ISHKA Irish Spring Water Shines on the Global Stage
ISHKA Irish Spring Water has once again proven its commitment to excellence, securing top honours at the 2024 British Bottlers Institute (BBI) Competition. The company’s Still Water received a prestigious Gold Medal, while its Sparkling Water earned a Diploma for Excellence. These accolades reinforce ISHKA’s position as one of Ireland’s leading bottled water brands.
The BBI Competition, a globally recognised event running for nearly 70 years, evaluates beverages through a rigorous blind tasting conducted by a panel of seasoned industry experts. Competing against some of the world’s best bottled water brands, ISHKA stood out for its superior taste and quality.
Mike Sutton, Director at ISHKA, shared his pride in the achievement: “Winning Gold for our Still Water and a Diploma for Excellence for our Sparkling Water is a proud moment for our team. It reflects the care, craftsmanship, and dedication we put into every drop of ISHKA water. It’s a privilege to share a taste of Ireland’s natural beauty with our customers.”
Ed Binsted, President of the British Bottlers Institute, praised ISHKA’s accomplishment: “A wonderful achievement for ISHKA to gain a Gold Award for their Still Spring Water eclipsing their previous success. To also be awarded a Diploma for Excellence for their Sparkling Spring Water proves the quality of their products and very well deserved.”
ISHKA sources its water from natural springs in Ballyneety, County Limerick. The water is naturally filtered through 200-metre-deep limestone bedrock, imparting a refreshing taste and unique character. This second-generation family-owned business, founded in 1978, has product in most retail outlets nationwide as it offers both private label and ISHKA-branded products.
Innovation and Environmental Responsibility
ISHKA has consistently led the way in sustainability and innovation within the bottled water industry. The company was the first in Ireland to use rPET—recycled polyethylene terephthalate—for its packaging. Additionally, ISHKA prepared its production lines for the EU-mandated tethered caps three years ahead of the deadline, showcasing its proactive approach to compliance and sustainability.
A recent €4.5 million investment in high-speed bottling technology has not only increased production capacity but also created 10 new jobs. The sophisticated bottling process ensures that the water remains untouched by human hands, maintaining the highest standards of hygiene and quality.
Surrounded by a highly protected zone designated by Limerick County Council, ISHKA’s on-site spring wells are safeguarded to the highest standards.
Looking Ahead
With its commitment to innovation, quality and future-proofing the business. ISHKA is poised to continue its strong presence in the Irish bottled water industry for years to come as it continues to deliver the pristine taste and purity its customers have come to expect.