Abatilles Water

press pack SOURCE DES ABATILLES 157 bld de la Côte d’Argent • 33120 Arcachon • France www.sourcedesabatilles.com

Press contact: Agence Hello T. +33 785 194 518 e-mail: [email protected] Maxime Castillo, professional bodyboarder Abatilles quick facts

DRINK WELL, EXPORTS TO 000 000 30 COUNTRIES DRINK LOCAL 50 BOTTLES/YEAR BETWEEN SINCE x3 2013 GLASS AND 1925 2019 in Arcachon 100% recyclable

employees50

The spring only draws of the volume permitted 472metres by the local authorities (1,549 feet) 38% (2018 figures)

local starred 2,000 restaurants in France 17 restaurants Contents

Drawing water Light Abatilles water: responsibly and pure good for everyone Water is a gift Where does it come from? La Bordelaise Our CSR policy Lovely balance • Fine eating and drinking Local & responsible Low mineral content Everyday drinking Zero nitrates Mineral content and purity guaranteed

100 years Our partners Mineral water of history science, tours Discovery - roaring twenties - 1923 & heritage The spa years - 1926 to 1964 Industrialisation - 1961 to 2013 A new breath of fresh air - since 2013 Drawing water responsibly

Water is a gift 6 Our CSR policy 6 Local & responsible 7 Drawing water responsibly - page 6

Reasonable quantities: only 38% of the volume permitted Water is a gift by the local authorities Optimised bottling process to reduce energy consumption More than being an industrial mineral (40% less since 2008) water producer, the Abatilles Spring is a precious resource, part of nature’s heritage and a real gift that Fully recyclable bottles and caps, recovered we must protect accordingly. and reprocessed Every day we strive to balance the production-preservation equation. Objective to recycle 25% of all plastic by 2025

Participation in recycling PET* bottles (packaging eco-tax*) *PET = Polyethylene terephthalate

Our CSR* policy Regular decrease in the weight of plastic used in our *Corporate Social Responsibility bottles and caps

Abatilles continues to grow while Starting materials sourced only in France controlling its production volumes. It meets its ecological challenges Volumes produced of the glass-packaged range and makes the necessary technical multiplied by 3 between 2013 and 2019 investments for its business to thrive. Our small team of 50 people commits every day to apply our CSR policy with Our employees are motivated to protect the environment concrete and measured processes that aim to: Sorting bins for bottles, caps, plastic films, glass, • Preserve the purity of our water • Draw it in reasonable quantities cardboard and batteries in the workshop • Protect our immediate environment • Reduce our environmental footprint Research and development initiatives to seek out alternatives for plastic Drawing water responsibly - page 7

This is a long-term

“ commitment to get the very best from our“ water and help people PURE, RECYCLING PET BOTTLES Our 2019 eco-tax paid for 25,000 people 40% enjoy life together. RESPONSIBLE to be able to sort their rubbish and the less energy Hervé Maudet WATER recycling of 1,347 tons of waste. since 2008 Abatilles General Manager

BETWEEN x3 2013 GLASS AND 2019 SAND BOTTLES AND CAPS CLAY Local FULLY QUALITY CHECKS SAND recyclable & responsible CLAY 34 per day

SANDSTONE Waste bottles, caps, films, glass, The identity of Abatilles is inherently cardboard and batteries TEAM linked to its connection with the area SAND SORTED WELL-BEING around the Bay of Arcachon and IN THE WORKSHOP the affection it has from local people. LIMESTONE Abatilles proudly asserts and demonstrates its bond with raw the brand, The spring only draws materials Bassin d’Arcachon of the volume permitted which helps define it. We are fully by the local authorities SOURCED aware of our environmental and mètres (2018 figures) 472 38% IN FRANCE societal impact, and contribute actively to local development by prioritising local partners Contributor to the region’s We prioritise local partners and stakeholders. economic development and stakeholders Light and pure Where does it come from? 9 Lovely balance 9 Low mineral content 9 Zero nitrates 9 Mineral content and purity guaranteed 10 Light and pure - page 9

Where does it Lovely balance come from? Its original underground purity and low mineral content, hailed by the The Abatilles spring was discovered Bordeaux Academy of Medicine, by drilling that took place in 1923. make Abatilles Water stand out The water is drawn from a captive and give it lovely balance due to aquifer formed during the Eocene the distribution of minerals in it. at a depth of 472 m (1,549 feet).

