Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits (Southern Glazer’s), the world’s leading distributor of beverage alcohol, has announced a significant new partnership with Air Water Ventures Holdings Limited (A1R), a global leader in atmospheric water generation and the parent company of A1R WATER. Effective October 1, 2025, the two companies have entered into a national distribution agreement that will introduce A1R WATER’s innovative hydration products to new consumer markets across the United States.
The agreement initially launches in South Florida, a region well-known for its dynamic consumer base and diverse cultural influences, before expanding into other key U.S. markets. For Southern Glazer’s, the addition of A1R WATER marks a strategic step into the fast-growing premium non-alcoholic beverage category, complementing its extensive alcohol portfolio and strengthening its position as a total beverage solution provider.
A New Chapter in Beverage Distribution
A1R WATER is not an ordinary bottled water company. At the core of its offering is its advanced atmospheric water generation technology, which extracts moisture directly from the air to produce fresh, pure drinking water. Unlike traditional bottled water, which relies on natural springs, municipal sources, or extensive bottling and shipping processes, A1R WATER’s approach provides a renewable, sustainable, and hyper-clean source of hydration. The company’s system ensures its water is free from contaminants such as BPAs, microplastics, and ground-based pollutants, setting it apart from many conventional options on the market.
Through the new partnership, Southern Glazer’s will distribute A1R WATER’s sparkling and still canned water products first, followed by bottled water formats designed to reach additional retail and on-premise customers. The collaboration expands Southern Glazer’s portfolio into an adjacent but increasingly important category, as consumers seek high-quality non-alcoholic beverages that align with wellness, sustainability, and lifestyle goals.
Executive Perspectives
Wayne E. Chaplin, President and Chief Executive Officer of Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, emphasized the importance of the deal in addressing shifting consumer demands.
“This new relationship with A1R WATER represents a strategic opportunity to reach consumers in the non-alcohol beverage space,” said Chaplin. “With A1R WATER, we’re combining our strengths to continue delivering to the demands of our customers and suppliers while also aligning with the values of our consumers. We look forward to growing together.”
For A1R WATER, the agreement reflects a major milestone in scaling its distribution reach. Pete Carr, President and Chief Executive Officer of A1R WATER, highlighted Southern Glazer’s unmatched reputation and deep distribution network.
“We’re excited to partner with Southern Glazer’s, whose extensive expertise and capabilities in the beverage sector makes them the ideal champion to support A1R WATER in the market,” said Carr. “Their multi-generational presence in the industry, combined with their exceptional results, will be invaluable as we unite to bring our first-class product to a wider audience.”
Sustainability at the Forefront
One of the most compelling elements of the partnership is its alignment around sustainability. A1R WATER’s technology is inherently renewable, producing drinking water directly from atmospheric humidity using energy-efficient methods. The company’s commitment to reducing reliance on plastic bottles, minimizing water transport, and eliminating harmful contaminants reflects broader industry trends toward eco-conscious practices.
Southern Glazer’s, meanwhile, has made sustainability a core focus of its operations, with initiatives spanning responsible logistics, recycling, and carbon reduction. The collaboration underscores how leading distributors and beverage innovators can come together to address consumer expectations for greener products while maintaining uncompromising quality.
“This partnership is about more than distribution,” noted Carr. “It’s about delivering a future where hydration can be both luxurious and responsible. We are proud that every drop of A1R WATER is sustainable, safe, and in line with the needs of today’s environmentally conscious consumers.”
Expanding Beyond Alcohol
While Southern Glazer’s has long been recognized as the preeminent distributor of wine, spirits, and other alcoholic beverages, this new agreement highlights the company’s ambition to play a larger role in the total beverage landscape. The addition of premium non-alcoholic offerings such as A1R WATER allows the distributor to tap into one of the fastest-growing segments of the industry.
In recent years, the global non-alcoholic beverage sector—particularly the premium hydration and functional beverage categories—has experienced rapid growth. Consumers, especially younger demographics, are increasingly prioritizing health, wellness, and sustainability when making beverage choices. By expanding into this space, Southern Glazer’s not only strengthens its supplier relationships but also provides its retail and hospitality customers with a broader, more complete product portfolio.
Market Potential and Consumer Demand
The launch in South Florida is a carefully considered move. The region, with its warm climate and diverse consumer base, provides an ideal test market for A1R WATER’s sparkling and still water offerings. Following the initial rollout, Southern Glazer’s plans to gradually expand distribution to additional metropolitan areas where demand for premium, sustainable water is strongest.
The U.S. bottled water market alone is valued at tens of billions of dollars annually, with growth fueled by health-conscious consumers seeking alternatives to sugary soft drinks. Within that market, premium water brands that emphasize purity, sustainability, and innovative sourcing methods are gaining significant traction. A1R WATER, with its distinctive atmospheric water generation process, is uniquely positioned to differentiate itself in this competitive landscape.
