Nestlé Waters has acquired a majority stake in Princes Gate Spring Water, the eighth largest manufacturer of bottled water in the UK.
The acquisition comes in the context of increasing consumer demand for bottled water in the UK and will provide new opportunities to deliver growth in one of Nestlé’s core categories.
Based in South West Wales, Princes Gate was founded in 1991 by two brothers, David and Glyn Jones. The company supplies Princes Gate water to the retail and out of home channels, as well as under other brands.
Nestlé highlighted that Princes Gate’s plant is one of the few UK bottling facilities to be 100% self-sufficient thanks to renewable energy produced by an onsite wind turbine.
The acquisition will strengthen Nestlé Waters’ position in the UK and allow the business to meet the increasing demand for bottled water. One of the founders, David Jones, will keep a minority stake in the company.
Nestlé Waters managing director Michel Beneventi said: “I am pleased to welcome Princes Gate to the Nestlé Waters family. This company has grown very successfully over the past 27 years and shares many of the same qualities and values as our existing Waters business.
“In the UK, consumers are increasingly choosing healthier hydration options and consequently the demand for high-quality spring and mineral water continues to go up.
“This acquisition reinforces our position in the UK and will allow us to effectively respond to customer demands and consumer expectations.”
Princes Gate founders David Jones and Glyn Jones added: “We started this business 27 years ago as a family and have built this business enjoying loyal relationships with our customers and employees.
“I am delighted we have found the perfect company to help supercharge our business. With the growth opportunities that lie ahead, we believe we have found the best partner in Nestlé Waters to help propel the business forwards for the future.”
Nestlé Waters is best known in the UK for bottling Buxton Mineral Water and Nestlé Pure Life to consumers nationwide. In 2012, the business moved to Waterswallows, outside of Buxton town centre, investing £35 million in the bottling plant, producing one of the lightest weight bottle ranges in the UK.
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