Family-owned German drinks manufacturer Rhodius Mineralquellen has reintroduced its mineral water into cans after more than a decade. In a move to grow its business, the company has invested in customized cans from Ardagh Group within two key product groups. As of October, natural mineral water and a mineral water/apple juice mix will now be available in eye-catching, sleek 330 ml cans throughout Germany.

 Rhodius is seizing the opportunity to tap into the growing German mineral water market, which has increased more than tenfold since 1970, from 12.5 to 147.3 liters per capita. Over this period of time, the image of mineral water has developed from a convenient non-branded product to a premium beverage. Health-conscious consumers have come to appreciate the clean, sugar-free drink as a welcome alternative to sodas and in line with the “free from” movement many are embracing. The new can offers a particularly convenient solution for carbonated beverages, as its hermetic seal keeps them completely airtight, preserving carbonation and preventing oxygen from affecting the delicate contents.

 Given the can’s unbreakable and lightweight structure, Rhodius will also be able to realize its national strategy that sees its water products landing in all German states beyond regional markets. From a sustainability perspective, the can’s lighter profile translates to less fuel usage during transport, thus optimizing the company’s environmental footprint.

Thorough expertise in the water market

“With our can filling line close to the spring, we are currently the only German mineral spring to can mineral water. Thanks to a second filling line, we are able to separately fill different beverages and consequently increase the flexibility and efficiency of filling operations,” explains Lisa Hänsgen, product and PR manager at Rhodius Mineralquellen.

 Since 1974 Rhodius, based in the state of Rhineland-Palatinate, has been bottling mineral water rich in calcium and magnesium from the Rhodius artesian spring. With 40 years of experience in the mineral water market, Rhodius is not new to the idea of filling water in cans. From 1974 to 2003, the company canned its own mineral water. During peak years, 20 million units were sold throughout Germany, making Rhodius the undisputed market leader. When Germany introduced a mandatory deposit on beverage cans in 2003 however, the company ceased canning its mineral water while continuing to fill other beverages within its portfolio into cans. Those products include in part its own soda, as well as products from other brands where Rhodius acts as a contract filler.

A tribute to the Vulkaneifel

“When we decided to relist canned mineral water, we closely cooperated with Ardagh Group right from the start. Together, we created a packaging design that reflects the premium character and naturalness of the product, while preserving the quality of the water - from the moment it is canned at the source until it is opened by the consumer,” says Hänsgen.

 In terms of design, the new can has everything it takes to speak to the tastes of modern and active consumers. The green and blue design is representative of the signature landscape of the Vulkaneifel region - the source of Rhodius’ mineral water. A blue tab completes the fresh look and ensures a clear boost to its on-shelf visibility. The characteristic hiss upon opening the can creates a unique sensory experience and attests to the freshness of the packaged product. The end result is a convenient, stylish product for both at-home and on-the-go consumption.