" He Cheated Me " ......ⓧⓧⓧ

We have a habit to blame it on someone else, and so it happens with Bottled Water Plant Owners as well. Usually they blame it on the Machinery Suppliers, Turnkey Contractors, when they are struggling with their plant. On the surface they may be right, but who has appointed them ? They only, is it not ? So the whole culprit is the Owner Him/Herself. Don't blame the contractor. That's the first thing they should do. Then the recovery may start.

Is it not a Fact ?

The contractor might have supplied/suggested you incorrect set of equipment. It may be a fact. However, have you analyzed the process of how you appointed him ? You will find that you have appointed him without much due dilligence & proper education. And nowadays, everyone thinks he knows all, by virtue of the AI. Please read an article about the DIY trap.

So, How do I bring back my loss making unit into profits ?

1. First, analyze the exact amount of loss for a period.
2. Factors : Less Sales, No Liquidity ... what is it ?
3. Innovate with newer customer segments
4. Get rid of expensive Capex-Opex Items
5. Monitor Continuously

Looks Simple, Is it really ?

It is. However, getting detatched is more challenging. But you need to take it rationally. You can look at a Video in Hindi on my Channel

Respecting Compliances

​Years back I had a client who used to fill coconut oil bottles. Sometimes the govt authorities used to visit his setup and used to inform him about the changes he would require in his setup with reference to the connecting law or legislations.

He never used to complain and take it assertively.

They help me standardise my business for larger scale. 

This was his approach, attitude towards this.

After nearly 25 years of that, when I watch business owners trying escaping or smartly manouvering what's said in law, I truly start thinking to seriously teach them SWADHARMA. Every business owner's first school of thoughts should be

What value am I trying to create for my consumers 

Am I making their lives better than earlier 

And this whole school of thoughts automatically houses honouring all compliances. Then why businesses Dodge it away ? And it doesn't anyway make any sense in smartly cheating the regulators. It's very likely that you'll be caught one day and price can be too heavy to withstand. 

Look at the very recent case of the Baroda Black Water case. Since 2018 they were producing black water by dodging BIS and FSSAI. Now, in 2026, rules have tweaked, the business was raided and a great level of embarrassment alongwith heavy fines, and dropping off brand image.

The issue is the chalta hai or kar lenge or ye India hai belief deep rooted

When I talk with my clients, they still don't seem too bother. They take FSSAI is one of those other Licenses still. I don't know whether India is changing or not, but know for sure that the business owner needs to change.

Why Visit Exhibitions & Conferences ?

Attending Events is a Major Activity for Me

You might be getting many emails on Exhibitions, or through Social Media. I do visit various exhibitions throughout the year. Various people have various opinions on this. However, I choose to visit the most important ones pertaining to my chief interest : Bottled Water Business. And last many years, I usually do not miss some exhibitions in India, like :-

1. Drink Tek ( Mumbai/Delhi) : Focused on Beverages : Technological
2. Anuga ( Mumbai ) : Focused on Food & Beverage : What's Happening
3. Water Today ( Chennai ) : Focused on Water Treatment & connected Tech
4. Packaging Exhibitions : Selected ones

In addition, I usually try to visit every exhibition ( connected to subject ) in Pune, as I stay here. I also attend a lot of "Paid" conferences ( suiting to my pocket 😉 ). I am , being a member of MCCIA, also get opportunity to attend Online/Offline events in Pune. I do attend Bank's Sessions, Sustainability Seminars, Finance Workshops & Delegations from Other countries.

Why Do I Attend ? What is the Philosophy ?

It's NOT for "Networking" frankly. Though Network is a bi-product of such events, no doubt. I also have got a couple of leads from such events; however, I strictly restrict & remind myself for not making this, a chief purpose. I often see people strive to make connections with the chief guests in the Seminars. 

I will try to summarise why I attend :-

• It excites me to visit exhibitions, the ambience, the positivity in the environment
• It also excites me to meet new people, listen to them at their stalls, conferences.
• Great place to see what's new in the market
• Usually, the stall holders don't hesitate to share information, It may be readily available at their stalls, displays; which is usually very difficult.
• You might meet the owners, decision makers, some people re-connect.
• I get my Raw Material, the 1st hand information, which helps me in handling/overcoming my customer's challenges.
• Many stall holders are the potential partners for me, in the journey.

Getting Views of Key Persons from Industry

A Senior Professional for Multi-National Brand

Sr Professional in Sustanibility

We do get an opportunity to meet the Industry leaders post conference, and I do ask them specific questions on which I can source answers in public or in 1-1 

Should You Visit too ? 

