New markets

Beginning in 1954, Perrier S.A. acquired other mineral water springs, such as Contrexéville, and launched an extensive diversification program to secure the company's lead in the soft drink market. It launched the Pschitt brand and obtained the Pepsi-Cola licence for France.

Twenty-five years was all it took for Perrier to blanket the European and French markets.

In early 1976, the small green bottle headed across the Atlantic to conquer North America, opening an office in New York.

In 1988, Perrier sold 300 million bottles in the U.S. - or 80% of the imported water market. Perrier flavoured varieties were also launched there first, before their debut in France.

In 1990, the benzene episode put a damper on Perrier's expansion. In France, the affair rallied Perrier fans behind the brand, while the company's worldwide bottle recall served only to improve its image with consumers.

Next page