History

Concept

The concept of bottling and selling water from Ireland was first developed by Geoff Read, the founder of Ballygowan brand in the early 1980's.

Introduction into Market

In 1984, after extensive market research, Ballygowan bottled water was introduced into test outlets. These included delicatessens, small grocers and supermarkets.
The positive results of the test markets indicated that broader, full-scale distribution was feasible.
A joint-venture partnership for the production of Ballygowan was negotiated with Richard Nash and Co. Ltd., one of Ireland's long established soft-drink manufacturers.

Source

The source of Ballygowan Natural Mineral Water is situated close to the town of Newcastle West, Co. Limerick. Originally known as St. David's Well, it was given its name by the Knights Templar who discovered it in the twelfth century. The source became the exclusive property of Ballygowan in 1986.

Company and Brand Profile

The Ballygowan Brand is owned and distributed by Britvic Ireland Ltd, Irelands number one soft drinks company.

It forms part of a prestigious brand portfolio alongside other iconic Irish brands such as Club and Miwadi.

Ballygowan remains the undisputed leader in the Irish bottled water market with approximately 20% share in grocery, 50% in licensed trade and 40% in the water cooler market.

" the finest bottling and in-house laboratory facilities of any bottled water company I have seen in Europe "
Linda King Taylor of The Sunday Times

The Ballygowan bottling plant in Newcastlewest, Co Limerick, is one of the most modern facilities of its kind, incorporating a modern design into a stunning rural environment in a successful manner.

Dedicated exclusively to bottling Ballygowan Natural Mineral Water, the automatic bottling line operates at speeds of up to 600 bottles per minute. The capacity of this plant on one 8 hour shift is approximately 600,000 bottles of Ballygowan products. Approximately 40 million litres of natural water are distributed from the plant each year.

Ballygowan Advertising

Ballygowans first advertising were press advertorials entitled 'Table for Two'.
Over the years Ballygowan has produced many highly memorable and award winning advertising campaigns including the 'No Other Water' , 'Children of Lir' and 'Bodies Never Lie' campaigns which celebrate Ballygowans 750 years of purity and the vital role water plays in helping us feel and look our best.

Ballygowan Sponsorship

Ballygowan has a proud history of sponsorship and is linked to many of Irelands finest sporting and charitable events.
One of Ballygowans most prestigious sporting sponsorships is as Official Water of Munster Rugby. Ballygowan is bottled just a 20 minute drive from Munsters Thomond Park home and has hydrated the team through many of their greatest achievements including two Heineken Cups and a Magners League title.
The Ballygowan Pink Bpartofit campaign has raised over €350,000 to support Breast Cancer Awareness and free Breast Cancer Screenings through the Marie Keating Foundation and Action Cancer.

Company Address:

Britvic Ireland, Kylemore Park, Dublin 10, Ireland Registered in Dublin, Ireland Registration no. 88958