A SOUTH Lakeland spring water company has been buoyed by a deal to supply Tesco stores.

Flookburgh-based Willow Water has secured a contract with the supermarket’s North West stores.

The largest distribution deal in the company’s nine-year history follows an investment programme which saw Willow Water implement new branding and packaging. That was in addition to a PR and marketing campaign, to highlight the purity of the water source, reflecting the company’s history and roots based in the southern Lake District.

Commercial director Ron Young said: “Demand for naturally sourced water is on the rise in the UK. We are delighted that Willow Water will now be available in over 100 Tesco stores in the North West, making it easily available to both our loyal customers and new fans.”

Tesco’s marketing manager Caroline Bartrop said: “We’re delighted to be stocking Willow Water in our stores in the North West. It’s fantastic to support a local brand and with the UK bottled water market forecast to continue to grow, I’m sure it will be a success with our customers.”

Willow Water’s aquifer, the supply to the ‘Holy Well of Cartmel’, provides water which has been sourced for drinking since the 12th Century. The water was once filtered through a white willow forest and limestone, and has a unique mineral composition.

Willow Water count Emmerdale actress Angela Griffin, Atomic Kitten’s Liz McClarnon, Corrie’s Sue Johnston and swimmer Mark Foster as celebrity fans.