Canadian Food Business
Maple water overcame competition from Europe and the United States to finish first at the recent 2014 Global Bottled Water Congress (GBWC).
KiKi Maple Sweet Water was recognized as the top new product at the congress, which took place in Budapest, Hungary. The beverage is made with Ontario maple sap produced by manufacturer Troll Bridge Creek Inc. (TBCI). “We are very pleased with this outstanding recognition,” said Keith Harris, Chief Executive Officer of TBCI. “Being first in the market and with the longest track record, this is further acknowledgement of the leading position KiKi Maple Sweet Water has in the market.”
The 11th Global Bottled Water Congress hosted industry leaders, suppliers, customers and analysts from around the globe. KiKi Maple Sweet Water is hoping the award will help build its new market segment.
“Keith Harris made a very compelling case for KiKi Maple Water at the 2014 Global Bottled Water Congress,” said William Anderson, Founder and CEO of First Beverage Group and one of the judges in the GBWC shoot-out. “Keith explained why the category is now gaining significant traction and how large the category can become. It was also great to taste all four SKUs – he’s done a terrific job on the liquid.”
KiKi Maple Sweet Water beat off keen competition for delegate votes at the Congress. “Up against a new functional water and a breakthrough packaging concept, delegates recognized the potential for a natural maple sap drink, even though it is not strictly a water at all,” commented Congress organizer and Chairman of Zenith International, Richard Hall. “For many of them, it was the first time they had studied the niche in detail. They also found the taste unexpectedly mild and light.”
