Heineken applies for water self-supply licence

Beer and cider company Heineken has applied for a self-supply water supply licence and sewerage licence, which, if granted, will allow the company to provide retail services to itself and associated persons.

Heineken, the name behind brands such as Strongbow, Bulmers, Foster’s and Kronenbourg 1664, has breweries, cider plants and offices in Edinburgh, Tadcaster, Manchester, London, Hereford and Ledbury.

It has a strong focus on sourcing sustainability through its strategy, “Brewing a Better World”, using sustainable farming, protecting water resources and reducing CO2 emissions.

Heineken says water is integral to its business, in both growing hops, barley and apples and the production of its beer.

In order to facilitate its application, Heineken has entered into a partnership agreement with Waterscan to take on the role and responsibilities for the retail functions – including meter reading, CMOS transactions, wholesaler management and finding further water efficiency savings.

As such, Waterscan will act as the managing agent for Heineken, providing it with technical support and services, meanwhile Heineken will build relationships with wholesalers and pay water and sewerage charges through the settlement process.

Heineken follows on from a number of organisations who have recently applied for water supply licences, namely Stonegate, brewer Greene King, hospitality firm Whitbread, Coca Cola European Partners, Marston’s brewery and Blackpool Council.

Heineken hopes that by being an active participant in the market, it will drive further innovation and provide a direct customer voice in MOSL discussions.

Heineken is the seventh organisation to apply for such a licence, after brewer Greene King, hospitality firm Whitbread, brewery and pub retailer Marston’s, Coca Cola European Partners, Blackpool Council, and Stonegate.