Nestled in a quiet, bucolic valley near Tiger is a small company looking to capitalize on one of the area’s greatest natural resources – its water. RAIN Water, in operation here since April 2020, is bringing a unique approach to bottled water. Sustainability.
The company’s featured product, RAIN, is pure mountain spring water sold only in 100% recyclable aluminum cans. “We like to think of ourselves as an alternative that’s solving a problem,” says founder Mark Majkrzak. “For each bottle we sell, that’s one less plastic bottle that ends up in the ocean.”
Over a million plastic bottles are thrown away every minute – and only 9% are recycled. Over 70% of aluminum is recycled in a far simpler, more environmentally-sensitive manner. Plus, as Mark notes, aluminum chills much faster than plastic and is better for coolers, picnicking, etc.
After getting a start bottling water in Montana, Mark moved operations to Tiger when he learned the dormant plant here was available. Water has been bottled in this location for well over a quarter century as it features a natural spring where underground pressure brings water to the surface without pumps or other mechanical energy.
And the water… filtered through granite with a low mineral content is special. “It has a wonderful flavor and is really smooth on the palette,” Mark says. “We don’t enhance it in any way. There’s no manipulation. It’s really good water already.”
The company filters the spring water and uses oxygen and ultraviolet light to disinfect both the water and the bottles. No other processes or outside ingredients are used.
“RAIN” is the company’s proprietary brand. A sizeable portion of the business is private-label work where water is bottled for other companies and uses. As this was the more immediately profitable side of the business, RAIN has focused primarily on serving these private-label companies. Only recently has Mark turned his attention to wider retail distribution of the RAIN brand.
It is currently distributed in Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Michigan, Vermont and the West Coast. It can be found locally at the Clayton Café, Grapes & Beans, Fromage, the Farmhouse Market and Julep Farms among other locations.
The beverage market is intensely competitive with Coke and Pepsi dominating store shelves. Mark is prepared to battle. “We are looking to get better penetration in our existing markets. Our brand is a labor of love and we are committed to seeing it succeed.”
Along those lines, there are already plans for a larger bottle and introduction of a sparkling version by year-end. Beyond that? The sky’s the limit. “We feel very fortunate,” Mark adds. “We’re producing a terrific product in a wonderful area in a thoughtful, sustainable manner. We’re excited about the future.”
RAIN Water
175 Pleasant Place Road
Tiger, GA 30576
Owner: Mark Majkrzak
Phone: 404-480-6052
Email: hello@simplyrainwater.co
Website: www.simplyrainwater.co