Every drop comes from rain that falls in the Massif Central mountains, which Unique, pure water“ seeps through the ground at a speed that is great for the of 1 km every 300 years. “ Low mineral Zero nitrates As it filters through rock, sand and whole family! clay, Abatilles Water takes on different content minerals, which determine its make-up Its unique depth of 472 metres that has remained constant since 1925, (1,549 feet) acts as a natural geological and collects naturally in the aquifer. With its rate of 354 mg/l of dry barrier shielding against pollution Here in the Abatilles area by Arcachon residue, it features on the very short and nitrates. Furthermore, there is no Bay this water has been drawn and list of French waters with low mineral agricultural activity anywhere near the bottled directly for nearly 100 years. contents, because any excess minerals spring. It is one of the very few French are filtered out as it passes through the springs to declare zero nitrates*. different geological layers. *lower than the detection limit It is liked for its neutral taste and its draining and detox effects. It aids the elimination of toxins without putting stress on the body’s metabolism. Nitrates themselves are not bad for the health. The harmful effect comes when MASSIF CENTRAL they break down into nitrites, which affect the blood’s capacity to transport oxygen through the body. ABATILLES SPRING Arcachon 1 km every 300 years Light and pure - page 10

Mineral content quality tests per year IN OUR LABORATORY: every two hours, tests are carried out on samples from different and purity guaranteed points: from the aquifer, as it emerges from the well, from tanks and from bottles, etc. Reference samples are also stored in the sample library for two years , so that preservation Abatilles Water is drawn from below of the water’s quality in our bottles can be checked. with perfectly protected equipment. OFFICIAL TESTING: every month, the Regional Health Agency performs independent Its natural qualities and original purity analyses in laboratories certified by the French Ministry of Health. The Environment and as it emerges from the well undergo Hydrology Laboratory carries out analyses at the well and on the bottling line, and takes no processing or human contact until samples from bottles. you open a bottle of it! Notably its composition, which must remain stable over time, is regularly tested in-house and by the Regional Health Agency under the auspices of the French Ministry of Health.

IFS Food Standard* Certified at higher level. * International certification that guarantees the safety and quality of our products.

Natural mineral

“ water is one of the most highly “ tested products in the food industry. 472metres (1,549 feet) Unlike Spring Water, whose composition can vary, Mineral Water must guarantee a consistent and stable mineral content. It is important to be able to tell the difference. Not all waters are the same.

Drawn from a single well, a natural mineral water’s composition is Tap water comes from different distinctive in that it remains stable sources: lakes, rivers or ground water. over time and has a balanced mineral It must be filtered and disinfected with content, and requires no processing! chlorine and ozone to meet regulatory Spring water is drinkable as soon as it Added bonus: its therapeutic qualities requirements. is drawn and undergoes no treatment, (its positive effects on health) have unlike tap water. However, its mineral been recognised historically by the content is not fixed and varies over Academy of Medicine. time. Its composition offers Because of the great depth from no specific therapeutic qualities. which it is drawn, Abatilles Water has It can come from different springs a unique composition; it is balanced that are geographically far from and has zero nitrates, and this has each other. remained unchanged since 1925. It is bottled directly from the aquifer and undergoes no manipulation or processing. Abatilles water: good for everyone

La Bordelaise 13 • Fine eating and drinking

Everyday drinking 15 Still or fine sparkling Abatilles water: good for everyone - page 13 natural mineral water

GLASS La Bordelaise

For several years, premium mineral waters have become essential in the world of fine dining. Like wine, they stimulate the appetite and curiosity of consumers. Much more Many specialists, such as water sommeliers and wine connoisseurs, than just have developed growing interest in the mineral water subtleties of rare waters.

