The consumption of mineral water in Germany is expected to reach record levels this year, with per capita consumption rising to 150 litres, compared to a previous high last year of 144 litres, the German Association of Mineral Water Bottlers (VDM) said.
The Association said that, unlike beer, mineral water consumption in the country had not been adversely affected by the introduction of deposit system for bottles of drinks.
Since January the government has introduced a deposit charge of €0.25 (US$0.26) on non-refillable cans and bottles, smaller than 1.5 litres, and a deposit of €0.5 ($0.54) for larger cans and bottles. The deposit is paid back to customers when returning the empty containers to retail outlets.
However the share of mineral water sold in reusable bottles rose by 10% in the first two months of 2003 compared to the same period last year.

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