Trade publication *Journal du Net* (Figaro Group) — Business / Magazine section · December 14, 2011 · Article by Éric De Legge
In its feature “The Best Business Ideas of 2011,” the Journal du Net profiles Eau de Castalie, a startup founded that same year by Thibault Lamarque. The publication describes a microfiltration fountain that transforms tap water into pure, still, or sparkling water, offered to cafes, hotels, and restaurants as an alternative to mineral water, which is considered too expensive. A profile of the founder, marking the beginning of the brand’s journey.
Key takeaways
- Founded in April 2011 by Thibault Lamarque, Eau de Castalie a microfiltration dispenser—which transforms tap water into pure, still, or sparkling water—to France’s 140,000 cafés, hotels, and restaurants as early as July 2011.
- The monthly subscription for the machine ranged from 300 to 700 euros, a package that included the delivery of bottles that could be reused several thousand times.
- Thanks to this system, restaurant owners were able to offer Castalie water Castalie 2.5 and 4 euros a bottle as an alternative to mineral waters considered too expensive.
- From the very start, the company set a goal of providing 2.5 million liters of water through its process in 2012, positioning its business model in the foodservice market right from the outset.
Source: Journal du Net (Figaro Group), Economy / Magazine section, December 14, 2011 — article by Éric De Legge. Read the original article
