Water bottlers work Sundays to meet demand

The heat wave has brought over 80% sales increases for bottled water in June against a regular month, almost double the level of estimates made by producers for the summer. In order to meet the demand generated by the high temperatures, water bottlers have increased their staff and extended their working hours. “We are barely able to meet the heavy demand generated by the heat wave. We are also working on Sundays; our logistic employees are working up to 12 hours a day, more than their regular hours. However, I don’t think we will have to resort to 3 shifts,” stated Cristian Amza, general manager of La Fantana. He estimates a 50% rise in consumption of water cooler bottled water (a system that both cools and heats water) this summer against the annual average. Last year, the summer growth rate of water cooler bottled water stood at 30-40% against the annual average, according to Amza. As a result, Cumpana water supplemented the number of temporary and permanent staff. During the peak season for water cooler bottlers, which primarily have companies and institutions as clients, their volume of activity usually rises due to demand from existing clients and also new ones. “It is proving extremely difficult for us to face up to the current conditions, but we are trying to honour all our orders. Because the bottling line is new, it covers the entire amount of water in demand,” added the Cumpana representative.