations.

Branding and Marketing

Branding and marketing play an essential part in setting bottled water prices. Companies that invest heavily in their brand tend to charge higher prices due to being able to distinguish themselves from competitors while creating the impression of superiority for their products.

Packaging

Packaging for bottled water also plays a part in its price, with bottles made from higher-grade materials like glass often being more costly than those constructed of plastic. Design also plays an integral part in this equation; bottles with distinctive shapes or designs often commanding a premium over those featuring simple patterns or lines.

Production Cost

Another key element that influences bottled water prices is production cost. Companies using more advanced filtration and purification processes tend to charge higher prices due to the additional expenses involved with such techniques versus traditional processes.

Rarity

Bottled water brands that are difficult and rare to access tend to be more costly. For instance, certain brands source their water from remote glaciers or deep ocean sources that require special logistics for transporting, thus increasing its price point.

Brand Reputation

Reputations also play a factor when setting prices of bottled water products, with those known for high quality and purity usually commanding higher prices from consumers willing to pay more for what they perceive to be of higher quality.

Supply and Demand

Supply and demand also play an integral part in determining the price of bottled water, with those brands that are popular tending to charge higher prices, while less popular ones charge lower ones. Product availability also plays a factor – brands which can be difficult to come across tend to charge more.

Top 10 Most Expensive Bottled Water In The World

When it comes to luxury bottled waters, some brands have taken it one step further. From diamond-studded bottles to water from remote locations sourced directly by these 10 companies are among the world’s most costly bottled waters.

  • Beverly Hills 9OH2O Diamond Edition – (Worth $100,000)
  • Acqua di Cristallo Tributo a Modigliani – (Worth $60,000)
  • Bling H2O The Ten Thousand – (Worth $2,600)
  • NEVAS Water – (Worth $190)
  • Kona Nigari Water – (Worth $402 (per case))
  • Svalbardi Polar Iceberg Water – (Worth $100)
  • Veen Velvet Water – (Worth $95)
  • Raízes do Brasil Mineral Water – (Worth $40)
  • AquaDeco Water – (Worth $36)
  • Fillico Jewelry Water – (Worth $100 – $6,000)

AquaDeco Water – (Worth $36 Per 750ml Bottle)

AquaDeco Water -Top 10 most expensive bottled water in the world

AquaDeco Water is a luxury water brand that is sourced from a natural spring in the Austrian Alps. The water is said to be rich in minerals and electrolytes and is filtered through layers of rock. The bottles are made of high-quality glass and are adorned with a gold cap. 

Price

The price for a 750ml bottle of AquaDeco Water is around $36.

Features

The water is sourced from a natural spring located in the French Alps and is said to be rich in minerals, including calcium and magnesium.

Raízes do Brasil Mineral Water – (Worth $40 Per 750ml Bottle)

Raízes do Brasil Mineral Water

Raízes do Brasil Mineral Water is a luxury water brand that is sourced from a natural spring in Brazil. The water is said to be rich in minerals and electrolytes and is filtered through layers of rock. The bottles are made of high-quality glass and are adorned with a gold cap. 

Price

The price for a 750ml bottle of Raízes do Brasil Mineral Water is around $40.

Features

The water is said to be rich in minerals, including calcium and magnesium, and has a low mineral content, making it a smooth and refreshing drink.

Veen Velvet Water – (Worth $95 Per Bottle)

Veen Velvet Water -Top 10 most expensive bottled water in the world

Veen Velvet Water comes from a natural spring in Finland and is considered to be one of the softest waters on the market. Bottled with pride in glass bottles adorned with gold caps, Veen Velvet Water offers pure drinking pleasure!

Price

The Veen Velvet Water is priced at $95 per bottle.

Features

Veen Velvet Water is sourced from a natural spring located in Finland. The water is naturally filtered through layers of sand and gravel, giving it a smooth and velvety texture.

Svalbardi Polar Iceberg Water – (Worth $100 Per Bottle)

Svalbardi Polar Iceberg Water - Top 10 most expensive bottled water in the world

Svalbardi Polar Iceberg Water is a luxury bottled water brand that is sourced from icebergs in the Svalbard archipelago in Norway. The water is said to be pure and refreshing, and the bottles are made of glass and come with a sleek silver cap.

Price

Svalbardi Polar Iceberg Water is priced at $100 per bottle.

Features

The water is sourced from icebergs in the Svalbard archipelago in Norway and is said to be pure and refreshing. The bottles are made of glass and come with a sleek silver cap.

NEVAS Water – (Worth $190 Per Bottle)

NEVAS Water -Top 10 most expensive bottled water in the world

NEVAS Water comes from a natural spring in Norway and is considered one of the purest waters on earth. Bottled in glass bottles adorned with golden caps, NEVAS Water has become increasingly popular over time.

Price

The NEVAS Water is priced at $190 per bottle.

Features

The water is naturally filtered through layers of rock and has a pH level of 7.4, making it a neutral and refreshing drink.

