Fiji Water is a brand of bottled water that is sourced and bottled in the Yaqara Valley of Viti Levu, one of Fiji's two main islands. The water is known for its purity and unique mineral profile, which comes from the volcanic rock through which it filters. But how did this company come to be? Let's take a look at the history of Fiji Water.
Early Beginnings
The story of Fiji Water begins in 1995, when Canadian businessman David Gilmour discovered the Yaqara Valley while on vacation in Fiji. He was struck by the beauty of the valley and its surrounding mountains, and also noticed that the water there tasted exceptionally pure and refreshing.
Gilmour decided to investigate further, and hired a team of experts to analyze the water's quality. They found that the water was indeed of exceptional quality, with a naturally occurring mineral profile that was unique in the world.
The Birth of Fiji Water
With this knowledge in hand, Gilmour decided to start a bottled water company that would source its water from the Yaqara Valley. He teamed up with a local businessman, Lyndon Lea, to form Natural Waters of Viti Limited, the company that would eventually become Fiji Water.
The company began bottling water in 1996, and soon began exporting it to markets around the world. Its unique mineral profile and exotic origin quickly made it a hit among consumers who were looking for something different.
The Controversy
Despite its success, Fiji Water has not been without its share of controversy. In 2008, the company was accused of exploiting Fiji's resources and contributing to environmental degradation by some local activists.
The controversy led to boycotts of Fiji Water in some markets, and the company was forced to scale back its operations in Fiji. However, it has since worked to address these concerns, and has implemented a number of sustainability initiatives to reduce its impact on the environment.
Recent Developments
Today, Fiji Water is still going strong, and is recognized as one of the premium bottled water brands in the world. In recent years, the company has expanded its product line to include flavored waters and sparkling waters, in response to changing consumer tastes.
Despite the challenges it has faced, Fiji Water remains committed to its core values of quality, sustainability, and giving back to the community. It is a brand that is both exotic and familiar, and has earned a loyal following among consumers who appreciate its unique qualities.
Conclusion
The history of Fiji Water is a story of entrepreneurship, innovation, and controversy. It is a brand that has overcome many challenges to become one of the most recognizable bottled water brands in the world. Whether you are a fan of Fiji Water or not, there is no denying that its story is a fascinating one.