Mineral water – a treasure that (still) exists

This article is available for reading in Trade magazin 2023/6-7.

– What characterises Hungary in terms of mineral water supply and resources?

Nacsa Severus, az Aqua Lorenzo
kereskedelmi igazgatója

Severus Nacsa: Europe is the home of mineral springs and our country has one of the most abundant mineral water resources in Europe, with a large underground water supply. Hungary is extremely rich in mineral and medicinal waters, thanks to the special features of the Carpathian Basin.

– How much should we feel in our daily lives that mineral water is a finite natural resource? How big is the risk of running out of mineral water in our region?

Severus Nacsa: Experts predict that globally water will be in very short supply by 2050, but there are high-quality mineral water reserves under the Carpathian Basin, which are practically inexhaustible, thanks to the excellent geological and hydrogeological conditions of Hungary.

– People are becoming increasingly health-conscious, and as part of this they are aware of the importance of drinking enough water. What do you think about this trend?

Dr. Szlávik Zsófia, az Aqua Lorenzo marketingvezetője

Dr Zsófia Szlávik: In recent years the best experts have stressed the importance of regular and adequate daily hydration. Natural mineral waters are the perfect choice, as they not only offer hydration but also replenish minerals lost during the day.

– What brands do you have in the domestic mineral water market?

Dr Zsófia Szlávik: Currently we have three brands in the market. The Minera range has replaced the former Aquarius Natura brand, and it is available in 0.5l, 1.5l and 2l sizes, in both sparkling and still versions. Our premium category waters make up the Veritas range, and we are now relaunching the brand with a new look. Sparkling and still Veritas mineral waters are marketed in 0.5l and 1.5l size. Our 1.5l Fröccssvíz product contains a minimum of 5g/l of carbon dioxide, making it an extra-rich mineral water that is ideal for making spritzer.

– What are your innovation plans?

Dr Zsófia Szlávik: Under the Veritas brand, we will be launching a new, stylish aluminium can packaging in June. We will also soon be entering the functional water category with a bold concept, with three special flavours to help consumers’ vitamin and mineral intake. Fit, Beauty, Sport – our three words for a healthier life.

– What is your distribution concept?

Severus Nacsa: Veritas mineral water will be available on the shelves of multinational retail chains, but only with in-out promotions in certain places. Our independent trade partners will also be selling our products, so we are going to reach consumers all over Hungary.

– What other goals do you have for the future?

Dr Zsófia Szlávik: We would like to expand our product portfolio and enter more categories in the future, to make our company even more competitive in the FMCG sector. As consumers would like to see us contribute to sustainability and environmental protection, we are going to innovate in these areas. (x)