New Member Q&A: Natura Water

As part of its mission to celebrate organizations that strengthen the foodservice equipment and supplies industry, FEDA publishes Q&As with member companies. This week's newsletter features Natura Water, a manufacturer of commercial carbonated water dispensers.

Please tell us a little bit about your company's history.
John Kiamie, director of sales and marketing: For more than two decades, Natura has been dedicated to the design and manufacture of premium commercial carbonated water dispensers rooted in Italian design sensibilities and rigorous engineering standards. From the beginning, our focus has been on delivering exceptionally pure, arctic-chilled sparkling water through robust, triple-filtration systems built for demanding commercial environments.

Through consistent reinvestment in both engineering and aesthetics, Natura has evolved thoughtfully rather than rapidly, refining performance, reliability, and visual presence with each generation of equipment. This long-term commitment has made our systems a favorite among customers and positioned Natura as a brand that embodies sustainability, durability, and timeless design in on-premise hydration.

How has your company set itself apart in the foodservice equipment and supplies industry?
Throughout our history — and continuing today — we have focused on creating the most reliable, most economical, and most serviceable systems for our customers.

While engineering has always been our guidepost, Natura’s design ethos is equally central to our DNA: creating classically styled, commercial-grade units that are equally at home in a conference room or a restaurant’s back-of-house. Our mirror-finished stainless steel construction and traditional design cues make Natura units instantly recognizable and provide a dependable brand presence in any environment.

What are some key products and services we should highlight?
Natura has historically kept its SKU count intentionally limited to focus on best-in-class engineering across its countertop and undercounter systems. Over the past year, however, the company introduced a smaller, more technology-forward platform designed for smaller offices, conference rooms, and residential settings.

The Bella Cascata system delivers the same engineering rigor found in Natura’s commercial units, but in a reduced footprint with an intuitive LED touchpad interface. The system also incorporates ultraviolet filtration and offers customers flexibility in carbon dioxide supply, with the option of an internal cylinder supported by a replenishment program or connection to an external CO2 tank.

How has the company innovated in recent years?
In addition to developing the Bella Cascata system — Natura’s first new platform in over 20 years — we are making meaningful advancements across our existing commercial product line.

We are increasing system capacity to better serve high-demand environments such as restaurants, cruise ships, and large office buildings. These enhancements are paired with more efficient compressors, higher-output pumps, and a series of design refinements that make filters easier to access and routine service faster for technicians. Reducing service time and simplifying maintenance is critical to minimizing downtime and maintaining long-term customer satisfaction.

What are some trends in foodservice equipment and supplies your company is closely watching? What do you believe is driving those trends?
Leasing has become an increasingly important consideration for many of Natura’s customers. Following the extended recovery period after COVID-19 shutdowns, operators have become far more disciplined around capital allocation. A $4,000 to $6,000 equipment purchase is meaningful for most businesses, even when the long-term savings and sustainability benefits are clear.

In response, Natura has partnered with multiple leasing providers to offer flexible acquisition options that allow customers to adopt our systems without significant upfront capital expenditure.

How is your company making the best use of new technology?
While artificial intelligence (AI) is not changing how carbonated water is produced, it is reshaping how Natura supports and engages its customers. Over the past two decades, we have accumulated thousands of technical documents, service records, and use cases.

We are now leveraging AI-enabled tools to train a proprietary agent that serves as a first-line resource for highly technical service questions. This approach has meaningfully improved response times and consistency while reinforcing Natura’s reputation for knowledgeable, dependable support.

What challenges are your customers facing, and what are some examples of how your business has helped them create solutions?
Many of Natura’s customers are navigating a combination of rising operating costs, heightened sustainability expectations, and increased sensitivity to capital expenditures. Restaurants, offices, and hospitality operators are being asked to do more with less — reduce waste, control expenses, and maintain high-quality guest experiences, often simultaneously.

Natura helps address these challenges by offering durable, serviceable systems that lessen reliance on single-use plastic while delivering consistent, high-quality carbonated water on demand. Our equipment is designed to operate efficiently over long lifecycles, minimizing downtime and maintenance costs. Additionally, by partnering with leasing providers, we help customers access our systems without large upfront investments, allowing them to align equipment costs with usage and cash flow rather than capital budgets.

What excites you about the future of our industry?
What excites us most is the industry’s continued shift toward sustainability-driven, on-premise solutions that improve both economics and environmental impact. Customers are increasingly recognizing that reducing packaging waste and eliminating unnecessary logistics is not only better for the environment, but also better for long-term operating efficiency.

At the same time, advances in equipment design, energy efficiency, and serviceability are allowing manufacturers to deliver more capable systems without increasing complexity for end users. As expectations rise around reliability, aesthetics, and ease of service, companies that prioritize thoughtful engineering and long-term support will be well positioned to lead. Natura is excited to be part of an industry that is evolving toward smarter, more durable, and more responsible solutions.

Is there anything else FEDA members should know about your company?
Natura has been woman-owned since 2006, and its ownership remains actively engaged in the day-to-day operations of the business. Beyond Natura, our owner is deeply committed to creating and sustaining U.S.-based jobs through her broader portfolio of manufacturing and retail enterprises.

This hands-on leadership approach ensures that long-term investment, operational discipline, and domestic job creation remain central to how Natura operates and grows.