A prominent Perthshire-based beverage company, deeply rooted in the scenic region of Blackford, has announced a phenomenal year of growth, with its annual sales soaring to nearly £150 million. This significant achievement solidifies its position as the foremost producer of natural source waters across the United Kingdom, a testament to its enduring quality and strategic vision.
The enterprise, a vital employer in the local economy, maintains a workforce of 350 dedicated individuals in its Blackford facility. The recently published financial results underscore a robust 13.5% surge in revenue compared to the previous year, highlighting a period of dynamic expansion and market penetration. Strategic Investment Fuels Future Growth
This impressive performance follows a substantial £10 million investment injected into its Perthshire operations, an initiative previously outlined by the company’s leadership. This forward-thinking investment is designed to catalyse the next phase of development, with aspirations to double the company’s overall footprint and generate further employment opportunities within the region, reinforcing its commitment to local prosperity.
With a heritage stretching back to 1980 when it first began bottling water, the company now commands an impressive retail volume share approaching 10% of the UK’s natural source water market. Its total sales volume has reached an astounding 306 million litres, demonstrating widespread consumer preference and market dominance. Innovation and Sustainability at the Core
A key driver behind the recent upswing has been the strategic introduction of a new range of flavoured still waters in 2024. This innovative product line has successfully tapped into the burgeoning £400 million flavoured water sector, catering to evolving consumer tastes and health-conscious choices. The company’s managing director observed, “The increasing emphasis consumers place on personal well-being is a fundamental factor propelling the extraordinary expansion of the bottled water segment.” He further elaborated on the company’s adaptability, stating, “Our sustained focus has been on fulfilling this demand by continuously evolving our brand and business model, most recently exemplified by the launch of our novel range of flavoured water products.”
Beyond commercial triumphs, the Blackford-headquartered firm is making significant strides in environmental stewardship. Construction is currently underway on a cutting-edge 7-megawatt, 23-acre solar farm. This ambitious project is projected to supply approximately 20% of the electricity needs for the Blackford production site, where all its branded products are meticulously crafted. The initiative extends its benefits to the wider community, promising a free electricity supply to the local school and a network of electric vehicle charging points for public use, demonstrating a holistic approach to sustainable development. Deep Roots in Perthshire’s Natural Landscape
The company’s commitment to its Perthshire origins is unwavering. The water, celebrated for its purity, is sourced directly from the pristine Ochil Hills, a distinctive natural feature of the region. This water undergoes a remarkable natural filtration process, a journey averaging 15 years as rainwater slowly percolates through multiple layers of sandstone and basalt rock before being extracted from boreholes up to 150 metres deep. This geological marvel ensures the water’s exceptional quality and distinct mineral composition.
Reflecting on the company’s journey and future, the managing director articulated a profound sense of achievement: “I am immensely proud of our remarkable performance and the fact that our iconic Highland Spring brand has solidified its status as the nation’s preferred choice for hydration.” He continued, “Moving forward, our dedication remains steadfast to a long-term strategy that will redefine our operations, underscore the authentic provenance of the Highland Spring brand, and channel investment into pioneering product and packaging solutions.” He concluded by reiterating the overarching mission: “Our ultimate objective is to cultivate enduring value while concurrently fostering a positive impact on individuals, society, and the environment we operate within.” This vision firmly anchors the company’s future in both economic success and responsible corporate citizenship within the heart of Perthshire.
The enterprise, a vital employer in the local economy, maintains a workforce of 350 dedicated individuals in its Blackford facility. The recently published financial results underscore a robust 13.5% surge in revenue compared to the previous year, highlighting a period of dynamic expansion and market penetration. Strategic Investment Fuels Future Growth
This impressive performance follows a substantial £10 million investment injected into its Perthshire operations, an initiative previously outlined by the company’s leadership. This forward-thinking investment is designed to catalyse the next phase of development, with aspirations to double the company’s overall footprint and generate further employment opportunities within the region, reinforcing its commitment to local prosperity.
With a heritage stretching back to 1980 when it first began bottling water, the company now commands an impressive retail volume share approaching 10% of the UK’s natural source water market. Its total sales volume has reached an astounding 306 million litres, demonstrating widespread consumer preference and market dominance. Innovation and Sustainability at the Core
A key driver behind the recent upswing has been the strategic introduction of a new range of flavoured still waters in 2024. This innovative product line has successfully tapped into the burgeoning £400 million flavoured water sector, catering to evolving consumer tastes and health-conscious choices. The company’s managing director observed, “The increasing emphasis consumers place on personal well-being is a fundamental factor propelling the extraordinary expansion of the bottled water segment.” He further elaborated on the company’s adaptability, stating, “Our sustained focus has been on fulfilling this demand by continuously evolving our brand and business model, most recently exemplified by the launch of our novel range of flavoured water products.”
Beyond commercial triumphs, the Blackford-headquartered firm is making significant strides in environmental stewardship. Construction is currently underway on a cutting-edge 7-megawatt, 23-acre solar farm. This ambitious project is projected to supply approximately 20% of the electricity needs for the Blackford production site, where all its branded products are meticulously crafted. The initiative extends its benefits to the wider community, promising a free electricity supply to the local school and a network of electric vehicle charging points for public use, demonstrating a holistic approach to sustainable development. Deep Roots in Perthshire’s Natural Landscape
The company’s commitment to its Perthshire origins is unwavering. The water, celebrated for its purity, is sourced directly from the pristine Ochil Hills, a distinctive natural feature of the region. This water undergoes a remarkable natural filtration process, a journey averaging 15 years as rainwater slowly percolates through multiple layers of sandstone and basalt rock before being extracted from boreholes up to 150 metres deep. This geological marvel ensures the water’s exceptional quality and distinct mineral composition.
Reflecting on the company’s journey and future, the managing director articulated a profound sense of achievement: “I am immensely proud of our remarkable performance and the fact that our iconic Highland Spring brand has solidified its status as the nation’s preferred choice for hydration.” He continued, “Moving forward, our dedication remains steadfast to a long-term strategy that will redefine our operations, underscore the authentic provenance of the Highland Spring brand, and channel investment into pioneering product and packaging solutions.” He concluded by reiterating the overarching mission: “Our ultimate objective is to cultivate enduring value while concurrently fostering a positive impact on individuals, society, and the environment we operate within.” This vision firmly anchors the company’s future in both economic success and responsible corporate citizenship within the heart of Perthshire.