Evian’s green initiatives

Water companies are increasingly under the Green spotlight. Evian is taking action and has established three new environmental initiatives covering wetlands, water management and recycling. Greenbiz.com 25/04/08

Environmental concerns slow sales of bottled water

Environmental concerns have slowed the sales of bottled water. AZ Central 24/01/08

Water and Davos

CEO’s of Coke, Nestlé SA and others will discuss at the World Economic Forum in Davos water shortages, threatening conflict, price increases and lost production. WSJ 23/01/08

Moving up the food and beverage chain

Food, beverage and personal care companies are adjusting to changing consumer demands and needs. Companies are promoting higher margin food and water products. Business Week 18/01/2008

Water industry in the spotlight

The water industry in the US has come under increased pressure of late. Environmental concerns range from packaging, cooling (electricity), and labeling. Pressure is on companies to label water as “Public Water Source” if water is filtered (compared to natural or spring water) . Pepsi recently agreed to the new labeling terms.

Water bottle

Fast Company ran an article on the water bottling industry in the US. Some interesting quotes:

“If the water we use at home (US) cost what even cheap bottled water costs, our monthly water bills would run $9,000.”

“24% of the bottled water we buy is tap water repackaged by Coke and Pepsi.”

In most emerging markets, water is a serious business. However, the industry still has a long way to go in terms of profitability. Brand strategies are generally still in the development phases. In Vietnam, motorbike delivery is an important part of the supply chain. Bulk water suppliers are scattered all over the cities.

In 2005 I visited a small water bottling company in Vientiane, Laos. The operation revolved around a couple of employees filling water bottles from a tap. These gentlemen gave a whole new meaning to “tap water repackaged.” Luckily, that is very much the exception.