The newly-acquired 18 Degrees Mineral Water Fiji is expected to undergo a multi-million dollar upgrade for its water plant in Nasau, Nadi.
This was revealed by new owner and business magnate, Hamid Ali, during the recommissioning of the bottled water company.
Mr Ali said they were looking to install a state-of-art plant in the factory.
“(The investment is from) $150 million to $250 million in upgrading the machines,” Mr Ali said.
“We’ve already ordered it from Italy. We’ll be getting engineers and people to get that all assembled,” he said.
Mr Ali’s business portfolio in Fiji and in London ranges from hotel, real estate, restaurant, travel and transport service industries.
The bottled 18 degrees Fiji Mineral at its Water plant at Nasau, Nadi, on September 3, 2022. Photo: Salote Qalubau
He said he chose to diversify his business because of the country’s leadership.
“We’ve come back home and started investing under the leadership of our Prime minister,” Mr Ali said.
“We think Fiji is a great place to invest and that’s why we’ve diversified in all different sectors.”
Mr Ali is the chairperson of Great Pacific Hotels Ltd, the parent company of The Crow’s Nest Resort Fiji. He is a Fijian born and was raised in Brown Street, Toorak, Suva.
While commissioning the bottled water company, Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama praised Mr Ali for investing back into the country.
“This is not the only investment he is doing here,” Mr Bainimarama said.
“He’s also invested in some land in Nadiri where he’s going to do some housing. Back home in London, he also owns the KFC, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut.”
He also owns a few hotels in London, Mr Bainimarama added.
“So, we want to thank people like him.”
Reserve Bank of Fiji
The Reserve Bank of Fiji Governor Ariff Ali said the multi-million-dollar investment in the 18 Degrees Water Bottling factory will further boost the economy as well as mineral water exports which is the single largest export commodity.
In the first half of 2022, exports of mineral water were 51 per cent higher compared to the same period last year.
Mr Ali said investments like that of the bottled water company would aid in production increase and exports.
“One of the things that we all have been talking about is how can you diversify the economy and one advantage that we have is the brand Fiji and Fiji so this will go a long way in creating employment and exports,” Mr Ali said
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