If your time permits, you should. Make a provision in your annual budget & Time-Table, but do visit, it's 100 % useful.

A Stitch in Time saves Nine

While buying machinery, for plant, I have seen many entrepreneurs prefer to buy from a Single Source : A "Turn-Key" supplier. And the reason is very obvious : It makes their lives very easy. The Turn-Key supplier, will do all the hard hitting on his own & present you a completely "Done for You" kind of Plant.

In exchange they typically may charge little more compared to the price you get from Individual Machine supplier. And this looks perfectly fair.

The problem lies somewhere else & often unseen by an entrepreneur

The problem is not "Money"; It's "Control". As you have hired him for the complete job, it's he, not you who is responsible for individual machinery co-ordination, quality control etc. So indirectly it's Not In Your Control. 

See... It's YOU, the business owner, who will be RUNNING the business for 10-20-30 years, not the supplier. 

His profit comes after a Sale is done ( of machinery ) however, you will have to wait for a couple of years, for seeing the first annual profit figure in your financials.

For you to generate profit, you require smooth operations. And in this, the machinery plays vital role. Normally, the Turnkey fellows don't disclose their sources before you buy from them, and this makes your choice difficult. Instead they attract you by 2-3 typical ways :-

• Attracting you with their "Experience" of handling 100s of projects
• Pitching you with attractive discounted prices
• Offering you Free ( or very cheap rates ) consultation for project

And here, an entrepreneur makes a mistake. Now, what ?

1. He/she buys the plant
2. Starts production
3. While running starts facing uncontrollable technical difficulties
4. Experiences support gaps from the turnkey fellow
5. Delays profit

I have seen many of the business owners have learnt the machinery basics on their own AFTER facing these issues. Then, why not do it from the beginning itself ?

It's the shift of the State of Mind. Thinking like a Business Owner.

• Do the contemplation & knowledge gathering in your specially allocated Learning Time, but while continuing your existing occupation. Don't run by Deadlines, but with an approximated span like in 3 months I will be expected to learn the basics of this business. 
• Don't panic if this Expected Date goes a little further. Your project hasn't commenced yet. You are building a solid foundation, assure yourself.
• Don't start visiting places. I've seen people have a fancy to go to suppliers, watching the machines, and coming to me saying "I've decided to go with a 120BPM Plant". This is often a result of getting impressed by the FREE advice suppliers offer you.
• Often, the process is not sexy. It's boring.Whenever the boredum arises, do something else. Go to Nature. Improve self talk. Assure yourself, that You are Building a Business. And that you are taking very right steps.

You need to build some anchors here... like :-

    A Stitch in Time saves Nine

which means that if I do this now ( which I was avoiding ) it will save me tremendous time, effort & money in future.

The wrong way of D.I.Y.

I always meet entrepreneurs who are in process of setting up their Bottled Water Plants. Many of them, have already gone ahead with the construction. I don't say ( I can't say without seeing ) if the sheds are correct or not. But most of the times either they are too small, or too huge. Then, as an entrepreneur myself, I thought of analysing exactly what must be going in his/her mind ? 

Why do I need to analyse this ?

Because I have seen many ( most ) have realized that their calculations are wrong. And those, who haven't realized; either they are building in a right way OR may not be aware of this factor. This can be a costly mistake.

So, exactly "why" he/she thinks this way ?

1. "I know how to do this" :- He/she typically talks about the construction, which looks like a simple Fabricated Shed. And it is. But the domensions ? They matter a lot. And they can be only decided after giving a detailed thought to machinery & overall business planning.
2. There may be an existing shed on the piece of land. However, it may be smaller/ Larger for your bottled water enterprise. Again the mind talks "I will rectify some part & use the same, save money, smart businessman".
3. To support these, there is ample of "Youtube" Knowledge. They think, they will observe these videos and observe a couple of running plants of freinds, and "smartly" do on their own.
4. They start on "Indiamart" to get quotes. The suppliers start pushing you hard & offer FREE ( Cheap ) advice in anticipation of getting a sale in exchange of this. They also make an impression on you not to spend on getting trained or pay for consultancy, as they have supplied 100s of plants. So you too being smart, save unnecessory ( 😬 ) money.

So, Which is the Right Way ?

• Is DIY wrong ? NO. That's the right ✔️ way.
• Collect Information, but then consult an expert.
• If possible, hire a separate consultant, not a Turn-Key supplier

Can You read this post :- https://mineralwaterprojectinformation.org/how-to-start-mineral-water-plant/

It talks about implementing a Phase-Wise approach.

