In 1998, aQuellé was born from a discovery of a pure, natural water source, a gift from God. The refreshing taste and purity was too good to keep to themselves, so they bottled it and named it aQuelle, blending the Latin word for water “aqua” with the German word for spring “Quelle”.

For over 25 years, aQuellé has delighted South Africans, delivering refreshing joy in every bottle of natural spring water and flavoured drinks.

History
aQuellé is based on KwaSizabantu Mission which was established in 1970. The founder of the mission, Reverend Erlo Stegen, dedicated his life to preaching the gospel, helping and uplifting people and bringing them hope. aQuellé is one of the projects he started to support the missionary work and be able to make a difference in people’s lives. He initiated the bottling of water at a time where the idea seemed farfetched and nigh impossible for the South African market.

But the Lord blessed his faith and the aQuellé brand has grown phenomenally over the years to become South Africa’s favourite water brand.

Initially offering exceptional natural spring water, the brand expanded to include a range of four typically South African-flavoured drinks – Marula, Naartjie, Litchi and Honey Melon. Six more flavours and other ranges were added over the years to cater for every South African’s taste and need!

The first factory was a mere 360m2. Due to the incredible increase in the demand for aQuellé, by God’s grace, it has been necessary to continuously expand the bottling plant and transport facilities, and the original plant has expanded to over 18 000m2 to date.

In 2016 a second bottling plant was acquired in scenic Franschhoek. As with the main bottling plant in KwaZulu-Natal, the Franschhoek natural spring water is of exceptional quality and taste. The product bottled at this facility is mainly distributed to the Western Cape area, reducing aQuellé’s carbon footprint significantly and providing upliftment to the area.

In March 2020 construction commenced on Kwa- Sizabantu Mission for a third facility of over 23 000m2. The brand-new facility was completed by mid-December, an astounding nine months later, despite the ongoing challenges of Covid-19 and the related national lockdowns. The plant was planned and machinery purchased with the aim of being as energy efficient and environmentally friendly as possible.

The aQuellé ViV sports and power drinks range was launched in 2021 and within a year of its release had won the Gold Pack award for best in beverages and best in plastic, as well as an international award for the best new brand.

A Brand for People
The positive impact that aQuellé’s growth has on South Africans is thrilling. This is the heart of aQuellé.

As a Christian, community-based organisation, with its very reason for existence being to uplift people, aQuelle lives out its brand values every day. The company is involved in a broad spectrum of projects such as the distribution of water to needy communities, cleanup initiatives, support during pandemics and natural disasters, awareness campaigns for diabetes and local feeding schemes.
aQuellé actively supports outdoor events all over the country every year. Through this participation, aQuellé promotes a fun, wholesome lifestyle.

With its three bottling plants and the increase of job opportunities created by aQuelle, families are sustained, livelihoods are improved, and children are given better prospects.

Looking Forward
Beyond its own rural home, aQuellé looks forward to refreshing South Africa with its pristine quality, affordable and delicious refreshment in every bottle produced. The company echoes the prayer of its founder, Reverend Erlo Stegen: “Lord, thank you for what You are doing. You have made the impossible possible. We praise Your holy name.”