Aqui-Live mineral water from Red Hill named most unique in the world
When this Red Hill couple found a mineral spring on their new property seven years ago, little did they know it would spur a $40 million-a-year business producing some of the world’s most distinctive bottled water. So what’s so good about it?
South East
Don't miss out on the headlines from South East . Followed categories will be added to My News.
A South Melbourne family’s search for a Mornington Peninsula weekender has resulted in a $40 million-a-year business.
Dayle Purcell and Olaf Lyche fell in love with LionsGate at Red Hill about seven years ago.
“We were looking for a weekender; a simple beach shack,” Ms Purcell said.
“Then we came here and saw the views over Arthurs Seat to the bay. Before we knew it, we had bought a 2ha estate.”
HAS THE FLU SEASON STARTED EARLY?
WOULD YOU DRINK $23 COCKTAIL MADE OF FOOD SCRAPS?
Also on the property was a natural mineral spring, and in 2014, the couple had the water tested.
“Geologists confirmed the source is a 900m deep aquifer; the aquifer is 600 million years old, and the mineral water has been in the ground for at least 2000 years,” Mr Lyche said.
The tests also revealed a high level of minerals and negligible nitrates.
“It tastes amazing,” Mr Lyche said.
The couple started bottling the water in their garage, using a similar system to nearby wineries.
Today the water is trucked to Dandenong South, bottled and sold as Aqui-Live Premium Mineral Water. There is also a carbonated version.
A 10-litre cask retails online for $55.
Aqui-Live still and sparkling were recently voted the most unique in the world at the Annual Fine Waters International TasteAwards.
The business is licensed to harvest 10,000 litres of water a day.
“When we reach capacity, the business will be worth $40 million a year,” Mr Lyche said.
“At that point, we will use the profits to build and run Hope House — a haven for women and children who are escaping domestic violence,” Ms Purcell said.
MORE NEWS: