Who Owns Fiji Water?

Fiji Water is a brand of bottled water that originates from the tropical paradise of Fiji, a small island nation located in the South Pacific Ocean. The water is sourced from an underground aquifer in the remote Yaqara Valley of Viti Levu, Fiji’s main island. The brand is known for its high-quality water that is naturally filtered and purified through layers of volcanic rock, resulting in a smooth and refreshing taste.

Fiji Water was founded in 1996 by Canadian businessman David Gilmour, who discovered the unique aquifer during a trip to Fiji. He recognized the potential of the water’s purity and launched the brand to the international market. Since then, Fiji Water has become a popular choice for those seeking premium bottled water, and is distributed in over 60 countries worldwide.

The brand’s commitment to sustainability and social responsibility has also been a defining characteristic. Fiji Water prides itself on using 100% recyclable materials for its bottles, and has implemented several initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint, such as investing in renewable energy sources and partnering with conservation organizations to protect Fiji’s fragile ecosystem. Fiji Water has also played an important role in supporting the local community in Fiji. The brand has provided clean water access to remote villages and has supported education, health, and social welfare programs.

What Is Fiji Water?

Fiji Water is a brand of bottled water that is sourced from an underground aquifer in the Yaqara Valley of Viti Levu, Fiji’s main island. The water is naturally filtered and purified through layers of volcanic rock, resulting in a smooth and refreshing taste. Fiji Water is known for its high-quality and premium taste, and is distributed in over 60 countries worldwide.

Fiji Water is committed to sustainability and social responsibility, using 100% recyclable materials for its bottles and implementing several initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint. The brand has also supported the local community in Fiji, providing clean water access and supporting education, health, and social welfare programs.

History of Fiji Water

The history of Fiji Water begins in 1996 when Canadian businessman David Gilmour visited Fiji and discovered a unique underground aquifer in the remote Yaqara Valley of Viti Levu, Fiji’s main island. Gilmour recognized the potential of the water’s purity and launched Fiji Water as a premium bottled water brand.

The brand quickly gained popularity due to its unique origins and high-quality taste, and by the early 2000s, Fiji Water had become a leading player in the bottled water industry. In 2004, the brand received a boost in visibility when it was featured in the hit television show “The Sopranos,” leading to increased demand for Fiji Water in the United States.

Over the years, Fiji Water has been committed to sustainability and social responsibility. The brand uses 100% recyclable materials for its bottles and has implemented several initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint. In 2008, Fiji Water announced a plan to become carbon-negative, meaning that it would offset more carbon emissions than it produced.

Fiji Water has also played an important role in supporting the local community in Fiji. The brand has provided clean water access to remote villages and has supported education, health, and social welfare programs.

In 2010, Fiji Water faced controversy when the Fijian government announced a new tax on water exports. Fiji Water suspended operations in Fiji and shifted production to a facility in the United States. The company later resumed operations in Fiji after reaching a compromise with the government.

Today, Fiji Water continues to be a leading premium bottled water brand, distributed in over 60 countries worldwide. The brand remains committed to sustainability and social responsibility, and has become an iconic symbol of Fiji’s natural beauty and purity.

Ownership of Fiji Water

Fiji Water is currently owned by the holding company Roll Global LLC, which is based in Los Angeles, California. Roll Global LLC is a privately-held company that was founded by Stewart and Lynda Resnick in 1979. The company owns and operates several other well-known brands in addition to Fiji Water, including POM Wonderful, Wonderful Pistachios, and Teleflora.

Roll Global LLC acquired Fiji Water in 2004, at which time the brand was experiencing significant growth and gaining popularity in the bottled water market. Under Roll Global’s ownership, Fiji Water has continued to expand its distribution globally and has remained committed to sustainability and social responsibility initiatives.

In 2019, it was reported that the Resnick family was considering a potential sale of Roll Global’s brands, including Fiji Water. However, no sale has been announced to date and Fiji Water continues to be operated under Roll Global’s ownership.

Controversies Surrounding Fiji Water

Fiji Water has faced several controversies over the years, including environmental, social, and political issues.

One of the most significant controversies occurred in 2007 when Fiji Water was accused of contributing to environmental degradation in Fiji. Some critics claimed that the company was extracting too much water from the island’s aquifers, causing shortages and damage to the local ecosystem. Fiji Water denied these allegations and stated that it had a sustainable water management plan in place. However, the controversy led to calls for a boycott of Fiji Water among some environmental and social justice groups.

Another controversy involving Fiji Water arose in 2010 when the Fijian government announced a new tax on water exports. Fiji Water suspended operations in Fiji and shifted production to a facility in the United States, leading to concerns about job losses in Fiji. The company later resumed operations in Fiji after reaching a compromise with the government.

In addition, Fiji Water has faced criticism for its marketing practices and for claims about the purity and quality of its water. In 2009, the company was sued by a California resident who alleged that Fiji Water’s marketing was deceptive and misleading. The lawsuit claimed that Fiji Water’s claims about the water being carbon-negative were false and that the company was engaging in unfair competition with other bottled water brands.

Roll Global LLC

Roll Global LLC is a privately-held holding company based in Los Angeles, California. It was founded in 1979 by Stewart and Lynda Resnick and is known for owning and operating several well-known brands, including Fiji Water, POM Wonderful, Wonderful Pistachios, and Teleflora.

Roll Global LLC is primarily focused on agriculture, food, and beverage businesses. The company’s portfolio includes farming and production operations in California, Fiji, and other locations around the world. Roll Global’s products are distributed globally, and the company has a significant presence in the bottled water, juice, nut, and flower industries.

The Resnick family, which owns Roll Global LLC, is known for its philanthropic efforts in the areas of health, education, and the environment. The family has made significant donations to various causes and organizations, including the California Institute of Technology, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and the Natural Resources Defense Council.

While Roll Global LLC has been successful in its business ventures, the company has also faced criticism and controversy over the years. Some critics have raised concerns about the environmental impact of the company’s farming and production practices, and there have been allegations of unfair labor practices in some of the company’s operations.

Stewart and Lynda Resnick

Stewart and Lynda Resnick are American billionaires and philanthropists, known for their entrepreneurial success and philanthropic efforts. They are the founders of Roll Global LLC, a holding company that owns and operates several well-known brands, including Fiji Water, POM Wonderful, Wonderful Pistachios, and Teleflora.

Stewart Resnick was born in New Jersey in 1936, and Lynda Resnick was born in Philadelphia in 1944. They met in the 1970s and married in 1972. Together, they have built a successful business empire that spans agriculture, food, and beverage industries.

In addition to their business success, the Resnicks are also known for their philanthropic efforts. They have made significant donations to various causes and organizations, including the California Institute of Technology, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and the Natural Resources Defense Council.

The Resnicks have also been involved in political fundraising, donating millions of dollars to political candidates and causes over the years. They have supported both Democratic and Republican candidates, and are known for their bipartisan approach to politics.

Despite their success and philanthropic efforts, the Resnicks have faced criticism and controversy over the years. Some critics have raised concerns about the environmental impact of their farming and production practices, and there have been allegations of unfair labor practices in some of their operations. However, the Resnicks have maintained their commitment to sustainability and social responsibility, and have implemented several initiatives to reduce their carbon footprint and improve labor conditions in their operations.

Controversies Surrounding Fiji Water

Fiji Water has faced several controversies over the years, including environmental, social, and political issues. One of the most significant controversies occurred in 2007 when Fiji Water was accused of contributing to environmental degradation in Fiji. Some critics claimed that the company was extracting too much water from the island’s aquifers, causing shortages and damage to the local ecosystem. Fiji Water denied these allegations and stated that it had a sustainable water management plan in place. However, the controversy led to calls for a boycott of Fiji Water among some environmental and social justice groups.

Another controversy involving Fiji Water arose in 2010 when the Fijian government announced a new tax on water exports. Fiji Water suspended operations in Fiji and shifted production to a facility in the United States, leading to concerns about job losses in Fiji. The company later resumed operations in Fiji after reaching a compromise with the government.

In addition, Fiji Water has faced criticism for its marketing practices and for claims about the purity and quality of its water. In 2009, the company was sued by a California resident who alleged that Fiji Water’s marketing was deceptive and misleading. The lawsuit claimed that Fiji Water’s claims about the water being carbon-negative were false and that the company was engaging in unfair competition with other bottled water brands.

Despite these controversies, Fiji Water has remained a popular and well-respected brand in the bottled water industry, with a reputation for quality and sustainability. The company has taken steps to address some of the concerns raised by its critics, including implementing more rigorous environmental and social responsibility standards.

Fijian Government Dispute

In 2010, Fiji Water was involved in a dispute with the Fijian government over a new tax on water exports. The Fijian government had announced a new tax on water exports in an effort to generate revenue for the country. Fiji Water, which had been operating in Fiji since 1996, objected to the tax and threatened to shut down its operations in the country.

The Fijian government accused Fiji Water of exploiting the country’s resources and failing to contribute enough to the local economy. The government claimed that the tax was necessary to ensure that the benefits of Fiji’s natural resources were shared more equitably among the population.

Fiji Water responded by suspending operations in Fiji and shifting production to a facility in the United States. The move led to concerns about job losses in Fiji, as well as criticism of Fiji Water’s commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.

After several months of negotiations, Fiji Water and the Fijian government reached a compromise. Fiji Water agreed to pay the new tax and resume operations in Fiji. The company also committed to investing in local infrastructure and social programs, including a new water distribution system and a health clinic.

