Voss is a premium bottled water brand originating from Norway, launched in 1998 by Norwegian entrepreneurs Ole Christian Sandberg and Christopher Harlem. The water is sourced from an artesian well in the pristine wilderness of Iveland in southern Norway, where it is naturally filtered and shielded from pollutants by layers of rock and sand, resulting in one of the lowest levels of total dissolved solids (TDS) of any bottled water brand. Voss became instantly recognizable through its distinctive cylindrical glass bottle designed by Neil Kraft, former creative director at Calvin Klein, which has become an icon of premium water branding and is frequently seen at luxury hotels, celebrity events, and high-end restaurants worldwide. The brand was acquired by Reignwood Group, a major Chinese-Thai beverage conglomerate, in 2015. Voss is now available in over 50 countries and offers a range of products including still water, sparkling water, and flavored sparkling water in varieties such as Tangerine Lemongrass, Lime Mint, and Lemon Cucumber. The brand has expanded beyond its iconic glass bottle to include PET plastic and aluminum packaging options. Voss has built its identity around purity, design, and environmental responsibility, implementing programs to support clean water access in sub-Saharan Africa through the Voss Foundation. The brand continues to be a fixture of luxury hospitality and the premium water segment, valued for its clean taste and sophisticated presentation.
Bottled Water Brands
Voss is a premium artesian water brand from Norway, famous for its designer cylindrical bottle and ultra-pure water with exceptionally low total dissolved solids.
Brand Details
IndustryBottled Water & Beverages
Founded1998
HeadquartersNew York, New York, USA
Parent CompanyReignwood Group
3.1
1 reviews
Packaging
4.3
Ingredient Quality
3.5
Taste & Quality
3.2
Variety
2.6
Value for Money
2.2
Claude Opus 4.6
AI Review
3.1/5
Voss has succeeded primarily as a design object rather than a water brand. The cylindrical bottle, designed by a former Calvin Klein creative director, is undeniably elegant and has earned permanent placement in luxury hospitality settings worldwide. The Norwegian artesian source is legitimate, producing exceptionally pure water with low mineral content. However, the fundamental challenge with premium water brands is justifying significant price premiums for a product where meaningful taste differentiation is marginal at best. The expansion into flavored sparkling water and plastic bottles dilutes the luxury positioning. The Voss Foundation's clean water initiatives are commendable but cannot fully offset the inherent tension of selling expensive bottled water. For hotels and restaurants seeking presentable table water, Voss fulfills that role well. As a consumer purchase, the premium over quality filtered water is difficult to rationalize beyond aesthetic preference.