Nowadays, people are seeking safe and trustworthy drinking water sources more than ever, as they’re concerned about pollution and water contamination. People who are worried about their health often opt for mineral water because it’s far purer and contains more minerals. The demand has grown even further since more people understand the health benefits of mineral-rich water, and illnesses linked to lifestyle are becoming more common.
In India, starting a mineral water business is not only a way to meet the demand for pure drinking water but also an excellent way to generate income in a country that places a high value on standards and cleanliness. This blog will provide individuals who want to start their own company or enter the mineral water business with a comprehensive plan of action.
Mineral water and canned drinking water: What You Need to Know
Mineral and canned drinking water come from different places and are cleaned in various ways. The minerals in mineral water come from deep sources. The chemicals can be naturally made or added by people. It may or may not be fizzy. In comparison, bottled drinking water is sourced from various sources of drinking water, which undergo cleaning steps such as cartridge filters, activated carbon filtration, or other methods to meet the necessary standards for human consumption.
Health Benefits of Mineral Water:
Mineral water is regarded for its positive effects on health due to its mineral content—these nutrients, which include calcium, magnesium, and sodium, are essential for human health. Calcium is necessary for bone health, magnesium aids in muscle function, and sodium helps regulate water balance in the body. Daily consumption of this water can support overall health and well-being.
The demand for mineral water is rising due to its purity and health benefits, making it an essential requirement for many customers. This demand presents a viable business opportunity for new entrepreneurs, with the mineral water industry emerging as one of the most successful projects in India.
Steps to Start a Mineral Water Plant
1. Market Research and Business Plan
- Market need and potential profit: The consumer demand for mineral water has increased, making it a valuable business opportunity. The mineral water business is likely to continue growing with the rise of lifestyle illnesses and increased awareness of its health benefits.
- Target market and marketing methods: The target market for mineral water comprises health-conscious consumers and individuals seeking safe and pure drinking water. Distribution plans should focus on building a strong network, including retail shops, markets, and online sites. Building a brand that emphasizes cleanliness, health benefits, and quality can help attract and retain customers.
- Budget and business factors: A mineral water business requires initial capital to cover expenses such as rent, equipment, and licenses. The cost can vary depending on the company’s size and the chosen tools. To ensure long-term success, it’s essential to create a complete financial plan, including plans for manufacturing, advertising, and prices.
2. Legal Requirements and Registrations
To start a mineral water business in India, there are several formal prerequisites and registrations to take into account. These involve getting an FSSAI pass and SSI registration. The FSSAI licence is required for all food companies in India, ensuring the business adheres to the best safety and hygiene practices. SSI registration is crucial for small-scale companies, as it provides benefits such as tax refunds and lower interest rates on loans.
Water tests and licenses are also crucial for a mineral water business. The water used to create mineral water must be checked for several factors, including pH, total dissolved solids, and bacterial contamination. A recognized laboratory must conduct the tests, and the results must be submitted to the FSSAI for approval. The certification method includes a review of the application, an examination of the grounds, and the issuance of the certification if the requirements are met.
3. Selecting the Right Location
When selecting the right spot for water plants, several factors should be considered. First, the place should have a minimum room of 1000 sq ft to handle the required tools easily. Optimising the plan is crucial to ensure smooth operations and lower shipping costs. Proximity to stock places and water sources is also essential. The plant should be put near markets to provide easy entry for both buyers and sellers.
Additionally, the spot should be in a non-polluted and non-dusting industry area, away from open drains or animal sheds. A three-phase energy link is necessary, along with the easy supply of people, raw materials, and raw water in acceptable amounts nearby. The plant should be regularly kept with hygiene and cleaning, and the front road should be smooth, ideally with cement blocks.
The size of the company depends on the type of goods and the anticipated capacity. For a 20-litre jar and pouch plant, an area of 1,200-1,500 sq ft is required. A canning unit requires 2,200-2,500 sq ft, while a beverage business needs an exact location.
4. Procuring Machinery and Raw Materials
Choosing the right machinery
When starting a mineral water business, getting the right tools is essential. The tools should include water treatment and cleaning equipment, bottle and packaging tools, and testing and quality control instruments. The two main choices for tools are fully automatic and semi-automatic machines. The decision rests on the business’s cash, investment, and packaging needs.
Sourcing raw materials
The primary raw material for a mineral water business is water. The water must be obtained from a clean and safe source, such as a spring or pipe. The water must be checked and cleared to ensure it meets the needed standards for mineral water. Other raw materials include bottles, caps, labels, and packing materials. These items should be bought from trusted sources to ensure quality and consistency.
Water cleaning and washing methods
In creating top-quality mineral water, the process of cleaning and purifying the water is vital. It is accomplished in several steps, including pre-treatment, cleaning, disinfection, and hardening. In the initial step, any hazardous materials present in the water are removed. The cleaning stage eliminates any remaining germs or viruses in the water, and after the filter stage, it removes any impurities that remain. Mineralization adds healthy nutrients to the water, making it better for human health.
5. Setting up the Plant and Quality Control
Installation and automation
To build a mineral water plant, one needs to create a blow moulding machine, a reverse osmosis plant, a rinse, filling, and capping machine, a batch coding machine, a shrink wrapping machine, a microbial laboratory, and a chemical laboratory. The tools should be implemented in the business based on its size and level of automation. If the company expands, it can begin with a semi-automatic plant and transition to a fully automatic one.
Hygiene and Safety Standards
Maintaining clean and safe rules is crucial in the mineral water industry. The plant should be situated in a non-polluted and non-dusty industrial area, with easy access to people, raw materials, and raw water in acceptable quantities nearby. The spot should be near the market so that the goods can be easily transported to it. The plant should have a three-phase power link with all other necessary services. Regular care, including washing and cleaning, should be maintained.
Regular Quality Checks and Maintenance
Regular quality checks are essential to ensure that the mineral water produced is safe for drinking and has a consistent taste. A quality control lab should be established to ensure that all physical, chemical, and microbiological tests are conducted properly. Maintenance should be performed regularly to ensure efficient performance, and it is recommended to deal with a trusted service provider for specific issues
6. Marketing and Sales
Building a strong brand
Building a good reputation is crucial for success in the mineral water industry. This includes creating a unique name, image, and packaging that stands out in the market. The name should reflect the ideas of cleaning, health, and quality. Effective branding can help attract and retain customers, building a loyal customer base.
Developing a delivery network
To develop a strong business network, it is essential to reach a large audience. It involves identifying potential distributors, wholesalers, and retailers and establishing partnerships with them to facilitate sales. The transportation network should be established to ensure that the product reaches the market efficiently and effectively.
Promotional tactics and customer engagement
Promotional tactics and customer engagement are crucial for establishing a strong reputation and trust in the business. This can involve ads, social media marketing, and public relations efforts. Customer involvement can be achieved through different schemes, customer reviews, and customer service.
Conclusion
Starting a mineral water business may be a successful and long-lasting project. The mineral water company presents a significant opportunity for business people due to the growing market’s awareness of quality and health benefits, as well as the demand for safe drinking water.
Companies can build profitable and effective mineral water businesses by understanding market demand, selecting the ideal location, acquiring the necessary raw materials and equipment, and implementing effective sales and marketing strategies. In addition, the company can help the environment and its neighbourhood by providing clean, safe drinking water and adopting sustainable methods.
