AMONG the speakers at the upcoming 2025 Fiji Institute of Chartered Accountants Annual Congress is The Wonderful Company general counsel and executive vice president Craig Cooper, a veteran of Wonderful who has been with the company for over 22 years.
Mr Cooper is integrally involved in all aspects of the $US6 billion ($F13.61billion) global company’s operations, which includes 10,000 employees and produces some of the world’s most iconic consumer brands, including FIJI Water.
Here is a short preview with Mr Cooper:
r What topic will you be speaking on?
I will be giving a broad overview of our business in Fiji as well as our planned investments going forward.
r The importance of this topic to the accounting fraternity and to Fiji’s economy and nation building?
While everyone has heard of FIJI Water, few understand the wide-ranging benefits that our business brings to Fiji, such as more frequent, reliable and cheaper shipping services.
r How do you feel on being invited to speak at this conference?
I’m thrilled to be part of this conference. It’s a great opportunity to network with prominent members of the accounting industry and contribute to meaningful conversations about Fiji’s future.
r Your views on this year’s theme: “Shaping Fiji for Tomorrow’s Challenges and Opportunities” and its relevance to the current global economic conditions, especially the US tariff?
The theme resonates with us because we are a global business operating in Fiji and the recent tariff announcement is a good example of the challenges that we face from time to time.
Recent events serve as an excellent reminder of the need to always be resilient, and to ensure strong fundamentals within the business.
We have a strong focus on continuous improvement, so that we are always ready to face new challenges, as well as a long standing commitment to giving back to the communities where our employees live and work.
r The likely takeaway message that you will be imparting to delegates at the conference?
We are committed to Fiji’s ongoing success and look forward to sharing more exciting updates about our business and philanthropic initiatives in the coming months.
