The Global Premium Water Conference, known as FineWaters SUMMIT and the Bottled Water TASTE & DESIGN AWARDS 2025, was held in Atlanta, Georgia, on April 25-27.
The events in Atlanta were sponsored by LAK3, inviting people to the water economy with Web3 and locally supported by Source to Bottle.
CONFERENCE SUMMARY by Nico Pieterse
It’s been an incredible few days here at the Fine Waters Conference, and as
we near the end of our gathering, I want to take a moment to reflect on
everything we've learned, discuss the key takeaways, and look forward to
the exciting future of sustainability in the water industry.
Let’s begin by revisiting some of the highlights from the conference.
Day 1: TASTE & DESIGN AWARD Judging and Ceremony
Our journey began on Friday with the Taste & Design Award Jury judging.
This session was an opportunity for the jury to sample and judge some of
the finest waters before we opened up the tasting to the audience. The
energy in the room was palpable, and it’s a reminder of the passion and
dedication that our industry has to not only producing quality water but
also creating exceptional experiences for the consumers.
Following the judging, we had the privilege of attending the Taste &
Design Award Ceremony, which recognised the outstanding achievements
in the field of water design and sustainability. The winners were celebrated
for their innovative work, and their contributions will surely inspire future
advancements in the industry.
We then took a scenic trip to Callaway Blue Spring and Bottling Plant,
where we experienced firsthand the delicate balance between nature and
production. This site visit gave us a deeper appreciation for the sustainable
practices that are crucial in preserving our natural water sources. The
scenic beauty of the Blue Spring was a reminder of why we do what we do
– to protect the environment while providing clean and high-quality water
to the world.
And let’s not forget our Food & Water Pairing Experience at The Betty
Restaurant. The dinner was a perfect blend of culinary art and
sustainability, showcasing the incredible potential of pairing fine waters
with gourmet dishes. This event demonstrated how thoughtfully curated
food and beverage experiences can elevate our understanding of
sustainability and the complex relationship between food, water, and the
environment.
Day 2: Sustainability Discussions
Saturday’s sessions began with an inspiring Welcome Address from
Michael Mascha, who set the stage for the discussions to come. The theme
of the day was sustainability, and we had a series of fantastic talks that
explored the various dimensions of this crucial issue.
We began with Ecological Sustainability from Elena Berg, where we
learned about the importance of preserving our ecosystems and minimising
our carbon footprints.
This was NOT followed by Jonathan Primeau’s presentation on Social
Sustainability, which explored the social dimensions of sustainability and
how communities and individuals are impacted by the water industry, but
rather Camelia Rotarita, who gave an insightful talk on Sustainability and
the Paperboard Container, discussing innovations in packaging and its
environmental implications.
Hannah Byrne delved into Personal Sustainability, emphasising how water
can and should be used to make refreshing hydromocks, basically water
cocktails!
Luis Mazariegos then gave us a fascinating presentation on Bio
Conservancy, highlighting how we can work to conserve biodiversity
while producing water in sustainable ways.
After a well-deserved lunch, we dove into the practical side of
sustainability with talks on Portfolio Distribution. Oliver Merino kicked
off the afternoon by discussing Portfolio Distribution in the USA, followed
by Vincent Chou’s insights into the distribution landscape in China, and
Ashley Epperson’s presentation on the growing importance of distribution
in the USA market.
Ivan Lee then took us on a journey through Portfolio Distribution in Hong
Kong, offering a valuable perspective on the global water market.
Later, we heard from me, who discussed how a water sommelier can make
a difference in Africa.
Cameron Smith shared his very funny experiences of creating a Water
Menu, shedding light on the challenges and rewards of curating a premium
water selection for fine dining.
We also had the very insightful presentation by the gents from Lake with a
spotlight on the future of water and blockchain.
To wrap up the evening, we enjoyed the Thunderbird Cocktails at the St.
Julep Roof Terrace, which provided a perfect networking opportunity to
connect with peers and share insights.
Day 3: Microplastics and PFAS Discussions
Lucas Barrionuevo gave a fascinating talk on Microplastics, explaining the
growing concerns about their presence in water sources and the urgent
need for solutions.
Katarina Paulson followed up with an insightful presentation on PFAS
(per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), highlighting the long-term health
risks associated with these chemicals and the work being done to mitigate
their presence in water supplies.
We also had Michael Macha with his wonderful presentation and insights,
Followed by the various brand presentations of Callaway Blue, Flow,
Orezza, Miocen, Soccosani, Crag, Neblina, Tehaucan, Thunderbird,
Wilderness, Jaure and Sorgente.
Looking Forward: The Road Ahead
As we bring the conference to a close, it’s time to look forward. Over the
past few days, we’ve seen the potential for innovation in the water
industry, particularly in sustainability. We’ve learned that ecological
sustainability, social responsibility, and personal commitments are all
interconnected, and that each of us has a role to play in the greater effort to
preserve our planet’s most precious resource: water.
But there’s more to be done. The challenges we face—whether it’s
microplastics, PFAS, or the growing demand for clean water—are
significant. However, the conversations we’ve had here at this conference
show that there is an abundance of creativity, collaboration, and passion
within this industry. We have the tools, the knowledge, and the drive to
tackle these issues head-on.
As we move forward, we must continue to innovate, collaborate, and, most
importantly, stay committed to sustainable practices. Whether you are a
producer, a distributor, a sommelier, or a consumer, you play a vital role in
shaping the future of water sustainability. By working together and holding
each other accountable, we can ensure that the future of water is as pure
and sustainable as possible.
In closing, I’d like to thank all of our speakers, panelists, sponsors, and
attendees for making this conference a success. Your contributions are
invaluable, and I am confident that the connections we’ve made here will
continue to foster collaboration and innovation long after we leave Atlanta.
Let’s continue the conversation, let’s keep pushing the boundaries of
what’s possible, and let’s make sure that we’re doing everything we can to
protect the water that sustains us all.