Te Aroha Rerolls the Fizzy Market
A naturally carbonated spring water beverage from the Waikato town of Te Aroha is staging a commercial comeback to challenge New Zealand’s dominant soft drink icons. Richard Revell revived Lemon and Te Aroha, commonly known as L&T, in 2022 under the company Te Aroha Mineral Water, positioning the historic drink as an all-natural alternative to mass-produced sodas.
The Origins of L&T and Its Rivalry with L&P
Long before Lemon and Paeroa (L&P) became the face of New Zealand soft drinks, neighbours in Te Aroha introduced their own lemon-flavoured spring water in 1887 using water sourced directly from the Mount Te Aroha spring. Oasis Industries eventually acquired both regional brands in the 1970s, at which point the original L&T fizz was discontinued, leaving L&P as a staple of the Waikato soft drink rivalry.
Revell’s 2022 revival has brought the historic beverage back to shelves, utilizing the region’s naturally carbonated and mineral-rich spring water. Matamata-Piako District Council Mayor Ash Tanner welcomed the return of the drink, noting its deep ties to the local community. “The coolest thing is having a drink with the town’s name on it, so it made it probably even more special as a little fellow,” Tanner said, adding that the beverage pairs well with gin.
L&T Maintains Original Ingredients as Business Grows
Unlike modern mainstream soft drinks that rely on artificial carbonation, chemical filtration, or artificial sweeteners, Revell emphasizes that L&T maintains its original ingredient profile. The drink contains just three core components: Te Aroha spring water, lemon extract, and organic sugar. Revell criticized modern manufacturing shifts for losing the authentic character of traditional regional drinks, noting that competitors now manufacture their own water bases rather than drawing from historical springs.
Business has grown four- to five-fold since the 2022 relaunch, according to Revell. The beverage is now stocked in supermarkets and retail stores stretching from Whangārei to Wellington. Distribution expanded recently with entry into eight Pak’nSave locations, following previous rollouts in New World and Four Square stores. Production remains a lean operation, with Revell managing the brand alongside one full-time staff member, his daughters handling social media, and contractors providing additional support.
Brand Eyes International Markets Starting with United Arab Emirates
The brand is now eyeing international markets, with its first export order scheduled for shipment to the United Arab Emirates. Revell notes that international growth relies on direct taste tests because the unique mineral profile is difficult to describe on paper. Alongside the flagship lemon beverage, Te Aroha Mineral Water also produces still and sparkling mineral water varieties.
Retail prices for the range vary significantly, stretching from under $3 in certain supermarkets to as high as $9 in some cafes. While market trends push heavily toward zero-sugar alternatives or alcoholic beverages, Revell maintains that the company focuses strictly on traditional soft drinks. However, local partnerships are underway, including a planned Christmas collaboration with a newly established local gin producer that pairs its spirits with the Te Aroha sparkling water and lemon blend.
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