Splendor Water from Ecuador is a premium mineral water extracted from the pure springs of the Andes. Enriched with natural minerals and a clear, fresh flavour, it is considered a high-quality water for connoisseurs.
The bottling process is sustainable and environmentally friendly in order to preserve the source. It can be found internationally in the best hotels, restaurants and most exclusive markets such as Romer Hotel Hell’s Kitchen, So & So’s Piano Bar o Charlotte, Fahrenheit Rooftop, AC Hotel, Ballantyne oder various Country Clubs. But also in markets like 1618 Seafood, Erewhon Market, Westerly Natural Product’s Market, The Food Emporium, Robert Wholey & Co., Ernest Klein, Green bay Organics or Deep Roots Market. Due to his high popularity, Andreas Conrad conducted an interview with Sara Couch.
Exklusive Interview with Sara Couch, Director of U.S. Growth and Operations from Splendor Water
Andreas Conrad: Can you tell us about the geographical location and natural environment of your mineral water source(s)?
Sara Couch: Splendor Water is a volcanic artesian water which is naturally filtered over centuries through the basalt and lave rocks from the Cotopaxi volcano, one of the highest active volcanoes in the world, and bottled at its single source in La Mana, Ecuador, a small town nestled in the Andean rainforest.
Andreas Conrad: What specific minerals and trace elements are contained in your mineral water and how do they affect the health and flavour of the water?
Sara Couch: Splendor is one of the few waters in the world to contain naturally occurring colloidal gold and silver, which it amasses naturally as it filters through the Cotopaxi volcano. It also contains significant minerals such as calcium, potassium, and magnesium, though all in trace amounts so that the overall minerality of Splendor remains super low, at just 31 mg/L. Splednor’s super low minerality gives it an extremely pure, crisp, clean taste, perfect for pairing with any food or meal where the flavor of the plate should shine. Splendor contains the perfect balance of minerals and electrolytes the human body needs to improve overall health and energy levels, replacing nutrients lost during daily activity and exercise to recharge the body.
Andreas Conrad: How do you ensure that your product meets the strict quality standards and regulations that apply to mineral water?
Sara Couch: We undergo rigorous internal and external lab testing to ensure every bottle of Splendor stands up to the FDA and state compliance requirements, as well as tests for microplastics, PFAS, and other important contaminant markers. We have strict sanitation and quality control measures in place in all areas of our plant and warehouses and undergo routine testing on samples daily, weekly, and monthly. Our plant and all processes are IFS certified.
Andreas Conrad: Can you tell us about the water treatment and bottling process at your plant?
Sara Couch: Our conscious bottling process aims to preserve Splendor’s natural structure and composition from the time it leaves the earth until it is tasted, just as nature intended.
Untouched by man, Splendor travels from its artesian spring to our plant via surgical-grade steel pipes. The water is activated by ionizing magnets, each strategically placed 3.3 meters apart, designed to keep the water in constant circular motion to preserve its energetic and structural properties. Upon arrival at the plant, it undergoes natural nanofiltration, and then passes through Swiss technology to activate the water’s naturally occurring silver particles. As the silver acts as a natural biocide, it eliminates the need for chemical ozone treatment, which would affect the water’s natural properties and hydrating capabilities. Finally, Splendor is strategically bottled in our distinctive indigo blue bottle to protect its natural properties from heat and light.
Andreas Conrad: What measures do you take to minimise the environmental impact of your production processes and promote sustainability?
Sara Couch: Splendor is a Smart Planet certified company which aims to promote the conservation of the Andes rainforest through the following environmental and social pillars: Conservation (Flora & Fauna), Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Gender Equality, Social Responsibility, Local Community Support, and promoting the Circular Economy. We are also a 1% for the Planet Member, and each year commit 1% of our gross sales back to environmental nonprofit organizations in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. One of these partnerships has named us the Official Conservation Ambassador of the Galapagos Islands.
