A SCOTTISH mineral water company has won a major contract to supply bottles to the famous Gangnam District of Seoul in South Korea.
With exports to the EU on hold due to Brexit regulation changes, Deeside Mineral Water, based in Ballater, Royal Deeside is also negotiating to distribute their new Fuarain moisturising cream to the Korean capital.
The family owned firm is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, bottling spring water which flows naturally from ancient healing springs in the Cairngorms National Park, close to Balmoral Castle.
The company has already shipped over 250,000 bottles to Korea, where it is popular because of its purity and clinically proven health benefits.
Martin Simpson, Deeside Mineral Water managing director, commented: “We export to many countries including Japan, Russia and the EU. Paperwork issues around exporting to the EU make that impossible just now but this Korea contract has been fantastic to secure. The springs have a long and interesting history dating back to 1760 when they became famous for the healing waters. The rich heritage and natural source in a remote and stunning part of Scotland, is something that really appeals to overseas markets.”
Distributors Myeong-Yin Kaizen Co, have been supplying the water to health conscious customers thanks to its proven benefits for good skin hydration, reduction in the visible appearance of winkles and its antioxidant effects. CEO, Mr Chulho Kim said; “Korean customers like the purity and fresh taste of Deeside Mineral Water as well as its Scottish heritage. Users tell us they feel good drinking it and that it helps their skin. We are also really interested in the company’s latest venture, Fuarain Skincare and we are looking at importing it too.”
In the latter part of last year, the company launched Fuarain Moisturising cream where Deeside Mineral Water is the main ingredient. Clinical trials on users drinking 1 litre of water a day confirmed it increased skin hydration by 23% and reduced the visible signs of wrinkles by 17% compared to tap water. This led to the idea that Deeside water could be used as an active ingredient in skincare.
Simpson added; “Launching a new product during lockdown was perhaps risky but we are seeing growth in online sales for Fuarain and interest from retailers in the UK and abroad. It’s already been shortlisted for a global beauty award as ‘Best New Premium Skincare Product’ in the highly acclaimed Pure Beauty Awards. Koreans are well known for looking after their skin and it seems a natural step to supply Fuarain to customers who already know what drinking Deeside Mineral Water can do for their skin.”
