A History of Bottled Water in America

Cornucopia: The Cult, Culture & Business of Food

Bottled water sold today is a new phenomena, not much older than quarter Tom Brady. Back in the 19th century there were lots and lots of bottled water companies in America. But the advent of municipal waters system in the early 20th century meant nearly of all these early brands disappeared.

When Evian arrived in America back in 1978 experts wondered if people would buy bottled water in a country with clean tap water Evian huge success proved that they would. And after that it was off to the races as more and more and more companies started selling bottled water, which was mostly tap water to go. 

That is until 2000 when Vitamin Water hit the market and despite being loaded with sugar and no real vitamin nutrition was a huge success and unleashed a never ending stream of so-called enhanced or functional waters. Despite the high price and the fact that common sense suggest these products don't make much sense America has embraced  as much as Beyonce or Taylor Swift.  

And more bottled water meant and means more and more plastic bottles too. Only 12% ever get recycled. 

Listen up and while we won't quench your thirst buds we're certain to make you think about good old H20 in a brand new way. 

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/matt-levine0/support

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