Kona Nigari Water – (Worth $402 Per Case)

Kona Nigari Water -Top 10 most expensive bottled water in the world

Kona Nigari Water is a luxury bottled water brand that is sourced from deep ocean water off the coast of Hawaii. The water is said to be rich in minerals and electrolytes, and the bottles are made of glass and come with a sleek black cap.

Price

Kona Nigari Water is priced at $402 per case.

Features

The water is sourced from deep ocean water off the coast of Hawaii and is said to be rich in minerals and electrolytes. The bottles are made of glass and come with a sleek black cap.

Bling H2O The Ten Thousand – (Worth $2,600 Per Bottle)

Bling H2O The Ten Thousand

Bling H2O The Ten Thousand is a luxury bottled water brand that is popular among celebrities. The bottles are made of frosted glass and are adorned with Swarovski crystals, and the water is sourced from natural springs in Tennessee. The brand also offers a range of flavored waters, including peach, raspberry, and lemon.

Price

Bling H2O The Ten Thousand is priced at $2,600 per bottle.

Features

The bottles are made of frosted glass and are adorned with Swarovski crystals, and the water is sourced from natural springs in Tennessee. The brand also offers a range of flavored waters, including peach, raspberry, and lemon.

Fillico Jewelry Water – (Worth Between $100 – $6,000 Per Bottle – Depending On The Design)

Fillico Jewelry Water

Fillico Jewelry Water comes in a range of elegant bottles that are adorned with Swarovski crystals and other precious stones. The water is sourced from the Rokko Mountains in Japan and is said to have a unique flavor due to the minerals in the soil. The bottles are handcrafted and come in a range of designs, including a crown, a heart, and a pyramid.

Price

Fillico Jewelry Water is priced between $100 and $6,000 per bottle, depending on the design.

Features

The water is sourced from the Rokko Mountains in Japan and is said to have a unique flavor due to the minerals in the soil. The bottles are handcrafted and come in a range of designs, including a crown, a heart, and a pyramid.

Acqua di Cristallo Tributo a Modigliani – (Worth $60,000 Per Bottle)

Acqua di Cristallo Tributo a Modigliani

Acqua di Cristallo Tributo a Modigliani is a luxury bottled water brand that is named after the famous Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani. The water is sourced from three different springs in France and is said to have a unique flavor due to the minerals in the soil. The bottles are made of 24-carat gold and are adorned with a diamond-encrusted cap.

Price

Acqua di Cristallo Tributo a Modigliani is priced at $60,000 per bottle.

Features

The water is sourced from three different springs in France and is said to have a unique flavor due to the minerals in the soil. The bottles are made of 24-carat gold and are adorned with a diamond-encrusted cap.

Beverly Hills 9OH2O Luxury Collection Diamond Edition – (Worth $100,000 Per Bottle)

Beverly Hills 9OH2O Luxury Collection Diamond Edition

Beverly Hills 9OH2O Luxury Collection Diamond Edition is the most expensive bottled water in the world. The water is sourced from a spring in the Santa Monica Mountains, and the bottles are handcrafted with white gold and adorned with over 14,000 Swarovski crystals. The bottle also features a 14-carat white gold cap with a diamond-encrusted logo. 

Price

Beverly Hills 9OH2O Luxury Collection Diamond Edition is priced at $100,000 per bottle.

Features

The water is sourced from a spring in the Santa Monica Mountains, and the bottles are handcrafted with white gold and adorned with over 14,000 Swarovski crystals. The bottle also features a 14-carat white gold cap with a diamond-encrusted logo.

Reasons for High Prices

Bottled water is generally considered to be a low-cost commodity, but some brands are priced significantly higher than others. The reasons for the high prices of these luxury bottled water brands are varied and complex. Here are some possible explanations:

Unique Sourcing

One of the most common reasons for high prices is unique sourcing. Some bottled water brands are sourced from exotic or remote locations, such as glaciers, polar ice caps, or underground springs. These sources are often difficult to access and require specialized equipment and transportation, which can drive up costs significantly. For example, Svalbarði Polar Blue Ice Edition is sourced from a remote island in the Arctic Ocean, where the water is harvested from icebergs that are over 4,000 years old. This unique sourcing process makes the water rare and expensive.

Luxury Packaging

Another reason for high prices is luxury packaging. Some bottled water brands are marketed as luxury products, and their packaging reflects this. These brands often use high-quality glass or crystal bottles, and may include additional features such as gold or diamond accents. For example, Filico Jewelry offers bottled water in glass bottles that are adorned with Swarovski crystals and platinum. These luxurious packaging options add to the overall cost of the product.

Branding and Marketing

Branding and marketing can also drive up the price of bottled water. Some luxury brands invest heavily in marketing and advertising, which can increase their brand recognition and perceived value. These brands may also partner with high-end restaurants and hotels, which can further increase their prestige. For example, BLVD bottled water is marketed as a premium product and is often served at exclusive events and venues. The brand’s sleek, minimalist packaging and high-end advertising campaigns help to create a sense of exclusivity and luxury.

