Fiji Water is one of the most recognized bottled water brands in the world. You’ve likely seen it in the hands of celebrities, on the red carpet, or neatly stocked in luxury hotel rooms. But behind that sleek square bottle and the serene image of a remote island paradise lies a compelling story—one of vision, controversy, business acumen, and a bit of Hollywood drama.
In this article, we’ll explore who owns Fiji Water, how it all started, and what makes this bottled water so different from others. We’ll also take a closer look at the empire built around it and the people who turned it into a global phenomenon.
What Is Fiji Water?
Before diving into the ownership details, let’s understand what makes Fiji Water unique.
Unlike many bottled waters that come from municipal sources (yes, some just filter tap water), Fiji Water is marketed as artesian water. It’s drawn from an aquifer in Viti Levu, one of the islands of Fiji, far from industrial pollution. The water is said to be untouched by human hands until you open the bottle.
This image of pure water from a remote paradise is a major reason why the brand commands a premium price.
Who Is the Fiji Water Owner?
The Resnick Couple: Stewart and Lynda Resnick
The real power behind Fiji Water is a California-based billionaire couple: Stewart and Lynda Resnick.
In 2004, the Resnicks bought the company through their privately held conglomerate called The Wonderful Company. The brand had been founded in 1996 by Canadian businessman David Gilmour, but it was the Resnicks who took it global.
Stewart and Lynda Resnick are no strangers to the beverage and agriculture world. In fact, they’re among the largest agricultural landowners in the United States. Aside from Fiji Water, their business empire includes brands like:
- Wonderful Pistachios
- POM Wonderful
- Halos (mandarins)
- JUSTIN Wine
- Teleflora (flower delivery)
Together, they’ve turned natural resources into luxury lifestyle products—and Fiji Water is their crown jewel.
Why Did the Resnicks Buy Fiji Water?
Sometimes, the best business moves come from spotting a trend and giving it a luxury twist. That’s exactly what the Resnicks did.
At the time, bottled water was already growing in popularity. But Fiji Water’s exotic image, coupled with real artesian source credibility, made it stand out. They saw the potential and decided to invest heavily in marketing, distribution, and brand storytelling.
According to interviews, the couple were drawn by the brand’s environmental narrative, remote origins, and luxury feel.
And let’s be honest—owning a water company based in a tropical paradise does sound like the plot of a movie.
How Fiji Water Became a Global Status Symbol
Once the Fiji Water owners, the Resnicks began building the brand using smart marketing and emotional storytelling.
Here’s how they did it:
1. Hollywood and Red Carpet Appearances
Fiji Water bottles began showing up in celebrity hands, film sets, and exclusive parties. It wasn’t long before people started to associate it with glamor and sophistication.
2. The “Fiji Water Girl” Moment
In 2019, during the Golden Globe Awards, a model holding a tray of Fiji Water photobombed nearly every celebrity on the red carpet. The images went viral, and Fiji Water trended worldwide. Talk about a marketing jackpot.
3. Branding as a Premium Product
From the elegant square bottle to the serene tropical branding, every aspect of Fiji Water screams luxury. Consumers were drawn to it not just because of taste, but because of what it represented: status, purity, and exoticism.
The Environmental Controversy
However, owning a water company isn’t always smooth sailing.
The Resnicks have faced criticism and controversy, especially regarding the environmental impact of bottling water in Fiji and shipping it around the globe.
Water Access Concerns
Many locals in Fiji struggle with access to clean drinking water, while the Fiji Water owner profits from exporting millions of liters each year. This irony hasn’t gone unnoticed by critics and environmentalists.
Carbon Footprint
Another major issue is the carbon footprint. Shipping bottled water from a remote island to cities around the world raises questions about sustainability.
In response, the company has launched several eco-initiatives, including:
- Carbon reduction programs
- Recyclable packaging
- Sustainable farming practices for other brands in their portfolio
But the debate remains: Can a luxury bottled water brand truly be eco-friendly?
A Brief History of Fiji Water
Let’s rewind the clock and understand how it all started.
1996: The Birth of Fiji Water
Canadian businessman David Gilmour, who also founded Zinio and TrizecHahn, launched Fiji Water after discovering a remote aquifer on the island of Viti Levu. He believed that the untouched water source could become the next big thing in premium hydration.
2004: Stewart and Lynda Resnick Take Over
Gilmour sold the company to the Resnicks, who saw the potential to grow it into a global brand. Under their leadership, Fiji Water exploded in popularity.
Present Day
Today, Fiji Water is available in over 60 countries, and the Resnicks’ company—The Wonderful Company—has become one of the most powerful privately held businesses in America.
Step-by-Step Guide: How Fiji Water Gets from Aquifer to Your Table
Ever wondered how water from the middle of the South Pacific ends up on shelves in New York or London? Let’s break it down:
Step 1: Sourcing the Water
The water comes from a natural aquifer located in Yaqara Valley on Viti Levu, Fiji’s largest island. The aquifer is deep underground, naturally filtered through volcanic rock.
Step 2: Bottling at the Source
Unlike other bottled water brands that transport water to factories, Fiji Water is bottled right at the source. The facility is fully automated to reduce human contact and preserve purity.
Step 3: Packaging and Shipping
The iconic square bottles are filled, sealed, and packaged in the Fiji facility. From there, they’re shipped by sea to distribution centers worldwide.
Step 4: Global Distribution
From warehouses, the water is sent to retailers, hotels, restaurants, and even directly to consumers via online stores.
Anecdote: A Billionaire’s Simple Sip
There’s a famous story about Stewart Resnick and how he introduced Fiji Water to potential buyers. He would host high-end dinners at his Beverly Hills home, where guests would be offered Fiji Water in crystal glasses. Most assumed it was an expensive European water—when told it was from Fiji, they were stunned.
This subtle form of brand demonstration showed how powerful perception and presentation can be.
Related Topics You Might Find Interesting
While learning about the Fiji Water owner, you may also be interested in:
- Who owns Evian and how it compares to Fiji Water
- Environmental impact of bottled water
- How The Wonderful Company built a multi-billion dollar empire
- Why luxury branding works (even with water!)
What Can We Learn From the Fiji Water Owner?
Whether or not you’re a fan of bottled water, there are some key lessons in the Fiji Water journey:
- Perception is everything – Selling water may not sound glamorous, but branding can change everything.
- Sustainability matters – In today’s world, companies must consider the long-term environmental impact.
- Innovation can be simple – Sometimes, success comes from doing something ordinary (like selling water) in an extraordinary way.
- Storytelling sells – The mythos of untouched tropical water helped build a billion-dollar brand.
Final Thoughts
Behind the luxury label and stylish bottle of Fiji Water, there’s a fascinating story of entrepreneurship, branding, controversy, and ambition.
The Fiji Water owner, Stewart and Lynda Resnick, transformed a niche brand into a global powerhouse by understanding human psychology, mastering marketing, and taking calculated risks.
So the next time you take a sip from that square bottle, remember: it’s more than just water. It’s a story in a bottle—from the volcanic aquifers of Fiji to boardrooms in Los Angeles.
