Georgian Mineral Water Brands

Nestled in the heart of the Caucasus, Georgia is a land steeped in natural wonders, particularly its mineral springs and thermal baths. The very name of its capital, Tbilisi, pays tribute to these natural resources, meaning “hot place” in reference to the sulfurous waters flowing beneath its streets and fueling the historic Abanotubani baths. With over 730 mineral water springs mapped across the country, Georgia boasts a rich diversity in this natural bounty. These springs, each with their unique qualities, contribute to one of Georgia's key exports: bottled mineral water. Ranging from carbonated to non-carbonated, these waters are not only a staple of Georgian culture but are also cherished for their health benefits. Here, we delve into the most renowned Georgian mineral waters, exploring their distinct characteristics and the traditions they embody.

Nabeghlavi, a flagship brand of the Georgian-Swiss holding Margebeli, stands out for its resurgence under Healthy Water's management since 1997. Initially discovered in 1905 in Guria, the spring caught attention due to its unique taste and therapeutic qualities. Robert Kuptsis' analysis in 1921 laid the foundation for its chemical understanding, emphasizing the water's calcium, sodium bicarbonate, and carbon dioxide content.

Nabeghlavi has received investments surpassing 43 million lari, enhancing its production and distribution. Today, it's exported globally, including to Europe, Israel, Russia, the USA, Turkey, and the CIS countries.

Nabeghlavi water originates from a depth of 2000 to 3000 meters, acquiring a unique mineral blend. It is naturally carbonated and further enriched with CO2 before bottling. Its composition includes:

— Total dissolved solids: 3.5 – 5.9 g/l
— Cations (mg/l): Ca2+ (32-116), Mg2+ (34-120), Na+ + K+ (690-1270)
— Anions (mg/l): HCO3- (2400-4400), Cl- (37-95), SO4 (53-244)
— Specific components (mg/l): H2SiO3 (55-90), H3BO3 (>35)

Borjomi, revered as "the Caucasian Vichy," is a unique natural carbonated mineral water, similar in composition and therapeutic characteristics to the French Vichy. Known since the early 1800s for its healthful effects, Borjomi's composition has remained unchanged since 1830. The springs of the Borjomi Valley, nestled in the Borjomi Kharagauli National Park, contribute to its unique properties, making it a popular choice for wellness and recreation.

Borjomi's production reached 200 million bottles in 2005, and it is exported to 40 countries worldwide. After a varied history, including nationalization during the Soviet era, part of the company was recovered by the Georgian government in 2022.

Borjomi's balanced mineral composition, enriched by the volcanic origins of the Borjomi Gorge, includes:

— Calcium: 60 mg/l
— Magnesium: 50 mg/l
— Potassium: 30 mg/l
— Sodium: 1550 mg/l
— Hydrocarbonates: 3900 mg/l
— Chlorides: 380 mg/l
— Sulfates: <50 mg/l
— Barium: <1.0 mg/l
— pH: 6.5
— Total Dissolved Solids (TDS): 3.905 mg/l

Regular consumption of Borjomi helps in normalizing the body's pH level and supports digestive and metabolic health.

Sairme, a naturally carbonated mineral water, originates from the springs in the Sairme balneological resort area in the Imereti region of Georgia. Discovered in the 1890s, this water has been a part of local lore and healing practices for centuries. The resort, at an elevation of 915 meters, is situated in a gorge cut by the Tsablaristskali River, providing a unique microclimate beneficial for health and relaxation. Sairme has been scientifically analyzed since 1912 and is used for both drinking and bottling.

As of 2021, Sairme Mineral Waters' annual financial statement reported an income of GEL 10.7 million with a net profit of GEL 388 thousand, and assets totaling GEL 8.5 million. The brand, following privatization and modernization since 1998, has undergone significant changes, including the installation of automated manufacturing facilities and an updated laboratory for water quality testing​​.

Sairme water boasts a rich mineral content, varying in mineralization from 1.6 g/L to 9.5 g/L. It's particularly noted for its calcium bicarbonate content, known for strengthening the skeletal system and aiding in the reduction of inflammation. The carbonated mineral water is also used for restoring liver, urinary tract, kidney, and gastrointestinal functions and promoting the breakdown of harmful metabolic substances​.

