FIJI Water renews Supreme Award sponsorship for PMIBA 2026

FIJI Water has reaffirmed its support for business excellence in Fiji by renewing its sponsorship of the Supreme Award for the Prime Minister's International Business Awards (PMIBA) 2026 for a ninth consecutive year.

The sponsorship was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed with Investment Fiji, extending what is now the longest-running sponsorship partnership in the awards' history.

As the major sponsor of the PMIBA Supreme Award, FIJI Water continues to support the programme's highest honour. Unlike other categories, companies do not submit entries directly for the Supreme Award.

Instead, the winner is selected from the pool of applicants across all award categories.

Applicants are assessed on criteria including commercial performance, international market reach, innovation, employment generation, environmental stewardship and contributions to communities.

FIJI Water Executive Vice President Craig Cooper said the company remained committed to supporting initiatives that foster innovation and economic growth.

"At FIJI Water, we are committed to supporting initiatives that encourage innovation and strengthen Fiji's economy. We are proud to continue our longstanding partnership with Investment Fiji and support the PMIBA for the ninth consecutive year. Through our sponsorship of the Supreme Award, we are pleased to celebrate Fiji businesses that demonstrate outstanding performance, growth and a positive impact on their employees, communities and the wider economy," Mr Cooper said.

Investment Fiji Board chairman Filimone Waqabaca welcomed FIJI Water's continued support and acknowledged its contribution to the awards programme since 2017.

"This partnership speaks volumes about FIJI Water's belief in recognising excellence and promoting business success in Fiji. As one of the country's leading exporters, FIJI Water's impact extends beyond employment, investment and international trade. Through its continued support for communities and national development for over 30 years, FIJI Water plays an important role in driving sustainable growth and creating opportunities across Fiji and the South Pacific. We are proud to have them remain by our side as a major sponsor for the ninth consecutive year," Mr Waqabaca said.

This year's PMIBA theme, "Economic Transformation and Inclusive Growth," reflects Fiji's push towards high-value industries, including business process outsourcing, agri-tech and green energy, while leveraging digital technologies to enhance the global competitiveness of Fijian products and services.

The theme also highlights the importance of ensuring economic growth benefits communities beyond the main urban centres, extending opportunities to rural areas, provinces and maritime islands.

PMIBA 2026 will feature 16 award categories recognising businesses of different sizes and sectors, including the Premier Small, Medium and Large Business Awards, Excellence in Innovation, Excellence in E-Commerce, Best Sustainability Initiative and Employer of the Year.

Applications are now open. Businesses can apply at www.iba.org.fj or contact Investment Fiji on 331 5988.