In Ecuador, our Return and Reuse program encourages conscious customer behavior, conserves materials, and reduces waste by giving discounts for returned bottles in order for Splendor to reuse our glass bottles up to 60 times and our large plastic ones up to 16 times. We are committed to recovering and reusing at least 80% of our raw materials and incorporate 30-100% recycled PET in all of our plastic bottles, while also now providing more sustainable glass options. We are currently undergoing measures to become a B-certified corporation. Splendor is also dedicated to protecting our surrounding land from the effects of illegal mining and deforestation in La Maná through conservation, safeguards and expanded protections against misuse of mining regulations.
Andreas Conrad: Are there specific technological innovations or processes that you use in your production facility to ensure the purity and quality of the water?
Sara Couch: The water is activated by magnets placed 3.3 meters apart in surgical grade pipes which transport it from the aquifer to the plant. Upon arrival at the plant, it undergoes nanofiltration, passing through Swiss technology which uses UV light to activate the water’s naturally occurring silver particles, which then act as a natural biocide and prevent us from having to use added ozone or other chemicals to kill off any harmful bacteria. All features of our bottling process are designed to keep Splendor’s composition intact and as ‘alive’ as it is at the spring. Untouched by man until first sip.
Andreas Conrad: What role does the local community play in your production process and how are you involved in social and charitable initiatives?
Sara Couch: The Splendor Family is a multidisciplinary team of doctors, scientists, and business experts focused on promoting coexistence among all human beings and our planet. Giving back to our local community is at the core of our mission. Through our membership with 1% for the Planet, we give back 1% of our gross sales to organizations that better our environment and support the people of Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. Our valued partners include:
Casa Interamericana: ombats food and water insecurity, illegal mining, and deforestation. Our joint programs help protect environmental rights and educate the children of Ecuador around important environmental issues to build a sustainable future.
Fundación La Iguana – We support their ‘Sembrando Una Ciudad’ (Planting a City) projects to plant biodiversity gardens in urban areas of Ecuador.This initiative aims to reduce the risks that global warming generates for the planet and the future of our children such as: desertification of the land, environmental and visual pollution; and removal of the natural habitat of birds, animals and insects; among others.
Fundacion ECOS: Splendor sponsors ECOS’ Galapagos Ecology Camp Program with a focus on Invasive Species. Immersed in the unique nature of the Galapagos, ECOS field programs experience the interconnections between humans and nature while collaborating with scientists and government agents on restoration actions.
Fundación Jocotoco: champions biodiversity and conservation of flora and fauna in the Galapagos Islands. With them we help implement strategies to protect the Galapagos petrel, a species that is critically endangered, through managing invasive species, protecting and reintroducing native species, and empowering the community for long term sustainability.
Our partnership with Fundacion Jocotoco has garnered us the honor of becoming the Official Conservation Ambassador of the Galapagos Islands. We also partner with local schools and community groups of our home in La Mana, donating water wherever needed and encouraging their visit and learning of our source. In the U.S., we always donate water in disaster relief efforts wherever needed to our local communities.
Andreas Conrad: How do you deal with issues of transparency and consumer trust in relation to the origin and quality of your mineral water?
Sara Couch: We rigorously test our product in-house and with third party labs and offer our bottled water report and latest testing to all customers. We also recently completed a wellness retreat near the plant site where customers can come and visit the source, learn about the history of Splendor, its progressive growth, and enjoy the water firsthand.
Andreas Conrad: Can you give us an insight into your long-term vision and strategy for the future of your business, particularly with regard to changing consumer preferences and environmental requirements?
Sara Couch: We are currently pursuing a B Corp certification and have implemented measures to reduce waste and increase efficiencies. Carbon Neutrality is our ultimate goal, and our Smart Planet certification is the first step to ensuring environmental accountability. We are implementing energy-efficient practices and investing in forestry and land preservation projects across Ecuador to offset our carbon footprint.
Long term, we plan on positioning ourselves as a premium, functional water that provides our consumers with pristine taste and high quality spring water, but one that also has rare minerals that provide unique benefits beyond most other waters. In partnership with some of our investors who are functional and integrative doctors, we envision using Splendor Water in the future as the base for functional tinctures, teas, and other holistic medicinal products in conjunction with our umbrella company “Health2O.”
More information:
Splendor Water
KM 5 1⁄2 Via
Estero Hondo La Mana
Cotopaxi, Ecuador