Recyclable glass range: 75 cl, 50 cl and 33 cl

Both still and fine sparkling Abatilles Mineral Water have introduced themselves into this category of Grand Cru Waters, thanks to: PET • Their origin and terroir. Drawn from a depth of 472 metres (1,549 feet) for nearly a century in an exceptional, protected environment not far from Bordeaux and its fine wine estates • Their unique, balanced composition with their low mineral content and zero nitrates • Their unparalleled taste. Fresh and elongated on the attack, fine texture, round and very neutral • Their distinctive packaging reminiscent of that of Bordeaux wines

Fully recyclable PET range: 1 litre and 50 cl Abatilles water: good for everyone - page 14 2,000 restaurants in France 17 starred restaurants in Gironde

Au Bistrot - Bordeaux La Grand’Vigne - Martillac Auberge en Gascogne - Astaffort La Pointe - Bordeaux Fine eating Auberge Saint-Jean - Saint-Jean-de-Blaignac La Terrasse Rouge - Saint-Émilion Brasserie Lipp - Paris Le 7 - Bordeaux and drinking Café Français - Bordeaux La Table d’Hôtes – Le 4ème Mur - Bordeaux Café du Port - Bordeaux Le Beau Marché - Saint-Jean-de-Luz Loved by chefs and foodies Caudalie Smith Haut-Lafitte - Martillac Le Big - Bordeaux alike, Abatilles Water is a great Chapon Fin - Bordeaux Le Bistrot du Régent - Bordeaux favourite in restaurants of note. Chez Hortense - Cap-Ferret Le Carreau - Bordeaux Its subtle taste and elegant bubbles Chez Mariottat - Agen Le Carré - Bordeaux enhance the flavours of the wines and dishes it is served with. Chez Pierre - Arcachon Le Chiopot - Bordeaux Club TF1 - Paris Le Gabriel - Bordeaux Comptoir Cuisine - Bordeaux Le Miramar - Biarritz Château Cordeillan Bages - Pauillac Le Patio - Arcachon Familia - Bordeaux Le Pavillon des Boulevards - Bordeaux Garopapilles - Bordeaux Le Pressoir d’Argent - Bordeaux George V - Paris Le Prince Noir - Lormont Golf de Bordeaux Lac - Bordeaux Le Puy Paulin - Bordeaux Golf de Pessac - Pessac Le Résinier - Le Barp Hôtel-Restaurant Claude Darroze - Langon Le Restaurant T - Paris Hôtel de Nell - Paris Le Siman - Bordeaux Hostellerie de Plaisance - Saint-Émilion Le Skiff Club - La Teste-de-Buch Julien Cruège - Bordeaux Les Clés D’argent - Mont de Marsan L’Escale - Cap-Ferret Logis de La Cadène - Saint-Émilion L’hôtel du Palais - Biarritz Ostalamer - Saint-Jean-de-Luz L’Ibaïa - Bordeaux Piccolina - Paris L’Orléans - Bordeaux Pinasse Café - Cap-Ferret L’Orangerie des 3 Roys - Rambouillet Près d’Eugénie - Eugénie les Bains L’Uvarium - Moissac Relais & Châteaux Michel Trama - Puymirol La Brasserie Bordelaise - Bordeaux Symbiose - Bordeaux La Cape - Cenon The Meat Pack - Bordeaux La Co(o)rniche - Arcachon Vieux Logis - Trémolat La Ferme Aux Grives - Eugénie les Bains Virtus - Paris Abatilles water: good for everyone - page 15 Still natural mineral water

Everyday drinking

Its unique composition, balance and zero nitrates make Abatilles an ideal water for everyday drinking for everyone. It is like a family friend that has often shared everyday life and holiday memories for generations.

The family’s well-being partner that brings a breath of fresh air from the Arcachon Bay!

In fully recyclable PET bottles: 1.5 litre and 50 cl 100 years of history Discovery - roaring twenties - 1923 17 The spa years - 1926 to 1964 18 Industrialisation - 1961 to 2013 18 A new breath of fresh air - since 2013 18 100 years of history - page 17

Discovery Without any possible doubt, “the most cheerful venue in in the roaring 20’s the region. This is so true that 1923 when you arrive in Arcachon In 1923, Gabriel Maydieu, who owned and ask the cabmen what is land in the Abatilles area decided worth seeing, they all mention to drill for oil there. He hired Louis the Abatilles Spa Company Le Marié, a Breton graduate engineer.

