Heritage...since 1793
The geological source for Perrier® Sparkling Natural Mineral Water dates back over 100 million years. . .but man was probably first introduced to it during the Roman Empire. Legend has it that in 218 B.C., Hannibal and his army paused at the spring to refresh after defeating the Romans.
In 1793, the mayor of Vergèze, 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, after the dedicated physician who brought it to his attention: Dr. Perrier. The precious waters have come to be captured in distinctive green bottles, shaped after wooden clubs. Having suffered from a leg injury, Sir St-John Harmsworth maintained his body by exercising with smooth wooden clubs. It was their comfortable shape that 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 sparkling natural mineral water bottled in the U.S. Perrier became an intrinsic part of an active, healthy American lifestyle in the late 1970s. The Perrier Group of America started the tidal wave of popularity for mineral water in the United States. Perrier was the first imported sparkling natural mineral water brand to be sold in supermarkets 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, alternative beverage. Perrier continues to be bottled at the original source in Vergèze. In April 1985, Perrier with A Twist of natural lemon or lime flavor was introduced in the U.S. These well-liked flavor varieties helped revolutionize the natural beverage refreshment.