Wholesale Group Launched Plant-Based Water Line
Independent retailers now have access to sustainable, B Corp-certified water cartons to meet consumer demand.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Consumer Goods
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The Wholesale Group has introduced CORE Spring Water, a new own-brand beverage range sourced from Ireland. Available in 330ml and 500ml cartons, the product marks the company's first own-brand offering to carry the B Corp certification.
Why it matters
The product launch responds to increasing retail member demand for sustainable alternatives to traditional plastic bottled water. By offering a packaging format exempt from the UK Deposit Return Scheme, the line helps independent operators simplify compliance for their shelf offerings.
The new line features 88% plant-based packaging content and achieves a 74% reduction in CO2 footprint compared to average PET bottles. Each product contains just 12% fossil-based plastic and is distributed in cases of 24 units.
The players
The Wholesale Group
A distributor serving a network of independent retail members with products and operational supplies.
The details
The Wholesale Group utilizes Tetra Pak technology for the cartons, incorporating a plant-based cap and neck derived from sugar cane. The design includes a tied cap feature to ensure components stay together during the recycling process. Retailers can access the product through the group’s existing independent wholesale supply network.
Timeline
October 14, 2026: The Wholesale Group launched the CORE Spring Water product line.
Market Landscape
This product launch follows industry-wide efforts to mitigate the regulatory burden of the UK Deposit Return Scheme for independent retailers. It aligns with broader trends where wholesale groups use own-brand product development to differentiate from national chains.
Independent operators should evaluate how the carton's exemption from the UK Deposit Return Scheme compares to their current inventory's compliance costs. Reviewing the product's 24-unit case size against your local floor space and turnover rates will help determine if it is a viable stock addition.
The takeaway
Sustainable own-brand launches can offer retailers a way to bypass specific waste regulation hurdles while appealing to eco-conscious consumers. Evaluate the shift in your bottled water margins by comparing the CO2 reduction metrics and handling requirements of carton-based packaging against standard PET inventory.
Further reading
For more on evolving sustainable product trends, see our coverage in Consumer Goods.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Asian Trader.
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