Recently, I read a blog by Peter Prevos who talks about probable Nestlé’s false commercials of bottled water. Basically, the company portrays its Ice Mountain Water in adds to be spring water when in reality research shows that it’s merely municipal water which through further processes by Nestlé’s treatment plants, is branded as a unique form of water. It is associated with pristine glacial lakes and mountains probably to draw more customers who would find it more attractive, but in reality, it is water which I held to have no superior nutritional value as compared to tap water, especially in more developed countries which possess well managed water utilities.

I do agree with some of Peter’s points but again given the existing benefits of bottled water introduction into the market, it is interesting to wonder why the company would prefer to false advertise a product which would genuinely add value to people’s lives.

Bottled water provides easy access to water where people would otherwise not get it. For example, in modern cities where businesses and consumer demand keep increasing; the markets have been populated but public water sources are lacking; hence it would be very convenient for people to have alternative water sources to meet the ever existing high demand of water in busy cities.

I believe the company is aware of the real role the bottle water plays in society but since the company may be more focused on making as much profit as possible, it would make sense to create a unique prestige image for bottle water clearly distinct from that of tap water, to justify it’s very higher price in comparison to that of tap water. Also, the company may want bottled water to act as a complete substitute for tap water in cities as well as in homes.

http://water.prevos.net/bottled-water-marketing/