The "Salary Trap" vs. The Asset Mindset

Lab Technician Salary: A Liability or a Hidden Profit Asset? 

The Problem: I recently encountered a plant owner struggling with a common dilemma: "FSSAI rules have changed. Why keep an in-house lab? I want to save on the technician's salary."

This is Short-Term Thinking. It’s looking at a "Cost Center" instead of a "Profit Center."

The Shift: 

Why it’s an Investment ?

A Lab Technician isn't just a payroll entry; they are your QA Leader.

• The Result: High-compliance allows you to pitch to MNCs, IT Parks, and Five-Star Hotels.

• The Math: These high-paying clients offer better margins. This directly boosts your Operating Profit and your Net Profit (NP). Your ROI isn't found in saving a salary; it's found in winning a 12-month corporate contract.

The Solution: Handling the Overheads 

If the monthly cash flow feels tight, don’t cut the "Soul" of your business. 

Manage the finance better:

• Working Capital: Use an added Working Capital limit to cover these essential "Quality" overheads.

• TReDS Platform: Use the TReDS (Trade Receivables Discounting System) to discount your corporate invoices. It helps you recover outstandings faster, keeping your liquidity healthy while you maintain high standards.

The Why: Think Like the "Big" Players 

Why do Tata or Coca-Cola maintain such massive compliance?

• It’s a Mindset: They stay big because they are particular about standards. They don't cut corners; they build systems.

• The Secret: "Big" isn't a result of luck; it’s a result of a Progressive Mindset.

The Bottom Line: 

No point in firing your technician just to save a few thousand rupees. Instead, use their expertise to win the clients that your competitors can't touch.

Are you saving pennies or building a legacy?

Fear of what ?......

I've generally observed that the Bottled Water Plant Owners in India show great hesitation ( rather they restrict/say no ) to collaborative opportunities😐. Typically when I suggest them to work with people who want to get water bottled from them and brand it as their own.

I truly do not know the reason behind it. And I am sure no plant owner will come and tell me the reason.

One plant owner, whom I know moderately, who does this for some brand owners. He said he would love to fill just the dead production hours.Meaning, entertaining these people (who don't have their own brands) just when he faces a challenge of not having enough volume to meet his break-even point. However, this plant owner was venting out his frustration over brand owners who refuse to guarantee long-term volumes, often failing to honor the very commitments that justified the production setup. This lack of stability makes it difficult for manufacturers to invest confidently in the partnership.

Another funny incident when a plant owner, outright rejected a proposal of this type of work (co-packing) for reasons known to him only. An important point to learn that this plant owner, had recently begun his operations, and all set to order 120 BPM production line from 60 BPM. It is difficult to justify a 'shortage' when a plant has barely finished its first quarter of operation, a period usually reserved for learning the business's baseline. One has to wonder if such a hasty denial of co-packing proposals stems from a genuine lack of space or simply an internal resistance to collaborative growth.

What is the main reason behind this reluctance  ?

Behind the shield of 'production shortages' often lies a deeper anxiety: the fear of nurturing a competitor under one’s own roof. For many plant owners, co-packing isn't just a business deal; it’s a perceived threat to their intellectual property and operational autonomy.

I have spoken to a lady who owns a business ( she makes cookies ), well-known to me. She was once proudly telling me as to how she taught a lesson to a "trader" who bought cookies from her & sold to his customers with her his own brand. She denied of supplying her any new order/s.

Can risk be calculated ?

The word "Risk" itself is pointing towards journey into the unknown. However, it need not be a 100% unforeseen risk, and on the top of it, it can be known at least, if can't be avoided.

While most of Bottled Water Entrepreneurs check technicals of the project, visit many suppliers at various places, and collect a great piece of information, they actually do not devote enough time for their detailed Financial Calculations. The most important is the actual Risk involved.

"Should I venture into this ?"

This is a typical question every entrereneur asks. My answer to them : If your gut feeling says, go ahead, however, check the amount of risk before that, as any wrong decision may pull you into damage which takes years to recover from.

Can it be a "Calculated" Risk ?

Absolutely yes. 3 ways to do it. Let's explore those :-

1. Very first, understand the ROI & overall investment needed : Refer the online/offline material to first confirm this & check your own investment appetitie. Then decide the business Model.There is nothing wrong to start small. 
2. Thing Big Right : Check your Financial Position, if you can insure for the same. Calculate the holding period :- The number of months which may go without active income & make arrangements for the same. You should and can calculate the impact which these months will make.
3. Loan is Okay, but not a Victory : Loan is an asset for Bankers, initially a liability for an entrepreneur. Take it carefully. No problem being extra careful. Calculate everything before going to banks. This step is most important.

