Demand surges for 'healthy' wellness waters in China

Ms Sun Xu, 29, who works for an internet-based company in Beijing, is acutely aware of the pitfalls of regularly consuming not-so-healthy takeout food, but her hectic schedule, stiff deadlines and ever-increasing job responsibilities leave her with limited alternatives.

- Yip Wai Ye

But change sprang in the air the moment she discovered the rising popularity of Chinese wellness waters. Priced at 6 yuan (S$1) on average, each bottle of wellness water offers her solace, helping to offset some of the effects of fast food and encouraging her to adopt a healthier lifestyle.

Sugary sodas and syrupy fruit juices no longer dominate Ms Sun's fridge. In their place are a variety of Chinese wellness waters, each carefully selected for its unique health benefits, to provide her with a sense of well-being rooted in ageold practices and natural ingredients.

Red bean and coix seed water, renowned for its ability to alleviate dampness and swelling, is a particular favourite. Longan water, with its calming properties, provides a soothing balm for her busy mind. Tangerine peel water, which aids digestion, is another staple, helping to alleviate the stress that work often places on her stomach.

While the exact impact of these beverages on people's health may elude precise measurement, consumers' willingness to patronise such products underscores a broader shift towards prioritising ingredients and formulations perceived as healthier, analysts said.

According to a report by the Qianzhan Industry Research Institute, the Chinese wellness water market has seen a staggering surge in 2023, with full-year sales revenue reaching 450 million yuan, up over 350 per cent year on year.

This is just the beginning, market observers said. The Qianzhan report predicted the compound annual growth rate will exceed 88 per cent over the next five years. By 2028, sales are expected to exceed 10 billion yuan.

At their core, Chinese wellness waters represent an evolution of sugar-free teas, capitalising on consumers' growing interest in health, wellness and natural products, said researcher Zhu Keli at the China Institute of New Economy.