What Knutwiler does

Mineralquelle Bad Knutwil AG, operating as KNUTWILER, is a Swiss family-owned mineral water producer headquartered in Bad Knutwil, Canton Lucerne. The company bottles natural artesian mineral water that rises under its own pressure from a documented source dating to 1461 — over 560 years of recorded history — at a depth of 21 meters, with a consistent mineral profile of approximately 566 mg/l (Magnesium 27 mg/l, Calcium 92 mg/l, Bicarbonate 394 mg/l). The product portfolio spans three core mineral water variants (still, sparkling, lightly carbonated), a sports line, a children's "Kids" line, five flavored waters (Himbeerwasser, Schnitzwasser, Pomelowasser, Holunderwasser, Mandarinenwasser), two vitamin-fortified waters (Plus Vitamin C, Plus Vitamin B), and an iced tea (Eistee Zitrone). KNUTWILER produces roughly 30 million bottles annually with a combined filling capacity of 28,000 bottles/hour across its glass (10,000/h) and PET (18,000/h) lines, supported by IFS Food Safety certification and a SwissAqua sustainability label.

The business model is multi-channel hardware sales of bottled beverages: physical retail through Swiss grocery chains (Coop, Migros, Manor, Spar, OTTO's), beverage specialty stores (RIO, Vinothek Vinazion), and online retail partners (Brack.ch, Knuti.ch, Pepillo.ch, and others); HoReCa distribution via regional beverage traders; direct-to-consumer sales at the source retail store in Bad Knutwil with seasonal hours; and a B2B custom-labeling program for corporate customers at a starting price of CHF 1.20 per 50cl PET bottle with a 3,888-bottle minimum. Customer segments span retail consumers (primary), gastronomy and hospitality, healthcare institutions (Klinik Barmelweid, Viva Luzern), corporate/industrial buyers (ANLIKER for construction-site hydration), and a children's loyalty program (Knutli-Club, ages 3–10). Go-to-market combines an enterprise field-sales team with regional key account managers covering Swiss cantons (ZG, ZH, NW, OW, SZ, UR, LU, Bern) with inside sales and direct-source retail.

The company employs approximately 50 people, a notable increase from 35 reported in 2021. Operating infrastructure spans the Bad Knutwil source and bottling facility and the newly opened Triengen operating hall (2025), which together host photovoltaic installations producing approximately 1.1 million kWh annually and covering total operational electricity needs. KNUTWILER is privately held by the Schwenk family following Oscar J. Schwenk's 2010 acquisition and his death in 2023; ownership remains fully with the family and Stefan Suter serves as Co-CEO and Board President. The company recently established Marabu AG House of Beverages as a wholly-owned subsidiary to manage additional beverage brands — including the newly added Lori's Mate — independently of the core KNUTWILER brand.

Name

Knutwiler

Legal name

MINERALQUELLE BAD KNUTWIL AG

Website

https://knutwiler.ch

Company type

Private

Founded year

1986

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Mineralquelle Bad Knutwil AG (KNUTWILER) is a Swiss family-owned mineral water producer bottling natural artesian water from a 1461-dated spring in Bad Knutwil, serving retail consumers, HoReCa, healthcare, and corporate customers across Switzerland with roughly 30 million bottles annually.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Bottled Mineral Water

NAICS

Soft Drink Manufacturing (312111)

SIC

Bottled & Canned Soft Drinks & Carbonated Waters (2086)

akta.pro primary industry

Mineral Water Bottling (Naturally Mineral) (AFAFACAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Sparkling/Carbonated Bottled Water Production (AFAFACAE), Flavored/Enhanced Bottled Water Production (Essenced, Vitamin, Electrolyte) (AFAFACAF), Private Label Bottled Water Manufacturing (AFAFACAI), Vitamin- & Mineral-Fortified Beverage Production (AFAFAFAC)

Keywords

• Natural mineral water
• Bottled mineral water
• Flavored mineral water
• Vitamin water beverages
• Custom label bottling

