| Wednesday, January 30, 2008 |
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| Contact us:- Editor The Bottom Line |
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Silver
Springs from Pership By
Darshana Abayasingha The
term ‘Natural Mineral Water’ is a legal definition, which
guarantees standards as it must comply with a strict European Directive,
a Pership release said. According
to American and European Regional Codex Standard, the term Natural
Mineral Water applies to water obtained directly from the underground
water table. Such water should also be collected under conditions
which guarantee the original natural bacteriological purity and
bottled at the point of emergence. The Silver Springs plant is located
in the Hanthane Range in Kandy, with its lush green forest cover
facilitating easy infiltration of rainwater providing a perennial
source of water throughout the year. The company claims Silver Springs
to be the only local manufacturer to satisfy the above conditions.
The
company would employ two initial strategies. One being where the
company would pitch the product at selected sales points between
the existing bottled drinking water and imported mineral water,
primarily targeting the supermarket chains, select restaurants and
clubs. Pership would also look to tap overseas markets. In a day
and age where people are becomming more and more apprehensive about
what they consume, a natural, chemical-free product is appealing,
specially in a developed market environment overseas, where the
consumer is willing to absorb a marginally extra cost, the company
stated. There
exists some degree of skepticism on bottled water in the market.
Shane van Eyck, General Manager – Pership Integrated Solutions
said this situation is a result of certain individuals and entities
venturing into the bottled water business without any thought towards
cleanliness. This led to the Ministry Of Health to introduce rules
and standards, under which none of the applicants could conform
to standard 1038 with regards to bottled natural mineral water.
Thus, all current producers have been awarded registration under
standard 894 – bottled drinking water – he said. “Some
may actually boast about the many processes and chemical cleaning
agents used to purify water and make it fit for human consumption.
This is actually not a plus point or anything to write home about...the
more processes and chemical cleaning agents needed to bring the
source water up to a standed fit for human consumption only proves
how bad the actual source really is. Silver Springs received standard
1038 after a thorough chemical and microbiological analysis carried
out by Sri Lankan Standards Institute on the “source”
and “finished” product,” van Eyck said. He
added that prior to commencement of operations, a thorough hydro
geological survey of the area was carried out by an independent
surveyor, which covered all aspects of sustainability. The report
showed no adverse impact on the environment, van Eyck stated. Available
in 500ml, 1000ml and 1500ml versions, Silver Springs comes in both
corrugated cartons and polythene packaging. The finished bottles
are immediately packed depending on customer requirements, while
ensuring quality and safety of the product right throughout. Natural
mineral water is also a sure fire way to a healthier lifestyle thanks
to its ability to assist in the detoxification of the body and improved
digestion and the general function of the human body. None of the brands you mentioned reached their current levels of success overnight, it took them a great deal of investment in consistent quality and value which are two of the many pillars of success for the Pership Group over the last 100 years of being in business, therefore we are extreamly confident that we have the commitment, the drive, the imagination and ambition coupled with the people to the Silver Springs to the next level in the near future.
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