How Stanford Shaw Perfected Its Drinks with Aquasafe’s Water Solutions

As a regular vendor at weekend markets in Salcedo and Legazpi and other food communities in Metro Manila, Stanford Shaw gained popularity for its fresh ginger ale and butterbeer. The homegrown business was established in 2013 with a mission to manufacture substantial beverages with natural ingredients. To fulfill its mission, it had to consider the quality of the water it uses. “We must be absolutely sure about the cleanliness of our water so that our products can last according to their stated shelf life—without affecting their taste,” explains Marc See, Co-Founder of Stanford Shaw.

Crafting quality beverages: the role of water purity

Stanford Shaw needed water that was free from contaminants like bacteria, chlorine, and heavy metals while not being overly processed; the water still needed to have natural minerals, so that it could support the products’ flavor and mouthfeel. “Water with micro-organisms will cause off tastes or souring in our drinks,” See emphasizes. In 2019, he consulted Aquasafe on the right system for his factory; this was an important step for the growing business, as Stanford Shaw was moving out of their home kitchen, where their operations began.

“Turning to Aquasafe was obvious, and discussing the business’s needs wasn’t challenging. I knew Aquasafe had already serviced many cafes that also have strict water requirements for their beverages,” shares See. Stanford Shaw required a bigger system, one that met its concerns about shelf life, bacterial removal, and taste. With Aquasafe’s help, the beverage business opted for a customized setup: Aquasafe’s filtration system with a UV sterilizer.

“It’s a higher flow rate filter system. We also added a carbon block right before the UV light, as Aquasafe recommended. The extra carbon was to help improve the water’s taste and odor,” explains See. “We use the water from the UV sterilizer in our final product, so it is 100 percent clean and safe but not overly processed. We also use the system for the final rinsing of the equipment that directly comes into contact with our product.”

Turning to Aquasafe was obvious, and discussing the business’s needs wasn’t challenging. I knew Aquasafe had already serviced many cafes that also have strict water requirements for their beverages.

Tasting success

See is proud of the taste of his company’s drinks and the boost in shelf life that his products gained. “Our drinks have gotten a shelf life of 6 months. This is huge, because the restaurants and bars we supply drinks to do not always have refrigerator space to store our product.”

As Stanford Shaw enjoys business growth by serving more customers and establishments and using more sophisticated equipment, See has been able to set the higher goal of exporting his products. He advises new, emerging businesses: “Choose quality and trusted suppliers, as these companies will help you to produce a better product.”

Our final product is 100 percent clean and safe. Our drinks now have a shelf life of 6 months.

Follow Stanford Shaw on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. You can find their beverages or contact them for wholesale orders or corporate gifting through their website, Stanfordshaw.com.

For inquiries on a water system for your home or business, consult Aquasafe at inquiry@aquasafe.com.ph