Roving bubbles

As early as 1903, Harmsworth was looking for a return on his investment. He needed a unique and easily recognizable product. The bubbly water was itself unique, and he already had a name: Perrier. What he needed now was a design for the bottle. For inspiration, Harmsworth turned to the Indian exercise clubs he used to stay in shape.

As for his sales strategy, Harmsworth reasoned that if he could convince the British army in India of the unique qualities of his little bottle, he could go on to conquer the remaining British colonies. It was a simple idea - and it worked. Following its success in the colonies, Perrier water was served at Buckingham Palace, and Harmsworth was awarded the title "Purveyor by appointment to his Majesty".

In 1908, the plant was connected to the local railroad to facilitate shipping of the five million bottles produced annually.

Only after he conquered the Empire and Great Britain did Harmsworth turn his attention to France. By 1933, production had risen to 19 million bottles, 10 million of which were slated for export.

St John Harmsworth was instrumental in developing the Perrier spring Company, giving it a strong identity and image. After his death in 1933, his ashes were scattered over the English Channel, the ultimate mark of a man who always said that all men have two countries: their own and France...

Ownership of the spring then fell to a group of British shareholders, Harmsworth's heirs.

During the Second World War, the German occupation force appropriated the spring from its British owners. Production declined. After the war, mineral waters became much more popular, but to keep up, the plant needed renovation, and the Perrier spring didn't have the necessary funds. By 1946, shareholders had become more and more doubtful about the spring's future. In 1947, they decided to put it up for sale. No one really seemed interested, until a young broker heard the news...

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