Liquid assets 

Shutterstock

As January kicks off and many focus on their health after the festive season, bottled water is becoming the drink of choice for Irish consumers seeking a refreshing alternative, writes Shauna Bernard 

Print

PrintPrint
Brand Central

Read More:

17 January 2025

Share this post:
 

advertisement



 

Irish consumers are increasingly turning to bottled water as a healthier hydration option, driven by growing health awareness and concerns about obesity. This shift reflects a broader trend toward wellness, with consumers seeking alternatives to sugary beverages. According to a recent Euromonitor Ireland report, demand for bottled water is rising across both on-trade and off-trade channels, supported by government efforts to promote water over soft drinks. 

A Mintel report highlights a 49% increase in flavored water launches across Europe, reflecting its appeal as a nutritious, affordable alternative. These products offer a balance between the health benefits of water and the taste appeal of soft drinks, making them a popular choice for health-conscious buyers. 

Sustainability is also playing a key role in this trend. The Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), which was launched in Ireland in 2024, has encouraged recycling and promoted environmentally friendly choices. This has helped sustain growth in the bottled water market. 

Pure Gold 

ISHKA Irish Spring Water still scoops GOLD in the recent BBI Awards

ISHKA Irish Spring Water has recently announced its success at the prestigious 2024 British Bottlers Institute (BBI) Competition. The company’s Still Water received a Gold Medal, while its Sparkling Water was awarded a Diploma for Excellence, underscoring the quality and purity of ISHKA’s products.  

The BBI Competition, a globally recognised event running for nearly 70 years, evaluates beverages through a rigorous blind tasting conducted by a panel of seasoned industry experts. Competing against some of the best bottled waters globally, ISHKA stood out for its superior taste and quality.  

Sourced from natural springs in Ballyneety, Limerick, ISHKA is one of Ireland’s largest bottled water companies.  

“Winning Gold for our Still Water and a Diploma for Excellence for our Sparkling Water is a proud moment for our team. It highlights the care, craftsmanship, and dedication we put into every drop of ISHKA water. It’s a privilege to share a taste of Ireland’s natural beauty with our customers,” said Mike Sutton, director, ISHKA. 

Ed Binsted, president, British Bottlers Institute, said: “A wonderful achievement for ISHKA to gain a Gold Award for their Still Spring Water eclipsing their previous success. To also be awarded a Diploma for Excellence for their Sparkling Spring Water proves the quality of their products and very well deserved.”  

Future-proofing the business, ISHKA has recently invested €4.5 million on a new line, creating 10 new jobs.  

Fizz with flavour 

2025 is set to be another significant year for Ireland’s number one bottled water brand. The year kicks off with a burst of activity in January with Ballygowan Hint of Fruit. This flavoured water variant which is always sugar free continues to gain momentum and is great for a January health kick. Apple has just been added to the existing range of flavours and will feature alongside variants such as Strawberry, Summer Fruits and Mango & Passionfruit among others.  

Given the continued success and ever-growing flavoured water category, Ballygowan is excited to be launching a new range of lightly sparkling flavoured water. The range is available now in both 500ml and 1.5L pack formats. Flavours include Orange, Strawberry and Summer Fruits and are of course, sugar free. A lightly sparkling offering is a natural next step for Hint of Fruit and is in keeping with the brand’s commitment to growing the category through continuous innovation.   

Ballygowan Still Water featuring brand ambassadors Béibhinn Parsons and Joe McCarthy

In February the Rugby Six Nations kicks off and so does Ballygowan’s continued official water partnership with the IRFU. In addition to a comprehensive above the line campaign which will include out of home, social and digital, there will be an exciting special on-pack across the Ballygowan 750ml and 1L SKUs featuring Ballygowan brand ambassadors Béibhinn Parsons and Joe McCarthy, who both represent Ireland rugby at international level. There is full suite of point of sale available in varying formats to support this activity in store throughout both the Men’s and Women’s Six Nations.   

Signature bubbles 

S.Pellegrino, the iconic sparkling water, has been delighting palates and elevating dining experiences since 1899. Known for its signature light bubbles and distinctive effervescence, S.Pellegrino is the perfect choice whether you’re enjoying a family dinner, hosting guests, or simply quenching your thirst.  

S.Pellegrino recently celebrated its 125th anniversary with a limited-edition bottle featuring a unique label design. This special edition bottle not only commemorates the brand’s remarkable heritage but also inspires consumers to embrace sparkling moments in their everyday lives.  

Sourced from natural springs in the foothills of the Italian Alps, S.Pellegrino’s crisp flavour has made it a symbol of Italian taste and elegance in more than 150 countries. From its origins in the 19th century in San Pellegrino Terme, the gentle bubbles of S.Pellegrino have been sparkling moments at people’s tables; connecting cultures, stories and emotions, and accompanying the best fine dining experiences around the world.   

Whether enjoyed at a casual gathering or a Michelin-starred restaurant, S.Pellegrino has earned its place as a preferred sparkling water globally.  

Find S.Pellegrino sparkling water at major retailers including Tesco, Dunnes Stores, SuperValu, specialty retailers and other selected vendors nationwide. 

Refreshing innovation 

Deep RiverRock ViTAL, RiverRock Still Water and Deep RiverRock Apple & Pear Flavoured Water

Celebrating over 30 years in the market and more than 24 months of growth, Deep RiverRock is the number one impulse water brand in both value and volume. (Source: NielsenIQ Total Island of Ireland Value Sales, MAT Dec 24).    

Deep RiverRock is rich in minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium all naturally occurring within the source, deep beneath the glacial hill of County Antrim. Innovation is the core of RiverRock’s success and it has invested a lot in understanding what its consumers want, to create exciting products that fit their needs and lifestyles.  

The brand offers a full range of products including Still and Sparkling water but since 2022 it has developed a full suite of innovations including the launch of Deep RiverRock ViTAL and the Deep RiverRock 750ml Flavour range. ViTAL gives consumers a refreshing new vitamin enhanced water and juice drink packed full of deliciousness to support the mind and body and its flavours range offers unique and gorgeous flavours with added vitamins to improve consumer’s immune system.   

2025 will present another exciting year for the brand with a lot more to come.  

Read more:Crystal clear sales!

 

advertisement



 
Share this post:

Read More:



Back to Top ↑

Shelflife Magazine