Headquarters

HQ city

Knutwil

HQ country

Switzerland

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Mineral Water Sales: KNUTWILER produces and sells natural mineral water in various forms: still, sparkling, low-carbonation, and sport varieties. Distributed through retail chains (Coop, Migros, Manor, Spar, OTTO's), beverage specialty stores (RIO), online shops, and direct sales from source.
2. Flavored Water Sales: Flavored mineral water products including Himbeerwasser (raspberry), Schnitzwasser (apple), Pomelowasser (grapefruit), Holunderwasser (elderflower), Mandarinenwasser (mandarin). Low-calorie beverages with natural flavors and fruit sugar.
3. Vitamin Water Sales: KNUTWILER Plus line with added vitamins: Plus Vitamin C (ginger-lemon) and Plus Vitamin B (pink grapefruit B1, B3, B5, B6, B7 complex). Positioned as functional beverages contributing to daily vitamin intake.
4. Iced Tea Sales: Iced Tea Lemon product made from natural mineral water with black tea extract and natural lemon flavor. Available in PET 50cl and 150cl sizes.
5. Custom Labeling/B2B: Corporate custom labeling service for branded mineral water bottles. Minimum order of 3,888 bottles per variety. Used for events, trade shows, customer gifts, company celebrations. Delivery via regional beverage trade or directly to event venue.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

KNUTWILER produces and bottles natural mineral water from an artesian spring in Bad Knutwil, Switzerland, offering still, sparkling, and lightly sparkling variants plus a children's line and a sports line. The portfolio extends to five flavored waters, two vitamin-enhanced waters (Vitamin C and B-complex), and a black-tea/lemon iced tea. The company also runs a B2B custom-labeling service for corporate events and gastronomy, and sells through major Swiss grocery chains, beverage specialists, online retailers, and a direct-from-source retail store.

Product overview

KNUTWILER is a Swiss mineral water company offering a diversified portfolio of beverages sourced from an artesian spring in Bad Knutwil, Switzerland, with documented history since 1461. The core product line includes mineral waters in three variants: Still (Ohne Kohlensäure), Carbonated (Mit Kohlensäure), and Lightly Carbonated (Wenig Kohlensäure), plus specialized offerings for sports and children. The flavored beverage portfolio includes five varieties of aromatized mineral waters (Himbeerwasser, Schnitzwasser, Pomelowasser, Holunderwasser, Mandarinenwasser), two vitamin-enhanced waters (Plus Vitamin C and Plus Vitamin B), and one iced tea (Eistee Zitrone). Additional services include custom label printing for events and a children's club (Knutli-Club). The company produces approximately 30 million bottles annually with facilities in Bad Knutwil and Triengen, employing around 50 people, and operates as a subsidiary of the Schwenk family through Mineralquelle Bad Knutwil AG.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Lori's Mate: A mate beverage product line
• Knutli-Club
• SwissAqua

