The investment includes a high speed, fully automated water-processing and bottling line that will more than double production capability to 56,000 bottles per hour, from the previous line’s capability of 18,200 bottles per hour.
Electrolytes gives the water a ‘crisp, clean taste’
The machines will support production of the sports cap format, which is available on 850ml packs, across stores this month.
CCE claims the smartwater’s unique selling point (USP) comes via a process whereby its vapour is distilled before electrolytes are added for a ‘crisp, clean taste’.
Jane Buckley, operations director, CCE Morpeth, said Glacéau Smartwater has been a successful addition to its portfolio and the sports cap has been introduced as a result of consumer demand for instant consumption formats.
“Bottled water with sports caps are in growth, ahead of the rest of the instant consumption water sector so this latest innovation offers real room for our retail customers to capitalize on this trend,” she added.
Ongoing commitment to the Morpeth region
Buckley added the investment is an exciting milestone for Morpeth which has a proud history of producing high quality water for consumers across the UK.
“Its vapour distilled proposition stands it apart from other bottled water brands,” she said.
“At CCE we are dedicated to supporting local manufacturing across the country and this latest investment in production technology is a statement of our ongoing commitment to the Morpeth region.”
Glacéau Smartwater was first launched in the US in 1996 and its Northumberland facility opened in 2014.
Morpeth is CCE’s only site to produce Glacéau Smartwater that uses spring water from an underground aquifer – also the source of Schweppes’ Abbey Well brand.