Nestlé Exploring Sale of ‘the Majority’ of its North American Water Unit

Nestlé Waters North America unit, including its regional spring water brands, the Nestlé Pure Life brand and the ReadyRefresh beverage delivery service. Nestlé Waters North America registered sales of CHF3.4 billion ($3.61 billion) in 2019, accounting for almost half of Nestlé’s global water sales ($8.25 billion). Regional spring water brands operated by the North American unit include the Poland Springs, Deer Park and Arrowhead brands. A review of the North American unit is expected to be completed in early 2021. The decision was announced as the company declared it would pursue a new strategic direction for its Waters business, with an increased focus on its international brands, premium mineral waters and functional water products. In addition, Nestlé announced that it would seek to ‘explore strategic acquisitions’ in the functional water space, as well as investing in differentiated products such as functional water with health-enhancing ingredients. The company reiterated that it was committed to growing its international brands such as Perrier, San Pellegrino and Acqua Panna both in the US and globally.