Products and services

• KNUTWILER Mineralwasser mit Kohlensäure Natural mineral water with carbonation, sourced from the artesian spring at 21 meters depth in Bad Knutwil, Switzerland. For everyday hydration through grocery retail and HoReCa channels.
• KNUTWILER Mineralwasser ohne Kohlensäure Still natural mineral water from the Bad Knutwil artesian spring, available in glass (33cl-100cl) and PET (50cl-150cl) formats. For households, food service, and infant/low-sodium hydration.
• KNUTWILER Mineralwasser wenig Kohlensäure Natural mineral water with light carbonation, available in glass 100cl and PET 100cl/150cl. For consumers preferring a milder effervescence.
• KNUTWILER Sportlich Natural mineral water in PET 75cl, positioned for sports and active hydration. For athletes, sports clubs, and active consumers.
• KNUTWILER Kids Still mineral water without carbonation in PET 33cl, designed for children with balanced mineralization (566 mg/l total). For families and young children.
• KNUTWILER Himbeerwasser Low-calorie flavored mineral water with natural lemon balm extract, raspberry and fruit aromas, fructose, and sweetener; carbonated. For consumers seeking a reduced-sugar flavored alternative to soft drinks.
• KNUTWILER Schnitzwasser Low-calorie flavored mineral water with natural lime and lemon aroma, fructose, and sweetener; carbonated. For consumers seeking a reduced-sugar citrus flavored alternative.
• KNUTWILER Pomelowasser Low-calorie flavored mineral water with natural pomelo and orange aroma, fructose, and sweetener; carbonated. Contains 30% less sugar than Schnitzwasser (34 kJ / 8.1 kcal per 100ml). For health-conscious flavored beverage consumers.
• KNUTWILER Holunderwasser Low-calorie flavored mineral water with natural elderflower extract (0.5g/l), fruit aromas, fructose, and sweetener; carbonated. For consumers seeking reduced-sugar floral-flavored beverages.
• KNUTWILER Mandarinenwasser Low-calorie flavored mineral water with natural mandarin aroma, fructose, and sweetener; carbonated. For consumers seeking reduced-sugar mandarin-flavored alternatives.
• KNUTWILER Plus Vitamin C Still low-calorie functional beverage with added Vitamin C (40mg per 0.5L, 50% daily reference), natural ginger and lemon aromas, and fructose. For functional hydration and daily vitamin contribution.
• KNUTWILER Plus Vitamin B Still low-calorie functional beverage with Vitamin B complex (B1, B3, B5, B6, B7), natural pink grapefruit aroma, and fructose; 37.5% of daily B-vitamin reference per 0.5L bottle. For functional hydration and B-vitamin intake.
• KNUTWILER Eistee Zitrone Iced tea made from KNUTWILER natural mineral water with black tea extract (1.2g/l) and natural lemon aroma; available in PET 50cl and 150cl. For consumers seeking a regional Swiss iced tea option.
• Personalisierte Etiketten (Custom Labels) B2B custom labeling service for KNUTWILER 50cl PET bottles (and glass bottles for gastronomy) with personalized designs for corporate events, trade shows, customer gifts, and company celebrations. Minimum 3 pallets per variety; from CHF 1.20 per 50cl PET bottle including printing and shipping; 6-8 week delivery. For corporate event organizers and brand marketers.

Quantifiable outcome

• Annual production capacity: 28,000 bottles/hour combined (10,000 glass + 18,000 PET)
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• FC LuzerncoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 24 June 2026KNUTWILER is official mineral water partner of FC Luzern since 2021. Partnership extended for 3 years with naming rights to the family sector: 'KNUTWILER Family Corner' in the Thermoplan Arena (formerly swissporarena). Supports FCL youth camps and provides water at stadium events. Logo appears in stadium and on team materials.
• Handballclub Kriens-Luzern (HCKL)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Official supporter since season 2025/26. Provides KNUTWILER water to players and fans at Pilatus Arena. Aligns with regional sports engagement strategy.
• Marabu AG House of BeveragescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Subsidiary company founded in 2025 to manage additional beverage brands independently of KNUTWILER brand. Represents expansion strategy for beverage portfolio beyond mineral water.
• ANLIKERminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2018Construction company providing free KNUTWILER water to employees on construction sites and offices for 8 years. Uses custom KNUTWILER labeling for easy identification and brand visibility.
• Viva Luzern (Alterszentrum Eichhof)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerHealthcare provider using KNUTWILER water as part of resident hydration programs. Water always available in residents' rooms for preventive health measures.
• Klinik BarmelweidminorGTM or Marketing PartnerRehabilitation clinic (Erlinsbach) caring for 4,000 inpatients and 5,000 outpatients annually. Uses KNUTWILER for patient hydration management with practical bottle tracking benefits.
• Tavolago AGminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGastronomy operator for 20 ships on Lake Lucerne, Messe Luzern, and various restaurants. Values regionality, Swissness, and personal supplier relationships. Purchases KNUTWILER for its authentic Swiss story.
• Fussball-KochnationalmannschaftminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFootball cooking national team (amateur football team with gastronomy focus). Supported as natural partner for gastronomy-oriented beverage company.
• Metzger Rottmann Bürge (Agency)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAdvertising agency that conceptualized the 'Erfrischend ehrlich' (Refreshingly Honest) campaign featuring authentic people in everyday situations.
• Joel WickiminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSchwinger (Swiss wrestling) champion and ESAF 2022 participant from Sörenberg. Sponsored since 2018. Favors KNUTWILER Schnitzwasser and Himbeer-Melisse. Represents regional Swiss values.
• Valentina RosamiliaminorGTM or Marketing Partner800m track athlete aiming for world-class performance and 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Beverages sponsor supporting athletic performance goals.
• Joel LütolfminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSkier from Sempach targeting World Cup establishment and 2026 Winter Olympics. Beverage sponsorship supporting athletic ambitions.
• Lori's MateminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNew beverage brand brought into KNUTWILER portfolio in 2025 (announced as 'new to the range'). Managed under Lori's Getränke brand.
• Migros Genossenschaft LuzerncoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRegional Migros cooperative celebrating 25 years of 'Aus der Region. Für die Region.' (From the Region. For the Region.) program. KNUTWILER featured as regional product in Migros stores in central Switzerland.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Broad incumbents

