Many people who are fortunate enough to find a water source on their land, toy with the idea of setting up a bottled water plant, but don’t know how to go about it. It’s often more difficult and more expensive than they first think.
Jo Jacobius, director of British Bottled Water Producers, says: “We receive numerous calls, especially at this time of year, from people who think that it will be easy and inexpensive to set up a bottled water business. Of course the reality is that it’s certainly not easy and often costly. Our association exists to help and promote small and medium-sized UK bottled water businesses and we’re always keen to encourage startups. However, as a rule of thumb, the cost of establishing a reasonable-sized bottling plant is at least £2m, excluding any transportation or marketing costs, so it’s important for entrepreneurs to understand the investment needed.”
To provide some basic guidelines, British Bottled Water Producers – in association with hydrogeology and market research experts Zenith International – has published a fact sheet called Setting up a bottled water plant.
It covers the types of water as defined under the regulations and describes very simply which waters may be subjected to treatment. The document also covers the various packaging options and describes which authorities to consult in order to proceed with applications for planning and licensing.
The fact sheet is free to download and you can get it here.
If you wish to apply to join British Bottled Water Producers, contact them here.
Let us know how you get on. If you’ve already managed it, please get in touch with me so I can organise an interview with you! I’d love to highlight the pitfalls and celebrate your success.
There’s a ‘Best Water’ category in the upcoming World Beverage Innovation Awards 2014, too. Don’t miss the opportunity!
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