Introduction of Fiji Water
A bottle of Fiji Water may be the most unmistakable product gracing the shelves of grocery stores, markets, and convenience shops around the world. The rectangular shape, attention-grabbing blue cap, and tropical scenery peeking through from the back of the bottle cannot be missed.
As we will discuss later, Fiji Water comes from an artesian aquifer underneath the Fijian island of Viti Levu. According to the Fiji Water company, the process of procuring the water is quite simple - the rain falls, seeps into the aquifer, and waits for collection.
Many of those who consume Fiji Water claim it has a better “taste” than other bottled or tap waters. This may sound ludicrous to those who believe water has no taste. However, there is some basis for the claim. The minerals absorbed while the water rests in the aquifer can add a noticeable taste and texture (some call it smooth).
Fiji Water Prices
Fiji Water is known for its higher price point. In some cases, Fiji Water can cost twice as much as a bottle next to it on the shelf. Here, you will see some reasons behind the higher prices and be able to decide if the justification is enough to pay up.
Justifying the Price Point
Fiji Water has come to be associated with scenes of luxury and opulence. Like many high-end liquors, Fiji Water has made cameo appearances in music videos, popular television shows, and movies. The pop culture references alone seem to provide the opportunity for higher price points.
Sourcing water from an exotic and remote location like Fiji is no simple task. Sure, pulling the water up from the aquifer is simple but the work begins after that step.
The distinct bottles Fiji Water uses sets the brand apart on the shelves but comes at a price. The water is bottled at the source, requiring the equipment and machinery to be maintenanced on the island.
The bottles themselves, while plastic, are the highest-graded plastic available. The PET plastic is safe for use with food products, according to the USDA, and is very recyclable.
The distance required to get the water to customers can also be financially cumbersome. As Fiji is in a very remote part of the Pacific Ocean, most bottles must travel the world over to get to a shelf for purchase.
Fiji vs Other Bottles
How does Fiji Water match up to a more economical brand? Well, once again, its artesian aquifer source sets it apart from many others.
Dasani (by Coca Cola) and Aquafina (by PepsiCo) are probably the most popular bottled water brands simply because of their massive distribution system. Both of these brands are admittedly no different from common tap water and both source the same water found in local homes.
Poland Spring (by Nestle) is a brand that has had its own difficulties with justifying the price of its water over simple tap water. While the actual Poland Spring dried up in the 1960s, it does come from other springs that reside in the state of Maine.
While there are several less expensive options, none can claim they come from an exotic, artesian well halfway across the world.
Common Fiji Water Prices List
Type | Avg Bottle Price | Avg Case Price |
|---|---|---|
Fiji Water 330mL (11.2oz) | $1.50 - $1.90 | $36 (Case of 36) |
Fiji Water 500mL (16.9oz) | $2.00 - $2.50 | $20 (Case of 24) |
Fiji Water 700mL (23.7oz) | $1.80 - $2.80 | $22 (Case of 12) |
Fiji Water 1.0L (33.8oz) | $2.00 - $2.90 | $23 (Case of 12) |
Fiji Water 1.5L (50.72oz) | $2.50 - $3.50 | $28 (Case of 12) |
pH of FIJI Water
Few people who consume water would ever describe it as acidic. However, the pH in different water offerings varies based on the amount of mineral content absorbed. Any pH below 7 is on the acidic side of the scale while anything above is more alkaline.
As you can see below, FIJI Water comes in as more basic (alkaline) than water with no mineral content. The silica, calcium, and magnesium all impact this pH.
Type | PH |
|---|---|
FIJI Water | 7.7 |
Purified Water | 7 |
Where Does Fiji Water Come From
As you may have guessed, Fiji Water originates from the island of Viti Levu, Fiji’s largest island that holds the capital city. More specifically the water is pulled from an aquifer resting deep beneath the surface.
The aquifer is quite large - spanning over 17 miles. Fiji Water has an exclusive lease agreement with the Fijian government, which totaled 99 years at its first signing. The artesian aquifer protects the water supply from most contaminants that plague surface water sources.
A bottle of Fiji Water makes a long trek around the world to reach its consumer. The drawback of such an exotic source is the strain on the supply chain including packaging, shipping, and distribution.
The exotic source and challenging supply chain make Fiji Water one of the most expensive bottled waters on the planet. Its taste and natural purity lead some to believe the cost is worth it.