The dispute with the Fijian government highlighted the complex issues surrounding the use of natural resources in developing countries. While Fiji Water had contributed to the local economy and provided jobs, critics argued that the company had also exploited the country’s resources and failed to invest enough in the local community. The dispute ultimately resulted in a compromise that addressed some of these concerns while allowing Fiji Water to continue its operations in Fiji.

Environmental Impact

Fiji Water has faced criticism and controversy over its environmental impact, particularly in relation to its extraction of water from aquifers in Fiji and its transportation of bottled water around the world.

Some critics have raised concerns that Fiji Water’s extraction of water from the aquifers in Fiji has led to depletion of the local water supply and damage to the local ecosystem. Fiji Water has stated that it uses a sustainable water management plan and that its operations have a minimal impact on the environment. However, environmental activists have called for greater transparency and accountability in Fiji Water’s operations and for more comprehensive assessments of the company’s impact on the environment.

Another major environmental concern related to Fiji Water is the carbon footprint associated with transporting bottled water around the world. The company has been criticized for contributing to greenhouse gas emissions through its transportation of bottled water to markets around the world. In response, Fiji Water has implemented several initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint, including investments in renewable energy and the use of more environmentally-friendly packaging materials.

Despite these efforts, Fiji Water continues to face criticism and controversy over its environmental impact. Some environmental activists have called for consumers to reduce their use of bottled water and to choose more sustainable alternatives, such as reusable water bottles and tap water. As concerns about climate change and environmental sustainability continue to grow, the environmental impact of Fiji Water and other bottled water companies will likely remain a contentious issue.

Sustainability Initiatives

Fiji Water has implemented several sustainability initiatives to address environmental and social concerns associated with its operations. Here are some of the key sustainability initiatives that the company has undertaken:

1. Carbon Neutrality: In 2008, Fiji Water announced that it had achieved carbon neutrality for its operations. The company accomplished this through a combination of measures, including investments in renewable energy, reduction in transportation emissions, and the purchase of carbon credits.

2. Water Stewardship: Fiji Water has implemented a comprehensive water stewardship program that focuses on responsible water management practices, conservation of water resources, and protection of ecosystems. The company has also established a water trust fund that supports local conservation and community development projects.

3. Sustainable Packaging: Fiji Water has reduced the amount of plastic used in its packaging by 50% since 2007. The company also uses 100% recycled plastic in its bottles and has introduced a line of paper-based packaging products.

4. Community Development: Fiji Water has invested in several community development initiatives in Fiji, including the construction of schools, health clinics, and water distribution systems. The company has also provided funding for local environmental conservation and biodiversity projects.

5. Transparency: Fiji Water has committed to greater transparency and accountability in its operations. The company has implemented a third-party certification program that assesses its environmental and social performance and has made its sustainability reports publicly available.

These sustainability initiatives have helped to address some of the environmental and social concerns associated with Fiji Water’s operations. However, the company continues to face criticism and controversy over its impact on the environment and local communities. As concerns about sustainability and corporate responsibility continue to grow, Fiji Water and other bottled water companies will need to continue to invest in sustainability initiatives to remain competitive and socially responsible.

Unique Taste of Fiji Water

Fiji Water is known for its unique taste, which is often described as smooth, crisp, and refreshing. The taste of Fiji Water is influenced by several factors, including the mineral content of the water, the filtration process used by the company, and the natural environment in which the water is sourced.

Fiji Water is sourced from an aquifer located in the Yaqara Valley of Viti Levu, Fiji’s main island. The water is naturally filtered through layers of volcanic rock, which helps to remove impurities and add minerals to the water. The company uses a state-of-the-art filtration process to further purify the water and ensure its safety and quality.

The mineral content of Fiji Water is another factor that contributes to its unique taste. The water is naturally rich in minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and silica, which can give it a slightly sweet and smooth flavor. Some people also detect a hint of minerality in the water, which adds to its complexity and depth.

Finally, the natural environment in which Fiji Water is sourced can also influence its taste. Fiji’s tropical climate and abundant rainfall help to create a lush and vibrant ecosystem, which can impart subtle flavors and aromas to the water. The company also takes great care to protect the local environment and preserve the natural flavors and qualities of the water.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

In conclusion, Fiji Water is owned by a privately-held holding company called Lynda Resnick’s Roll Global LLC. Stewart and Lynda Resnick, who are also the founders and owners of Roll Global, acquired Fiji Water in 2004. Since then, Fiji Water has become a leading brand of premium bottled water, known for its unique taste and high quality. While the company has faced controversies and criticism over its environmental impact and ownership, it has also implemented several sustainability initiatives and has worked to improve transparency and accountability in its operations. Overall, Fiji Water remains a popular and recognizable brand of bottled water, and its ownership by Roll Global LLC has helped to establish it as a major player in the beverage industry.