A Splash of Glory: Norland Pure Places 3rd at Prestigious Berkeley Springs Water Competition
The Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting is the world’s most distinguished, largest and longest-running water-tasting contest in the world. Coined as the “Olympics of Water,” this year celebrated the 34th year of this favored event. With over 100 entries from five continents, Norland Pure placed third in the Best Purified Drinking Water category. Other categories in the contest are Best Municipal Water, Best Non-carbonated Water, Best Sparkling Water, and People’s Choice Package Design.
Norland Pure participated in the prestigious competition for the first time, entering its signature Premium Enhanced Water product. This proprietary water formula (read more here) marked Norland Pure’s inaugural submission to the event, joining producers from 13 countries. Norland Pure was excited to debut its leading water technology on this world stage and have it evaluated against the freshest, highest quality, and most delicious waters across the globe.
Vice President of Norland International, Adam Kosmicki, traveled to Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, to represent. Though he was not exposed to the event before attending, he stated, “I was truly amazed at the wide array of brands represented. I was equally intrigued by the diverse packaging options, ranging from traditional glass and PET bottles to 12oz cans, 32oz cans, aluminum bottles, and paper cartons.” He also noted that he recognized several Norland International water bottling equipment customers among the brands, such as Berkely Springs, Grand Springs, Shenandoah Rain/Wholesome Foods, Montana Spring Water, and LeSage Natural Water.
Every year, a different panel of judges is meticulously selected, trained, and given a Certified Water Taster diploma. The judges spend hours tasting and rating each water entered based on several factors: appearance, aroma, taste, mouth feel, and aftertaste. This year consisted of eleven judges selected from various regional and media outlets.
The awards ceremony was held on Saturday, February 24th. Kosmicki explained, “The night was a moment of great honor for me as I discovered that Norland Pure’s Enhanced water had secured 3rd place. I have always believed in the superior taste of our water, and it was an honor to represent the company. This award serves as a testament to the dedication and consistency of the Norland Pure team in producing what is now confirmed as one the best-tasting water available.”
Equally thrilling was the news that LeSage Natural Water had won the silver medal. With two of the top three bottled waters produced and packaged using Norland International equipment, we extend heartfelt congratulations to the LeSage team. Esteemed Watermaster Arthur von Wiesenberger noted, “The choice of each category’s winners speaks to the impressively high caliber of the waters entered.”
The event provided a valuable opportunity to connect with other bottled water industry affiliates and delve into each bottler’s unique story. Beyond the water-tasting competition, the event featured speakers addressing a range of topics, from water’s impact on community landscapes to presentations by Marc Edwards on the EPA’s responsibility and the water crisis in Flint, MI.
We at Norland Pure are honored to win this prestigious award representing the Lincoln, Nebraska, community and our parent company, Norland International. This achievement is a testament to the dedicated efforts of our entire team, who guarantee exceptional quality and fresh taste in every drop of our Premium Enhanced Water. We are grateful and humbled to be recognized on this global stage.
The full press release and a complete list of winners can be seen at https://berkeleyspringswatertasting.com/winners/