At a depth of 472 metres (1,549 feet) park first. Elegant ladies

frequent the Spring to remain the well became suddenly flooded and “ 1923 - Discovery of the spring a jet of warm sulphur-rich water at 25°C youthful, while the gentry take (77°F) shot out to a height of 7 metres the waters to recover from (23 feet). over-eating. This was August 1923 and the The Bordeaux Academy of Medicine 1926 – Extract from contemporary documents. Abatilles Spring had just been undertook analysis of the water and discovered! all the results confirmed that this was It was named Sainte-Anne by Louis Le a “health water” with therapeutic In 1926, having built a pavilion Marié after the patron saint of Brittany. and diuretic properties fit for spa to house bottling operations, the treatments. Abatilles Company decided to On 8th April 1925, its low mineral construct a small spa in the neo- content and very balanced composition Basque style with showers and led to the foundation of the Abatilles bathrooms, a restaurant, a chic water Spa Company. The water was prescribed bar designed as a kiosk, which is still by doctors and distributed for sale in the Abatilles emblem today. flagons exclusively in chemist’s shops. The spring and its landscaped park This great progress was however During summer 1925, the Academy of became a major resort, where spa interrupted for around ten years by the Medicine and the French government guests and world celebrities came for Second World War. granted official authorisation for the spa cures and parties! It was only in the 50’s when the Spring Pure water to operate. became one of the spas certified by the French Social Security and instead of patrons’ expenses were reimbursed, black gold that business took off again. 100 years of history - page 18

A new breath The spa years of fresh air

During the period of reconstruction after the war, the French Spa and In 2013, Jean Merlaut, a wine producer Climate Federation urged the and merchant, and wine négociant government to use the spas that were Hervé Maudet fell in love with the recognised for their healing properties. Abatilles Spring. They took the leap of faith of investing In 1954, basing their arguments on since 2013 in a highly efficient production facility the health benefits of the Arcachon and over the years have made the Spring Bay and the medicinal qualities of into one of the flagships of the local Abatilles water, the mayor of Arcachon,

1926 to 1964 1926 to economy. Lucien de Gracia and the Director of the Spring, Doctor Penaud, managed The Abatilles brand has been built to persuade the authorities to grant around a strong regional focus, the reimbursement of Abatilles spa work of an engaged, passionate team treatments by Social Security. of women and men, robust regional partnerships with sport, well-being, fine dining and wine, and growing love of the product amongst its drinkers. Industrialisation

In 1961, Vittel Group took over Abatilles. The Spring’s order book exploded, and its bottling facility was used by other large The Sainte-Anne Abatilles spa treatment The spring is bought by Arcachon des Abatilles spring costs reimbursed by French resident Roger Padois and his groups. is discovered Social Security associate Olivier Bertrand In 1991, Nestlé Waters Group acquired Perrier Vittel Group and with it the Abatilles Spring. This ownership lasted until 2008, when the Spring was taken 1961 to 2013 1961 to over by , two independent businessmen The Abatilles Spa Company Vittel Group takes over Nestlé Group acquires It is sold to Bordeaux wine one from Arcachon and his associate, is founded the company operating Perrier Vittel Group and producer and merchant the spring becomes owner of the and , who worked to build the water’s brand Bottling line, spa, restaurant, kiosk Jean Merlaut Hervé Maudet and park established Abatilles spring the present Spring recognition for a few years. General Manager

Our partners Our partners - page 21

Proud to refresh them all year round!

Sport Abatilles Mineral Water is the regional water from Arcachon Bay with its wide-open spaces and fresh sea Wine & fine dining air. It brings well-being, purity and good health. Good health is all about sport and drinking water! Still or fine sparkling Abatilles Water served in Bordeaux bottles isa Sport can be a pastime or a competition, and it very popular choice in restaurants. The shape is strongly reminiscent embraces the values that we promote in building of the classic Bordeaux wine bottle. All its qualities have made it an close relationships, especially with the large family essential partner for a growing number of wine organisations and of local sportspeople and their clubs. We are already events, and celebrations of fine dining. historic partners of Union Bordeaux Bègles, Girondins de Bordeaux, Matmut Atlantique Stadium, Bordeaux Metropole Marathon and more recently with the Toulouse Stadium.

And also: Mineral water science, tours & heritage Mineral water science, tours & heritage - page 23

The schedule European Every Tuesday and Thursday throughout Heritage Days the year from 10.0 to 11.30 a.m., €7 per person per visit. Free for children under 12. Abatilles takes part every year in the European Heritage Days. • Guided tour • This is a great opportunity to find The well and workshop with introduction out what goes on behind the scenes to the 7 production steps at the only natural mineral water spring in Gironde. • Open-air photo exhibition •

• Small historical museum •

• Sale of “Made in Abatilles” goodies •

• Tasting the water from the spring taps •