How did you both get into your line of work and where you are today? What do you enjoy most about your role as VP at FIJI Water?
I joined FIJI Water about 15 years ago. I wanted to find a career that makes me happy, one that energises me and one that I enjoy waking up to every day. Luckily, I found that at FIJI Water. It is a privilege to represent a brand with such strong, positive attributes. One that represents simplicity and pureness. The sheer fact that our water fell from the sky and remains untouched by man until you open the bottle is astounding. I often speak with consumers, and the feedback is always the same: the difference is what’s under the cap. It is not just water, it’s FIJI Water. No other brand has that smooth taste and purity.
Can you explain a little bit about where FIJI Water comes from and the process behind it?
Originating in one of the last virgin ecosystems on earth, FIJI Water is natural artesian water bottled at its source on the Fijian island of Viti Levu. Starting as rain born from clouds 1,600 miles from the nearest continent, that rainfall slowly filters through ancient volcanic rock, gathering naturally occurring minerals and electrolytes, before collecting in a sustainable ancient artesian aquifer hundreds of feet below the Earth’s surface. Here it remains, protected from external impurities and bottled at the source in a sealed environment, untouched by man, until you unscrew the cap. This natural process gives FIJI Water double the electrolytes compared to the other two top premium water brands and a perfectly balanced 7.7 pH – all the added benefits consumers are looking for in their bottled waters, with nothing added.
Can you explain a bit more about the design of the bottles and how this has changed over the years?
Since its inception, FIJI Water has been recognised for its iconic square-shaped bottle and blue cap, known most for its best-selling 500mL bottle. Over the years, the label design has evolved to showcase the natural beauty of the Fiji Islands, the source of FIJI Water. On the back of FIJI Water bottles are six different labels that touch upon each distinctive aspect of FIJI Water’s journey from cloud to bottle. In 2018, FIJI Water introduced a sleek 700mL bottle meant to fit effortlessly everywhere – from gym bags to cup holders. In 2021, FIJI Water introduced new packaging and a new label with an enlarged hibiscus flower for an eye-catching pop of colour on store shelves while offering a moment of beauty and serenity for consumers as they drink Earth’s Finest Water.
What makes FIJI Water so special and popular over recent years and maintains market share in such a competitive industry?
FIJI Water is the number one premium bottled water brand in the United States, known for its iconic square shape, soft taste and unique mineral profile. Our difference is the source – FIJI Water is bottled at the source in Fiji at an ancient artesian aquifer deep within the earth, where it is protected from external impurities. It’s untouched by man – until you unscrew the cap. FIJI Water is the water of choice among discerning consumers, many celebrities and top chefs and is widely available in more than 60 countries at fine restaurants, hotels, major retail channels and through a convenient home/business delivery service in the U.S.
Why FIJI Water makes an ideal accompaniment for fine dining and water pairing menus?
The natural minerals in FIJI Water make it a great addition to any meal, helping to enhance flavours in dishes. The low TDS (total dissolved solids) level and naturally occurring silica of FIJI Water also make it great for drinking with wine – lowering the acidity and bitterness of tannin-rich red wines.
Have you witnessed a change or any trends in the way people are buying the water or places people are buying the brand?
In addition to high-end retail outlets, hotels and restaurants are our key channels as well. We have also launched FIJI Water on lots of top e-commerce channels to catch up with today’s consumers’ shopping habits.
What do you have in store for the brand for 2022/2023?
As we will launch a new packaging design in most international markets in 2023, which features a larger hibiscus flower, we hope to remind consumers about the serenity and beauty that comes from nature.
FIJI Water will continue to provide the same high-quality product sourced from nature that consumers know and love. We hope our consumers stay healthy, hydrated, and enjoy every aspect of living.
Find out more about FIJI Water International here…