The Birth And Evolution Of The Bottled Water Market In Italy Until The World War II

This paper presents the initial findings of an ongoing research project examining the birth and evolution of the Italian bottled water market until the WWII through an analysis of a variety of documentary sources. The study examines the development of the production and consumption of this fundamental commodity, with a particular focus on the economic, social and cultural variables that affected supply and demand. The paper reveals that the growth of the industry during the period under examination - which commenced at the inception of the country's overall developmental trajectory - was constrained by two key factors. Firstly, the prevailing inefficiency of the system - characterized by a fragmented market, small size enterprises and high production costs - limited the potential for expansion. Secondly, the gradual shift in consumer preferences, which was largely aligned with the traditional perception of mineral water as a medicinal product. Consequently, despite the undeniable expansion of the sector, the scale of production remained relatively limited, and the domestic consumption persisted at a modest level, failing to become a daily habit.