WE, Watercoolers Europe, founded in 1993, is a non-profit making and non-governmental international association dedicated to the interests of the watercooler industry. The establishment of a Brussels office in 1998 was a pivotal point for the industry and the Association. Whilst membership was initially based on direct company membership, in 1999 the Association altered its structure to become an Association of Associations. This structure is in accordance with the representational structure required by the EU Commission for direct communication with it.
In this respect, WE is initiating and coordinating the formation in each country of a national association, through which individual company membership is represented.
From 2000
In June 2000 WE became a founding Member of the International Council of Bottled Water Associations (ICBWA) established to represent the interests of the bottled water and watercooler industry worldwide. This organisation consists of regional associations from Asia, Australia, Canada, Europe (WE), Latin America and the United States.
Nowadays
Today, WE represents the interests of the watercooler industry in Greater Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Its membership includes national associations comprising of bottlers and distributors of both bottled and plumbed-in watercoolers and companies supplying the industry with products and services. At present WE comprises over 300 companies