by You’ve probably seen those distinctive square bottles at high-end events, celebrity gatherings, or your local grocery store.
FIJI Water has become synonymous with premium bottled water, but have you ever wondered who owns FIJI Water?
The answer is more fascinating than you might think.
Today, FIJI Water is owned by billionaire power couple Stewart and Lynda Resnick through their holding company, The Wonderful Company.
But the journey from a remote Fiji aquifer to America’s store shelves involves entrepreneurial vision, global branding genius, and no small amount of controversy.
Who Owns Fiji Water?
Let’s dive into the complete story.
The Origins of FIJI Water
The FIJI Water story begins with David Gilmour, a Canadian entrepreneur with a big vision. In 1996, Gilmour discovered an untouched artesian aquifer deep beneath the tropical rainforests of Viti Levu, Fiji.
He saw potential where others saw just water. Gilmour invested $48 million to establish Natural Waters of Viti Ltd and created what would become known as “Earth’s Finest Water.”
His pitch was simple but powerful. This water was protected from external contact, filtered through volcanic rock for centuries, and tasted unlike anything on the market.
Here’s how it all started:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Founder | David Gilmour |
| Founded Year | 1996 |
| Original Name | Natural Waters of Viti Ltd |
| Initial Investment | $48 million |
| Origin | Viti Levu, Fiji |
Who Owns FIJI Water Today?
So, who owns FIJI Water now? The current owners are Stewart and Lynda Resnick, who purchased the brand in 2004 for approximately $50 million through their parent company, The Wonderful Company.
The Resnicks are no strangers to building billion-dollar brands. With a combined net worth exceeding $10 billion, they’ve transformed multiple companies into household names.
Under The Wonderful Company umbrella, FIJI Water shares space with other premium brands, including:
- POM Wonderful
- Wonderful Pistachios
- Teleflora
- JUSTIN Wines
- Wonderful Halos (mandarins)
Here’s how ownership evolved:
| Aspect | David Gilmour (Founder) | Stewart & Lynda Resnick (Current Owners) |
|---|---|---|
| Role | Founder and Visionary | Business Magnates and Brand Builders |
| Acquisition Year | 1996 | 2004 |
| Investment | $48 million | $50 million acquisition |
| Focus | Discovery & Branding | Expansion & Global Reach |
The Wonderful Company Empire
The Wonderful Company isn’t just about bottled water.
It’s a massive agricultural and beverage conglomerate with over 10,000 employees and approximately $6 billion in annual revenue.
Under the Resnicks’ leadership, FIJI Water transformed from a niche product into America’s #1 imported premium bottled water brand.
They invested heavily in sustainability initiatives, marketing campaigns, and distribution networks.
Their business philosophy centers on premium quality, strategic marketing, and vertical integration across their brands.
How FIJI Water Became a Global Brand?
The Resnicks understood something crucial: water isn’t just water when you’re selling luxury. They turned FIJI Water into a lifestyle statement through brilliant marketing:
Key Marketing Strategies:
- Signature square bottle design that stands out on shelves
- “Earth’s Finest Water” branding emphasizing purity and origin
- Celebrity partnerships with Jennifer Aniston, Selena Gomez, and countless Hollywood A-listers
- High-profile event sponsorships, including the Golden Globes, New York Fashion Week, and major award shows
- Social media buzzed like the viral “FIJI Water Girl” moment at the 2019 Golden Globes
The brand became more than hydration. It became a status symbol, photographed on red carpets and featured in lifestyle magazines worldwide.
Environmental & Ethical Controversies
Despite its pristine image, FIJI Water faces serious criticism. When people ask who owns FIJI Water, they’re often also questioning the ethics behind the brand.
The environmental concerns are significant:
| Issue | Description |
|---|---|
| Distance to U.S. | 5,558.9 miles from source to consumer |
| Energy Use | 2,000x more energy than tap water |
| Water Access in Fiji (2018) | 88% coverage, 12% still lacked clean water |
| Emission Offset Promise | Carbon Negative by 2037 (not fully achieved) |
Critics point out the irony: while FIJI Water markets itself as pure and natural, producing and shipping each bottle consumes massive amounts of energy.
The carbon footprint of transporting water across the Pacific Ocean raised eyebrows among environmentalists.
Even more troubling, in 2018, about 12% of Fijians still lacked access to clean drinking water, even as millions of bottles were exported worldwide.
Economic and Social Impact in Fiji
To be fair, FIJI Water plays a major role in Fiji’s economy. The company contributes roughly 29% of the country’s exports and employs over 400 local workers.
Through the FIJI Water Foundation, established in 2007, the company has invested over $25 million in community programs, including:
- Building and upgrading schools
- Providing clean water access to remote villages
- Supporting health clinics and medical programs
- Environmental conservation projects
In 2024, following a labor strike, the company increased worker wages by 21.7%, showing some responsiveness to local concerns.
Controversies with the Fijian Government
The relationship between FIJI Water and Fiji’s government hasn’t always been smooth. In 2010, a major tax dispute erupted when the government proposed increasing taxes from 1/3 cent per liter to 15 cents per liter.
FIJI Water temporarily shut down operations in protest, though they quickly resumed after negotiations. The company now pays higher taxes but maintains its profitable operations.
These tensions highlight the complex dynamics when a foreign-owned company controls a significant natural resource in a developing nation.
FAQs:
- Q1. Who owns FIJI Water today?
Stewart and Lynda Resnick, through The Wonderful Company.
- Q2. When did the Resnicks buy FIJI Water?
In 2004, for around $50 million.
- Q3. What controversies surround FIJI Water?
Environmental impact, tax disputes, and local water access inequality.
- Q4. How much does FIJI Water contribute to Fiji’s economy?
Roughly 29% of exports and hundreds of local jobs.
- Q5. Why is FIJI Water considered premium?
Due to its natural artesian source, marketing strategy, and luxury branding.
The Bottom Line:
So, who owns FIJI Water? Today, it’s Stewart and Lynda Resnick through The Wonderful Company. But the story goes far deeper than ownership papers.
What started as David Gilmour’s entrepreneurial dream in 1996 has become a billion-dollar global brand.
The Resnicks transformed FIJI Water from a premium product into a cultural phenomenon.
Yet success comes with responsibility. As FIJI Water continues growing, the balance between profit, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility remains a work in progress.
Whether you see FIJI Water as a luxury indulgence or an environmental concern probably depends on your values.
One thing’s certain: the brand’s journey from a remote Pacific island to global prominence is a fascinating case study in modern marketing and globalization.