• Evian: Premium French mineral water owned by Danone, with global distribution and presence in Swiss premium retail and HoReCa. Comparable natural mineral water product but with global brand scale, sustainability marketing, and premium positioning that sets the upper-bound benchmark.
• Volvic: Natural mineral water brand from the Auvergne region of France, owned by Danone; sold across Switzerland via major retailers. Comparable natural mineral water product with overlapping flavored variants, but with global scale and stronger flavored-water category presence.
• Vittel: French mineral water brand owned by Nestlé Waters, distributed globally including Switzerland. Comparable product (natural mineral water) but vastly larger scale, international marketing budget, and broader geographic footprint than Knutwiler.

Direct peers

• Henniez: Swiss mineral water brand owned by Nestlé Waters, sourced and bottled in Henniez, Vaud. Most direct comparable: same product (Swiss mineral water), same channel structure (Coop/Migros/Manor), same regulatory framework, but materially larger scale and corporate backing.
• Eptinger: Swiss regional mineral water from Eptingen (Basel-Landschaft); family-run heritage brand with similar positioning to Knutwiler (regional Swiss mineral water, premium positioning, multiple formats). Closest comparable on scale, business model, and regional heritage strategy.
• Adelbodner: Swiss mineral water sourced from Adelboden (Bernese Oberland), sold in PET and glass formats across Switzerland. Closely comparable regional premium mineral water brand with similar product portfolio and channel presence in Coop/Migros.
• Cristalp: Swiss mineral water brand sourced from Valais Alps, distributed across Swiss retail. Direct competitor in the regional premium Swiss mineral water category with overlapping product mix (still, sparkling) and retail channels.
• Valser: Swiss mineral water from St. Petersquelle in Vals (Graubünden), owned by Coca-Cola. Direct competitor in Swiss premium mineral water category with deep retail presence in Coop/Migros, demonstrating both the appeal and the scale challenge Knutwiler faces vs. multinational-backed Swiss brands.

Emerging players

• Perrier: Sparkling mineral water owned by Nestlé Waters, sold in Switzerland in HoReCa and retail. Comparable product family overlap with Knutwiler's sparkling variants; Perrier sets the premium sparkling benchmark that regional Swiss brands compete against in gastronomy.

Regional players

• Ramlösa: Swedish mineral water brand with a long heritage (since 1706), bottled in Helsingborg. Comparable as a heritage regional mineral water brand operating primarily in a single national market with similar product portfolio (still, sparkling, flavored) and premium positioning.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/Knutwiler
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/knutwiler

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Knutwiler