Nestlé Waters

Nestlé Waters was the bottled water division of the Swiss multinational food and beverage company, Nestlé. Founded in 1992, Nestlé Waters became one of the leading bottled water companies worldwide, with a portfolio that included several globally recognized brands such as Perrier, San Pellegrino, and Poland Spring. The division focused on providing a variety of water products, ranging from natural mineral water to purified water, catering to the diverse needs and preferences of consumers across the globe.

History

Nestlé's involvement in the bottled water industry began long before the official establishment of Nestlé Waters. The company's interest in water dates back to the 19th century, with its acquisition of the Perrier brand in 1992 marking a significant expansion into the bottled water market. This acquisition was a strategic move that leveraged Perrier's global recognition and premium image to establish Nestlé's presence in the sector. Over the years, Nestlé Waters expanded its portfolio through the acquisition of several other water brands, each with its own unique heritage and consumer base.

Brands

Nestlé Waters managed a diverse portfolio of water brands, each catering to different market segments:

• Perrier - Known for its naturally carbonated mineral water sourced from Vergèze in the south of France. Perrier is recognized worldwide for its iconic green bottle and unique taste.
• San Pellegrino - An Italian brand famous for its mineral water and range of sparkling fruit beverages. San Pellegrino water is sourced from the Italian Alps and is renowned for its fine bubbles and subtle mineral content.
• Poland Spring - A brand of spring water sourced from Maine, United States. Poland Spring is one of the leading bottled water brands in the American market, known for its natural purity and refreshing taste.
• Other notable brands in the Nestlé Waters portfolio included Aqua Panna, Vittel, and Nestlé Pure Life, among others.

Sustainability and Environmental Impact

Nestlé Waters faced criticism and challenges related to environmental sustainability and water rights. The company's practices of extracting groundwater and spring water for bottling, especially in regions experiencing water scarcity, sparked debates over water privatization and the environmental impact of bottled water production. In response, Nestlé Waters implemented several initiatives aimed at improving water stewardship, reducing plastic waste, and increasing the use of recycled materials in its packaging. These efforts were part of Nestlé's broader commitment to sustainability and reducing its environmental footprint.

Acquisition and Rebranding

In 2021, Nestlé announced the sale of its North American bottled water brands, including Poland Spring, Deer Park, and Arrowhead, to One Rock Capital Partners in partnership with Metropoulos & Co. This strategic move marked a shift in Nestlé's focus towards its international premium water brands and the development of functional water products. Following this divestment, Nestlé Waters continued to operate its remaining global brands, reinforcing its position in the premium water segment.

See Also

• Bottled water
• Water privatization
• Sustainable packaging