Be Wise, no Heroics

Optimism is proved when it realizes the deliverables. Hence the "deliverables" is the true wealth you make & contribute towards the national treasure. It's a very responsible decision. By becoming a financially aware entrepreneur, you are taking a step towards this. It's a DUTY.

The Need : Water Vending Machines ( Not a Mineral Water Plant )

The region faces contaminated water 

V. Madugula is a place in AP, where residents of a small village had to protest to demonstrate the sorry state of water. Here's a small synopsys of the news I received from Google Alert ( thanks to gemini )

Here are the the impacts of 15 years of quarrying in Anakapalli district:

• Quarrying has dried up local streams and borewells across three villages, causing severe water scarcity.

• The remaining borewells, even those drilled deep, are yielding contaminated water, forcing villagers to use unsafe sources.

• Residents attribute serious health problems directly to consuming this polluted water from the quarrying sites.

• Villagers have appealed repeatedly for a mineral water plant and official intervention, but assurances remain unimplemented.

• Local leaders threaten to present samples of the polluted water to the District Collector if authorities fail to act.

I don't know how have the villagers come up with demand for a Mineral Water Plant; but the true need is Properly Run Water Vending Stations. Water ATM's

And they should not be just install-forget type; but entrepreneur driven.There is a lot more as a business, Good, Ethical business in this. Watch this Video

These Reports : Greatly misleading !

Today I received an email which was mentioning the growth of the Bottled Water Industry in India. I handed over the link to Gemini and asked it to concise the same for me, and the report ( which is on sale for several thousand USD, and compiled by a US agency ) just says simple 3-4 not so great things. Here's the synopsys of the synopsys provided by Gemini :-

1. Growth Trajectory: The market is projected to grow from over 84 thousand Crores INR in 2024 to over 2.6 lakh thousand Crores INR by 2033. (12.45% CAGR).

2. Key Drivers: Growth is fueled by rising health consciousness, concerns over tap water safety, and the expanding spending power of the urban middle class.

3. Product Shift: The industry is moving toward premiumization and innovation, with strong demand for functional, flavored, and sparkling water options.

4. Sustainability & Regulation: New FSSAI rules mandate the use of 30% recycled PET (r-PET) in bottles by March 2025, pushing brands toward eco-friendly packaging solutions.

5. Distribution Change: E-commerce, quick-commerce, and the HoReCa segment are modernizing distribution while brands expand fiercely into Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.

As a "confirmation Bias" or "Availability Heuristic", people get hooked to these so-called "growth" figures. Let's go deeper to take an overview ....

Consumption Pattern

This whole thing talks about "Bottled" water. How does it easily assume that people are going to get driven by fear, and buy more "Bottled" water ? And who are these people ? only those who live in Urbans, Metros ? Even in Metros, I haven't observed anyone buying a "50 Rs" bottle, when a "20 Rs" bottle is available. The only buy when they are made to. like inside a Food Mall, where only the Bisleri Bliss is available sold at Rs. 30 instead of Rs. 20 the regular Bisleri.

Agreed, there are changes in people's consumptions. It's only by Variety. However, someone looks at this report & thinks that how great opportunity it is, it's only half the truth. The opportunity is to be properly encashed by understanding consumption patterns, locale by locale. 

Alternate Solutions

Not that just bottled water is the solution. Who says tap water is bad in every part in India ? It is fairly good, and improving season by season. Rainwater Harvesting is on the move, and people might have their own stored water at their houses. Water Vending Machines ( ATMs ) are also a great way to substitutue the bottled water. It goes further and offers clean, cheap and yet sustainable solution for all.

How easy is someone starting a Bottled Water Business from scratch in India ?

If it's your 1st time venture, take a step by step approach. Start from being a Distributor to some brand. Then go for Co-Packing, meaning, under your brand supply to others, however, not producing the water by yourself. It will be someone else's water. Then after some time, once you are confident, start your own plant.

Which stage is right for these steps ?

The volume you sell is critical. Let's take example of 1 ltr bottles, which are more popular in Indian market. 

• Once you reach daily 200 cases ( 12*200 ) , and maintain the level for 6 months, think of co-packing.
• Once you reach daily 700-800 cases, and manintain for 6 months, start with own plant.