Likani mineral water, sourced from the western part of the town of Borjomi, is renowned for its unique mineral-ionic complex. This water, emerging from a depth of 1500 meters and enriched with living minerals and gas, features a harmonious blend of hydrocarbons, magnesium, and calcium, offering a light and smooth taste due to its natural carbonation.

Detailed business figures and production volumes for Likani are not readily available.

— Calcium (Ca²⁺): 40-100 mg/L
— Magnesium (Mg²⁺): 30-80 mg/L
— Potassium (K⁺): 15-50 mg/L
— Sodium (Na⁺): 1000-1700 mg/L
— Bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻): 3000-4500 mg/L
— Chloride (Cl⁻): 150-400 mg/L
— Sulfate (SO₄²⁻): less than 50 mg/L
— Fluoride (F⁻): less than 10 mg/L

This composition reflects a water with a relatively high mineral content, particularly in sodium and bicarbonate ions.

Sno mineral water, sourced from the pristine valleys of the Greater Caucasus, is celebrated for its unique and refreshing mineral composition. Produced by Aqua Geo since 2009, the company has been dedicated to popularizing this Georgian treasure both domestically and internationally. The water is extracted from an underground reservoir in the Mukhrani Valley, adhering to Georgian and European standards.

Specific financial or production data for Sno mineral water is not readily available. However, the brand, under the management of Aqua Geo, has set ambitious goals to make Georgia known worldwide through its unique water​​.

The water, celebrated for its freshness and taste, is born in the mountains and undergoes a natural filtration process before being bottled.

Chemical Composition (mg/dm³):

— Ca2+ (43-65),
— Mg2+ (6-10),
— Na+ (<15),
— K+ (0.7-1.2),
— HCO3- (150-220),
— Cl- (<15),
— SO4 2- (16-25).

Kobi, a sparkling mineral water from the high altitudes of the Caucasus Mountains in the Kazbegi region, is produced by Aqua Geo. Founded in 2009, Aqua Geo aimed to popularize this unique Georgian water both domestically and internationally. The water, known for its unique taste and beneficial mineral composition, was developed by Italian technologist Alessandro Covelli and started production in 2018. Kobi's springs are situated at 2000 meters above sea level in the village of Kobi.

While specific production and export figures for Kobi are not available, the brand's ambition to make Georgia known worldwide through its product is a testament to its growing significance in the mineral water market.

Kobi's distinctive composition includes a variety of beneficial minerals. The carbonation process, which enhances the drinking experience, is a key feature of Kobi.

Main Composition (mg/L):

Cations:

— Calcium: 150-250,
— Magnesium: 20-50,
— Sodium: 130-200,
— Potassium: 3-50.

Anions:

— bicarbonates: 750-1300,
— chlorides: 110-205,
— sulfates: 5-25.

Bakhmaro's water, sourced from the pristine Chokhatauri district in Guria region of Georgia, is valued for its low mineralization and exceptional purity, reflecting the untouched nature of its mountainous origins.

Detailed business metrics for Bakhmaro are not publicly available, highlighting its specialized position in the mineral water market.

— Fluorides: <0.4 mg/L
— Dissolved Solids: 0.07 - 0.15 g/L

Cations:
— Calcium (Ca²⁺): 7.0 - 20.0 mg/L
— Magnesium (Mg²⁺): 2.0 - 6.0 mg/L
— Sodium (Na⁺): 1.5 - 8.0 mg/L

Anions:
— Hydrocarbonates (HCO₃⁻): 42.0 - 70.0 mg/L
— Sulfates (SO₄²⁻): 0.8 - 4.0 mg/L
— Chlorides (Cl⁻): 0.6 - 8.0 mg/L

This composition suggests that Bakhmaro water is suitable for daily hydration, with a mineral profile that supports a balanced diet.

Bakuriani, sourced from the pristine Bakuriani mountains, is a natural mineral spring water, celebrated for its clear, icy waters and the special ecosystem it originates from. It's produced by IDS Borjomi Georgia, a leader in the Georgian mineral water market and part of IDS Borjomi International, one of the largest producers in the CIS and Baltic regions.

IDS Borjomi Georgia leads the bottled mineral water segment in production rate, signifying Bakuriani's significant market presence.

