Aava Natural is 1st Indian brand to have an In-House Water Sommelier

MUMBAI: Are you conscious about the mineral water you consume? Avanti Mehta, India's youngest certified water sommelier, and brand manager at Aava believes that the more we think about what we drink, the more we will care for the planet.

Avanti was certified by FineWater Academy - a globally renowned institute founded by the world's most famous water sommeliers.

As a certified water sommelier Avanti tastes, evaluates, and educates others about water and its unique origin, minerality, and taste. Natural mineral water from protected natural sources has terroir, much like wine and can elevate a fine-dining experience when paired with the right food and spirits.

"Water menus are popular in Italy and America, however in India, mineral water is synonymous with RO purified and packaged drinking waters which ironically have no minerals in it. We care so much about what we eat, and not what we drink even though 60 per cent of our body is water. Natural mineral water like Aava has naturally occurring minerals, which give it a unique taste and are essential for wellness. It is also bottled without RO and other purification processes, which cause 75 per cent water rejection. As a water sommelier, I want people to realise the difference so they can make better, more sustainable choices for their wellbeing and the planet's" said Avanti Mehta.

"Out of 5000 licensed processed water brands, India has only about 30 licensed natural mineral water brands. As far as I know, only one, Aava, has a water sommelier to create experiences with water. Avanti has been a great candidate, and we have been delighted to recently certify her as a water sommelier in India from the Fine Water Academy." says Michael Mascha.

Given that as of 2019 there were only 112 water sommeliers accounted for globally with even fewer female water sommeliers, Avanti Mehta's accreditation at the age of 29 is unique not only for Aava water and India, but also for the world. "It's amazing to see the next generation taking up the idea that water is not just water but a natural product with a terroir that holds experiences and gives wellness. We look forward to Avanti's contribution to the category."said Martin Reise and Michael Mascha.

Aava has been internationally awarded and recognised as one of India's most premium natural mineral waters since 2005, with a PAN-India footprint and served in the best hotels, institutions and airlines. Being a part of a thriving family business, the last 17 years trained Avanti with a unique understanding of the water industry in India. However, it is Aava and her family's focus on ethical water sourcing and biodiversity conservation that inspired Avanti to be a water sommelier. "I was 13 when my father, Behram Mehta launched our family business Aava Water. He's always maintained that we don't bottle water - we bottle trust and wellness. From ethical water sourcing with zero rejection, constant groundwater recharge, to efficient plastic recycling, and advocating for laws that protect and preserve the natural ecosystem of the Aava source - there's so much more to a natural mineral water business than just bottling. Bottled natural mineral water has the smallest water and energy use footprint of any packaged beverage." Avanti who is also the brand's creative director designed Aava's glass bottle range.

The indigenous flora and fauna in Aava's own bottling environment inspired the packaging. As of 2020, Aava is also one of India's only plastic neutral water brands that recycles more PET than produced. During the pandemic, to ensure easy access to healthy and safe natural mineral water, Aava expanded its online footprint and today services more than 150,000 loyal patrons in more than 780 zip codes through its e-commerce channels. It also subsidised its offerings to efficiently service hospitals, migrant camps, frontline officials, medical professionals and patients.

"Aava has always been at the forefront of providing easy and efficient access to premium natural mineral water, that's sourced sustainably and essential for wellness at relatively economical costs. Avanti's contribution to Aava with her world-class training and experience, adds tremendous value to the brand, and will also help raise awareness about the value of natural mineral water. It's our most precious resource." says Behram Mehta, Director at Aava Natural Mineral Water.

Aava has just launched its Sparkling Water range, and will be expanding its offerings to include functional beverages with tangible benefits in the future. Given Aava's unique silica composition, the brand is also innovating with skincare and will launch new products soon.

Aava launched in 2005, as western India's first natural mineral water brand. Aava Natural Mineral Water originates in the Aravallis, one of the world's oldest mountain ranges. During its 20 year underground journey each drop of Aava is fortified with naturally-occurring calcium, magnesium, silica, bicarbonates and other natural electrolytes which make Aava a naturally alkaline mineral water with a pH of 8. The top hydro geologists of the world have certified Aava's water sources. Aava's iconic packaging, and superior sweet taste have been Internationally awarded at the Bottled Water World Awards 2007 and the iTQi (International Taste and Quality Institute) Awards in 2017.

Each day 3,50,000 bottles of Aava Natural Mineral Water are served in more than 1500 premium institutional clientele which includes airlines like Indigo, Vistara , Air India, Air Asia; international carriers like Lufthansa , Cathay Pacific, and prestigious hospitality groups like TAJ Hotels, Oberoi Hotels, Marriott Hotels, ITC Hotels, Four Seasons, Hyatt, Sofitel, Impresario etc. Aava services over 780 zip codes and 350+ premium retail outlets in the country without distributors and through its own unique network of 11 warehouses in strategic locations.

Aava provides free and direct home delivery to over 1,50,000 patrons across India through its website www.aavawater.com and Amazon, Flipkart and other ecommerce channels. In the last 17 years, Aava has grown to become one of India's only plastic neutral mineral water brands with a 100% recycling rate. As of March 2020, Aava is plastic neutral having recycled more PET bottles than produced through cloud recyclers and its in-house recycling ecosystem. Aava's commitment to sustainability led to the launch of Aava Glass bottle range in 2020, and within two short years Aava has become one of India's leading glass natural mineral water suppliers with over 500,000 glass bottles served every month. Every bottle of Aava saves up to 3 litres of bottled water since its unique natural mineral composition requires no RO, UV Radiation, Ozonization or Ionization, which cause tremendous water rejection.

Aava also ensures constant groundwater recharge through check dams. Aava launched its Sparkling Water range in 2022, that retains the goodness of Aava's natural minerals and makes for the perfect zero calorie natural mixer. Every time you choose Aava, you are making a sustainable choice to stay naturally hydrated and healthy.