Major Things for a Manufacturer :

• At least 5000 sft land, 3000 sft building
• Local licenses + Fssai License
• Capital : 35 Lakh for Jar , 70 Lakh for Bottle + Jar 
• Payback : 4 Years, if you run 1 shift daily for 300 days/year , for 4 years

Major Things for a Distributor:

• At least office space ( 500 sft )
• Local licenses + Fssai License as distributor
• Capital : Max 1-3 Lakh
• Payback : No calculation

Major Things for a Co-Packer:

• At least office space ( 500 sft )
• Local licenses + Fssai License as Re-Labeller
• Capital : Max 5-15 Lakh
• Payback : No calculation
• ** A Co-Packer is also considered to be a Manufacturer

For Fssai Explaination check this Youtube Playlist 

Start with gathering necessary information first

• Read : https://mineralwaterprojectinformation.org/access-free-stuff/
• FAQs on Quora :- https://www.quora.com/profile/Saumitra-M-Ghotikar/answers
• Listen to this Video :- https://youtu.be/viIi4Workc8
• Get Idea Vaidated ( After you acquire free stuff https://mineralwaterprojectinformation.org/consultancy-2/
• Join our Whatsapp Community for Bottled Water :-  https://chat.whatsapp.com/Isgd2WsJ5Ng33BAxjaziP8
• Get Newsletter :- https://100mitras.substack.com/

No Business is "Easy", so is Bottled water.

Bottled Water Business under Fssai

As you may/may not be aware, that the Packaged Drinking Water & the Natural Mineral Water don't carry the "Mandatory BIS" tag, and now just need 1 License : the Fssai. We also have a special article on this. 

Last October, 2024 this became a Gazetter notification, then in November, Fssai declared Water as a High Risk commodity. Now, after almost 10 months past the same, how the Bottled Water business is viewing its future ?

Major compliances & changes 

• The declaration under High-Risk makes the quality checks very stringent.
• There are very heavy penalties for non-compliance.
• There is currently no special lab needed as was needed under the BIS. 
• 2 Lab reports needed to be submitted every 6 months
• 1 Annual Audit will be compulsory. Its with certain quality checks.
• Pre establishment plant inspection is mandatory ( as was in the BIS )
• CGWA NOC is going to be mandatory for every plant. 

Effects 

Entering this business is easier ( Just Rs.7500 annual fee instead of Rs. 1,00,000 + for BIS

The compulsion ( at present ) of having a lab has gone. This brings the Capex down. And opex as well.

Heavy Penalties threaten the plant owner about strict compliances.

Non-regulated earlier ( The Water Vending / ATM ) businesses have a chance to get regularized.

The water-borne diseases due to these unregistered vending stations, will be expected to come down as they can get an Fssai license & will be subject to the Lab reports necessary.

Overall it looks a little challenging to the plant owners, who enjoyed marketing-less freedom till this time. They will need to equip themselves with latest trends to sustain in the market.

You can alse watch a Youtube Short on this subject.

Water ATM water will also be very safe henceforth

Fssai, the Food Business Regulator in India, has posted a draft regulation ( as per FNB News ) that water produced through Water Vending Machines will be subject to tests as per Fssai guidelines. 

Draft Requirements for Standards

• Physical Parameters: 6

• General Parameters: 24

• Toxic Substances: 11 parameters

• Radioactive Residues: 3 parameters

• Microbiological Requirements: 2 parameters

• Pesticide Residues: 18 parameters

We are waiting for the final news to roll-out. When it's there, you can have it. It's still not known, as to :-

• Where will these be tested ? In-house at the ATM, or outside lab
• How frequently the tests need to be in place.
• Who will be the inspecting authority 

Usually under Fssai, if its not under "High Risk", it calls for annual audits. 

This is a different category to be rolled out soon, under 2.10.9 ( At present it ends at 2.10.8. It's interesting to see how this Vending Machine ( Water ATM Water ) will be categorized as :-

FSSAI explains that “water vending machine” means decentralised water purification systems that purify and dispense water and does not include installation intended for use of water for captive consumption. ( FNB News )

Usually Water ATM water uses either municipal water or whatever supplied to it. Although there is an in-built ( usually ) RO system, there as no norm present to check the outlet water. Now it might be in-place.

Good News for consumers

Consumers will have a better trust in drinking water from such a system and if it's implemented well by the govt, this can be an excellent tool to beat plastic pollution. 

What is a Water Vending Machine/ATM ? 

This is a machine which filters water, and dispenses through a tap, in predetermined, mesured quantity into any container placed below. They can be card/coin driven. Water ATM is a very good Business Model.