Bakuriani is characterized by its low mineral content, ideal for restoring the body's water balance. Its composition includes:

— Calcium: 25-80 mg/l
— Magnesium: <20 mg/l
— Sodium: <20 mg/l
— Hydrocarbon: 150-300 mg/l
— Chlorides: <20 mg/l
— Sulphates: <50 mg/l
— Total Mineral Content: 0.20-0.5 g/l (pH-6.0-8.0)

Bakuriani's unique composition makes it a top choice for those leading an active lifestyle, aiding in maintaining youth and beauty.

Gudauri Water is a relatively new entrant in the bottled water market, with ambitions to expand its presence in the Russian and Arab markets. Sourced directly from artesian wells in pristine mountain regions, this natural mineral water undergoes a unique 40 km natural filtration journey through the earth, ensuring its unparalleled purity and mineral composition. The water is collected and bottled at the source in a sterilized environment, ensuring that the water remains untouched by human processes, thereby preserving its natural state. This method of sourcing and packaging not only maintains the original microbiological purity and chemical composition of the water but also contributes to its distinct taste and health benefits.

— Odor: Points <2
— Taste: Points <2
— Color: Degree <15
— Turbidity: FTU <0.1
— Sulfate: 22 mg/L
— Chloride: 12.1 mg/L
— TPH: <0.04
— Hardness: 4.39 mg-eq/L
— Calcium: 68 mg/L
— Magnesium: 12 mg/L
— Sodium: 13.3 mg/L
— Potassium: 0.99 mg/L
— Zinc: <0.003 mg/L
— Iron: <0.02 mg/L
— pH: 7.75
— Permanganate Oxidation: 0.48 mg O2/L
— Mineralization: 394.5 mg/L
— Barium: <0.1 mg/L (Total)
— Boron: <0.5 mg/L (Total)

Zekari is a mineral water brand sourced from the Zekari Pass in southern Imereti, Georgia. The pass is located at an altitude of 2,182 meters above sea level in the gorge of the Khanistskali River. This area is also where the Kershaveti River originates, near the seaside resort of Zekari. The sulfur waters of this region, known for their therapeutic qualities, are commonly used in treating rheumatic and neurological diseases.

Zekari mineral water is noted for its sulfur content and has a total mineralization of 2.0 to 2.2 g/l. This composition includes minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium.

Nakaduli is a naturally occurring still spring water extracted from the alpine region of Sairme in Western Georgia's Imereti region. It is sourced from an altitude of 2000 meters in the environmentally pristine crevices of the Tsablaristskali river valley and is filtered through the many layers of rock of the Sairme mountains. Nakaduli is lauded for its microbiologically pure composition, providing a daily source of hydration without restrictions. It is also recommended for babies and food preparation due to its low mineralization and mild flavor.

— Calcium: 15-40 mg/L
— Sodium: 15 mg/L
— Magnesium: 15 mg/L

Bottled at the source, Nakaduli water is recognized for its uniquely balanced composition, comprising natural minerals that contribute to its exceptional taste.

Lugela is a mineral water sourced from the gorge of the Khobistskali River in the upper part of the Samegrelo range, situated at 560 meters above sea level near the village of Mukhuri, Chkhorotsku District. It's noted for its therapeutic qualities, especially in treating skeletal and joint diseases, allergies, stomatitis, and other conditions. The water is transparent, odorless, with a slightly hot taste, and due to its high mineralization, it preserves well without the need for added carbon dioxide and does not freeze up to -25 degrees Celsius​​​​​​.

Key numbers:

— Calcium Content: Lugela's water contains 99.5% calcium, beneficial for children and contributing to its — therapeutic properties​​.
— Chloride and Calcium Concentration: The water has a high concentration of chloride and calcium, reaching 9.5%​​.
— Elevation: The springs are located at an elevation of 560 meters above sea level​​.
— Distance from Mukhuri: The springs are situated approximately 4 kilometers from the village of Mukhuri, within a famous resort area​​.

The primary components of Lugela water are calcium chloride, with high levels of minerals. This unique chemical composition contributes to its noted health benefits, including being prescribed as a natural remedy for allergies, tuberculosis, pleurisy, and various other health conditions​​.