French drinking water has been introduced to the Iranian market with prices ranging from 15,000 to 20,000 tomans. ISNA news agency reported on Tuesday, July 6, citing Payman Forouhar, Secretary of the Association of Mineral and Drinking Water Producers, that the legal import of packaged water has begun following the issuance of import licenses. Mr. Forouhar emphasized that 'domestic producers welcome the import of packaged water products into the country,' stating that despite 'equal quality,' the 'significant price difference' will certainly lead customers to prefer domestic production. This is the first time that packaged drinking water is being legally imported into Iran. Previously, media had reported on the smuggling of carbonated drinking water into Iran. ISNA reported last December that 'some of the carbonated drinking water available in the market is imported from Norway, while others are smuggled from Armenia in suitcases.' According to this report, prior to this, 'luxury packaged waters' were sold at prices of 60,000 tomans in supermarkets and restaurants in northern Tehran, but the head of the Food and Drug Administration warned about the potential for counterfeit products. According to Nira Pirouzbakht, head of the National Standard Organization, if waters are imported through customs and official borders, they will be 'inspected and reviewed and will be allowed to enter the market.' The confirmation of smuggled drinking water comes as Mr. Forouhar stated that 1.1 billion liters of packaged water are produced annually in Iran. Meanwhile, media in Iran reported that out of 21 types of best-selling mineral water available in the Iranian market, only 9 samples are safe. In August 2015, Hassan Hashemi, the Minister of Health, Treatment, and Medical Education, tasked the Food and Drug Administration with evaluating the health and quality of all 300 types of mineral water produced in Iran. Following this, Rasoul Dinavand, head of the Food and Drug Administration, announced that more than 10% of the mineral waters available in the Iranian market contained 'chemical, microbial, heavy metal, nitrate, and nitrite contaminants,' leading to an order for the withdrawal of these mineral waters from the market.
French Mineral Water Priced at 20,000 Tomans Hits the Iranian Market
French bottled water has been legally imported into Iran for the first time, priced between 15,000 and 20,000 tomans. The domestic producers are welcoming this move, citing significant price differences that may drive consumers towards local products. This development highlights ongoing concerns about the quality and safety of domestic bottled water.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
French bottled water has been legally imported into Iran for the first time, with prices ranging from 15,000 to 20,000 tomans. Domestic producers are welcoming this move, citing that the price difference may encourage consumers to choose local products.
- This is the first legal import of packaged drinking water into Iran.
- Concerns about the safety and quality of domestic bottled water persist, with reports of contamination.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Iran has faced challenges with the quality of its bottled water, leading to health concerns and a history of smuggling. The introduction of foreign products may change the market landscape.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →
Translation confidence: 90%