Coca Cola European Partners (CCEP) has become the fourth large business water customer in England to request a self-supply licence.
The company has applied to Ofwat for a water supply licence and sewerage licence with a self-supply authorisation.
CCEP is a manufacturer of soft drinks and producer of mineral waters and other bottled waters.
Amongst the products made by CCEP in Great Britain are Coca Cola, Fanta, Sprite, Schweppes and Capri Sun.
It said having a self-supply licence will give it a chance to “take more control” over its own water use, as well as allowing it to deal directly with the suppliers, and “build on the success” of its water programme.
To facilitate the application, CCEP has entered a partnership agreement with Waterscan. The consultancy will take on the role and responsibilities for the retail functions including market transactions, data validation, bi-lateral communications, and the management of planned and unplanned events.
Two large businesses have so far been granted water self-supply licences – brewer Greene King and hospitality firm Whitbread.
Pub retailer and brewer Marston’s has also requested a licence, but this has not yet been granted.
Market observers have suggested that more self-supply deals are “on the horizon” in both England and Scotland.