Prompted by this observation, Gilmour, with the support of geologists from his Barrick Gold Company, identified a high-quality water source in the Yaqara valley. Securing a long-term lease for 20 acres, he constructed a bottling plant with the goal of producing a bottled water as unique as the islands themselves.
Gilmour's prior business and government connections in Fiji, stemming from his resort development, along with favorable business conditions in Fiji, contributed to the expansion of Natural Waters of Viti Levu, commonly known as Fiji Water.
Positioning itself as a symbol of sophistication and environmental responsibility, Fiji Water claimed to produce a premium product with "sustainable practices." The water, classified as "artesian," is drawn from an artesian aquifer in Fiji's Yaqara Valley, nestled on the northern part of Viti Levu, the largest Fijian island.
The water source, a pristine 17-mile-long aquifer on government-owned land, was secured by Gilmour through a 99-year lease. While the Fijian government lacked the means to tap into the aquifer for its own population, Fiji Water gained nearly exclusive access to this crucial freshwater reserve.
Sales to the USA commenced in 1997, with production experiencing rapid growth from 10 million bottles in 1998 to 25 million bottles in 2000, necessitating the construction of a new factory. In 2004, the affluent couple Steward and Lynda Resnick, proprietors of Roll International, a private company, purchased Fiji Water from Gilmour for US$50 million.
Fiji Water Business History
