Perrier® Carbonated Natural Spring Water, which dates back millions of years, was first widely imported to Canada in 1979. Perrier® Sparkling Spring Mineral Water comes from a source in the South of France. Located near the small village of Vergeze, in Provence, the spring’s unique balance of minerals and light effervescence provides its distinctively fresh, clean taste. It is this singular blend of gasses and minerals which have made Perrier the world’s most requested carbonated spring water.
The geological source for Perrier® Carbonated Natural Spring Water dates back over 100 million years, but man was probably first introduced to it during the Roman Empire. In 218 B.C., Hannibal and his army paused at the spring to refresh after defeating the Romans.
In 1793, the mayor of Vergeze, France, where the Source is located, recognized its exceptional qualities. In 1863, Napoleon III allowed the Source to be developed. In 1903, Sir St.-John Harmsworth, a member of the English aristocracy, invested in the property and renamed the spring from Les Bouillens to Source Perrier, named after the dedicated physician who brought it to his attention: Dr. Perrier. The precious waters have come to be captured in distinctive green glass bottles, shaped after wooden clubs. Sir St.-John Harmsworth chose the shape. Having suffered from a leg injury, Harmsworth maintained his body by exercising with the smooth wooden clubs made popular in India.
Their comfortable shape inspired the design of the Perrier® bottle we know today. Under the management of Dr. Perrier and Sir St.-John Harmsworth, Perrier’s famous green bottle became popular throughout Europe and was the first bottled carbonated spring water widely available in Canada.
Perrier became an intrinsic part of an active, healthy lifestyle in the late 1970s and early 1980’s. Perrier was the first imported carbonated natural spring water brand to be sold in grocery stores and quickly became a staple in homes and restaurants across the country. Social drinkers started ordering Perrier instead of a cocktail or soft drink. The brand’s popularity grew as a refreshing, all-natural, calorie-free alternative beverage.
The French heritage so strong in Quebec has been considered a significant driver for Perrier in Canada. Close to half of Perrier’s sales in Canada are in Quebec, where just under a quarter of Canadians live. The popularity of the brand in Quebec and across the country has made Canada the third largest market in the world for Perrier sales.
Perrier continues to be bottled at the original source in Vergeze. In 1985, Perrier with lemon and lime flavour (all calorie-free) were introduced to Canada. These well-liked flavour varieties helped revolutionize healthy beverage refreshment.
Today, Perrier® Carbonated Natural Spring Water is the best-selling carbonated water in Canada, as well as being enjoyed in more than 140 countries around the world.