Limited Availability

Finally, limited availability may also contribute to higher prices. Some luxury bottled water brands produce limited quantities, creating the perception of scarcity and exclusivity; such brands may be difficult to locate which increases their perceived value; Berg Water comes from a pristine Canadian aquifer and is only sold at select restaurants and hotels – this adds further exclusivity and drives its price up.

In summation, there are various factors that contribute to the higher prices of luxury bottled water brands. Sourced uniquely, luxury packaging, branding/marketing efforts and limited availability could all play a part in some being priced significantly higher than others.

Environmental Impact of Bottled Water

Bottled water may seem like a convenient and healthy alternative to tap water; however, its environmental cost can be significant; according to research conducted by Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), its environmental costs can be 3,500 times greater than tap water.

Bottled water production requires enormous energy and resources, such as plastic sourced from petroleum which is an unsustainable resource, along with large amounts of energy consumption during its manufacturing process. Additionally, this process consumes both water and energy resources during its creation process.

Transportation of bottled water from its production facility to consumers also contributes to its environmental impact. It requires fuel, which increases greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, maintaining temperature for delivery may require significant energy expenditure; any unexpected temperature variations could lead to spoilage of product during transport.

Plastic water bottle disposal is another significant environmental problem, often ending up in landfills where they take decades to break down or making their way into ocean waters where they pose threats to marine life and contribute to an already growing problem of plastic pollution.

Overall, the environmental impact of bottled water consumption can be considerable and consumers should carefully consider their choices before opting to purchase this form of beverage. Tap water may often provide more eco-friendly and cost-effective solutions than bottled alternatives.

Alternatives to Expensive Bottled Water

While many may be willing to shell out more for expensive bottled water, there are cheaper and just as hydrating solutions out there that could work just as effectively. Here are a few possibilities to keep in mind:

Tap Water

One of the most obvious alternatives to bottled water is tap water. In most developed countries, tap water is safe to drink and undergoes rigorous testing to ensure its quality. Plus, it’s much cheaper than bottled water and doesn’t contribute to plastic waste. If you’re concerned about the taste of your tap water, consider investing in a water filter to improve its flavor.

Filtered Water Pitchers

Another option for those who want to improve the taste of their tap water is a filtered water pitcher. These pitchers use activated carbon filters to remove impurities and improve the flavor of tap water. They’re affordable, easy to use, and don’t require any installation. Plus, they’re a more eco-friendly option than bottled water.

Reusable Water Bottles

For those who need to stay hydrated on the go, reusable water bottles are a great alternative to bottled water. They’re available in a variety of materials, including stainless steel, glass, and BPA-free plastic. Plus, they’re much more affordable than buying bottled water every time you’re out and about. Just make sure to clean your water bottle regularly to avoid any buildup of bacteria.

SodaStream

If you prefer sparkling water to still water, consider investing in a SodaStream. This device allows you to make your own sparkling water at home, eliminating the need for expensive bottled sparkling water. Plus, it’s a more eco-friendly option since you’re not contributing to the plastic waste generated by bottled water.

Flavored Water Packets

If you’re looking for a way to add flavor to your water without resorting to expensive bottled flavored water, consider using flavored water packets. These small packets contain powdered flavorings that can be added to water to create a tasty and refreshing drink. They’re affordable, portable, and come in a variety of flavors.

Overall, there are plenty of alternatives to expensive bottled water that are just as good for hydration. By choosing one of these options, you can save money, reduce plastic waste, and still enjoy a refreshing drink of water.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the world of bottled water is not just about quenching thirst. It is about luxury, exclusivity, and prestige. The top 10 most expensive bottled waters in the world offer a unique experience that is not available to everyone. From the luxurious Fillico Jewelry Water to the exotic Bling H2O, these bottled waters cater to the elite class who are willing to pay a premium for the finest water.

These expensive bottled waters come from different parts of the world and have unique features that make them stand out. Some are sourced from natural springs, while others are made using advanced filtration systems. Some are even infused with minerals and gems, making them more than just water.

However, it is important to note that the high price of these bottled waters does not necessarily mean that they are of superior quality. In fact, some of the most expensive bottled waters have been criticized for their taste and lack of health benefits.

Regardless, the demand for luxury bottled water continues to grow, and companies are constantly coming up with new ways to cater to this market. With the rise of social media and influencer culture, expensive bottled water has become a status symbol, and people are willing to pay a premium to be associated with it.

Overall, the top 10 most expensive bottled waters in the world offer a glimpse into the world of luxury and exclusivity. While they may not be accessible to everyone, they represent a unique experience that is worth exploring for those who can afford it.

Sources

Aruna Madrekar
Aruna Madrekar

Aruna Madrekar is a vibrant author who delves into the fascinating world of the most expensive things, presenting her discoveries in a manner that speaks to both aficionados and the everyday reader. Her commitment to making luxury and opulence accessible to all is evident in her easy-to-understand writing style. Aruna believes that behind every pricey tag lies a story worth telling, and she has dedicated her craft to unraveling these tales for her audience. When she's not immersed in her latest find, Aruna enjoys traveling and tasting unique cuisines from around the globe. Join her on her explorative journey and discover the true value behind the world's most coveted items.

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