Perrier Faces Possible Loss of ‘Natural Mineral Water’ Label Amid Regulatory Scrutiny
Nestlé’s Perrier brand is under regulatory pressure in France, where authorities are evaluating whether it can still be classified as “natural mineral water” following changes to its sourcing and treatment processes. The development poses significant implications for both regulatory standards and brand equity in the premium bottled water category.
The probe, initiated by France’s food safety agency (DGCCRF), centers on whether Perrier’s use of treated and mixed-source water complies with strict definitions of “eau minérale naturelle.” According to French and EU regulations, natural mineral water must come from a single underground source and be bottled at the source without chemical treatments—requirements that Perrier may no longer fully meet due to recent operational adjustments.
Nestlé acknowledged it has “reinforced carbon filtration” and is blending water from two sources in response to microbial contamination linked to climate change. The group claims these measures ensure safety and maintain the brand’s qualitative standards. Still, these adaptations could disqualify Perrier from holding the mineral water status it has carried since 1863.
Regulators are expected to deliver their verdict by the end of the year, according to French media reports. If found non-compliant, Perrier would be downgraded to “bottled water” status—an outcome with significant marketing and commercial ramifications. The brand, positioned for its purity and natural carbonation, could lose competitive advantage in a market where authenticity and provenance are core purchase drivers.
This case comes as Nestlé faces broader scrutiny over its bottling practices. Earlier this year, the company admitted to treating other water brands, including Hépar and Contrex, despite natural mineral water prohibitions on such methods. French authorities are intensifying oversight of the sector amid heightened consumer expectations for transparency and sustainability.
For FMCG professionals, the Perrier case underscores the increasing regulatory complexity around water sourcing and claims. Brands operating in premium beverage categories must reconcile strict compliance with evolving environmental realities, all while maintaining consumer trust and market share. The outcome could set a precedent for how the industry navigates climate-linked disruptions and preserves category-defining credentials.