When I first received the package from A1 Fruit Water company, I had no idea what to expect because water is water right? For me it seemed like water that I could mix with my gin or something one could drink when they are thirsty for something sweet. After dinner usually I crave for something sweet to eat or drink; even better if it’s a fizzy drink. With the A1 Water product, one gets a better and healthier option to replace the fizzy drinks craving, which one really enjoys. I have a 2 years old son who obviously wants to try everything that I eat or drink as well. Sometimes it’s hard to get him to consume water which is good for him, especially if he is constipated, but we found that he is more open to consuming A1 Water compared to regular water. This is a feat that has made our lives a bit easy when it comes to our toddler. I enjoy the Grapefruit flavour while my son enjoys Mandarin and Lemon flavours – for some odd reason, my son doesn’t mind eating an entire lemon on its own; bitter and sour as it may be.
Research from The International Food Information Council Foundation’s (IFIC) 2020 Food & Health Survey, conducted in April 2020, showed that nearly 1 in 10 consumers (9%) follow a clean-eating diet and 74% are cleaning up their beverage selection by limiting and avoiding sugars in their diet. Through A1 Fruit Water’s own market research, it was found that from a sample of 1000 South Africans – 9 out of 10 – say that they are happy to pay for sugar-free, preservative-free and 0 calorie drinks. Last year, A1 Fruit Water officially launched in the country, with their range of natural sparkling waters, infused with real African fruit. The natural sparkling fruit water range comes in three flavours; Mandarin, Lemon, and Grapefruit.
Produced in South Africa, the offering is a healthy option for hydration; and is the only offering on shelf that can hold a claim to be sugar-free, vegan accredited, gluten free, diabetic friendly, 0 calories, sweetener, and preservative-free. The natural fruit infusion and flavours found in A1 Fruit Water are captured as a byproduct during the fruit concentrate manufacturing process, which is how the natural flavours are infused into the sparkling water range. When I mix my gin I usually mix it with lemonade because I like the sweet taste that it produces but at the same time I am aware of the impact of fizzy drinks on my body; but I think I have found something that I can replace my lemonade with when I am drinking (gin) and the best part is that it comes in different flavours. This water is worth trying and it offers a healthier alternative compared to what is currently on the market.
A1 Fruit Water has national ambitions to expand but launched with a primary focus on the Western Cape and Gauteng Provinces; with products on shelves at Pick n Pay, Spar, other independent retailers, as well as online (Takealot).