There are many sparkling water makers, but none for use while travelling. Is this an important gap in the market?
CHRISTIAN KAESER: If you're a lover of sparkling water like me, you want to be able to enjoy it anytime, anywhere. But it’s neither convenient nor sustainable to keep buying plastic bottles while you're out and about. We identified significant potential in the mobile sector and were convinced that mobility is a key selling point. People are travelling more frequently, both for work and leisure, making portable products more desirable than ever. Our sparkling water maker can, of course, be used at home as well.
What were your design criteria?
CHRISTIAN KAESER: Our focus from the beginning was on making our bottle easy to carry, despite the integrated CO2 cylinder. We therefore started considering the design aspects during the concept phase. Our ideas began to take concrete shape after we contacted the first potential manufacturers. We continued to adjust the production process where necessary. Our aim was to keep the design simple, elegant and timeless.
Establishing a start-up in the consumer sector is challenging. How do you differentiate yourself?
CHRISTIAN KAESER: Because we've developed a product innovation, we have a clear USP that helps us stand out from existing, non-portable solutions. We also want to set new standards for design and product quality, and to establish ourselves as a lifestyle brand.
Can a Focus award help you do this?
CHRISTIAN KAESER: Definitely! Awards that recognise design and innovation are incredibly valuable, especially for young companies. They build trust in our brand, which we can leverage in our marketing and communications.
You're already thinking about other products – what might they be?
CHRISTIAN KAESER: We're about to launch a new bottle that lets you create a variety of drinks on the go. The bottle has a special lid that holds pods of flavoured syrups, allowing you to turn sparkling water into a soft drink whenever you want.