$50m Naseyani plant targets premium water markets

A $50 million water bottling plant in Naseyani is set to strengthen Fiji's export ca­pacity, with production expected to begin in January 2027.

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka launched the project on Saturday, describing it as a strategic invest­ment aimed at expanding Fiji's footprint in high-value global mar­kets.
Owned by Fiji Wai Pte Limited, a subsidiary of the Unit Trust of Fiji, the facility will house one of the country's largest bottling lines, ca­pable of producing up to 36,000 bot­tles per hour.

The plant is positioned to scale exports in the premium water seg­ment, with a focus on meeting in­ternational quality benchmarks.

Mr Rabuka said adherence to International Organisation for Standardisation standards would strengthen Fiji's competitiveness and support entry into higher-val­ue markets.

Construction is expected to ramp up over the next nine months, with the project forming part of a broader push to develop value­added industries linked to natural resources.

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka officiates at the new Naseyani water plant in Ra.

Photo: DEPTFO

Mr Rabuka said the investment re­flected a shift towards integrating commercial growth with sustain­ability and local partnerships.

The project involves collaboration with landowning units, including the Mataqali Tawa in Naseyani, ensuring economic returns are shared at community level.

"This is not just industrial ex­pansion, but a model for inclusive growth," he said.

Chairperson Lavinia Kaumaito­toya said the investment aligned with efforts to broaden economic activity beyond urban centres.

She added the plant would create employment and support down­stream business opportunities.

The development follows the Government's earlier $150 million self-funded initiative launched in October 2025, signalling a contin­ued focus on infrastructure and export-led growth.

Once operational, the Naseyani plant is expected to play a key role in lifting Fiji's presence in the glob­al bottled water market.