Fiji’s longest serving beer manufacturers marked its 60th anniversary at Walu Bay in Suva last week.
Paradise Beverages Limited marked a milestone achievement and journey over the decades with the release of the limited 440ml Fiji Bitter memorabilia edition.
Company general manager, Mike Spencer says a major focus of the company is on international markets such as China and the US.
“We have signed 200,000 case beer deal for China and we are close to going into US with our Rum Co. of Fiji range,” Mr Spencer announced at the event.
“We produce some of the best rums in the world and our beers are world class too. This is neither due to the equipment we have nor the $50m capital investment we have made — our secret to success is simple — it is our people. Our people innovate, they are proud, passionate, they work hard and play hard. They have made Paradise what it is today and I’m so very proud to be a part of it.”
The Suva brewery was incepted in 1957 and Carlton Brewery Fiji (CBF) was formed. The first beer — Fiji Bitter was available in 750mL long necks (“quarts’) and draught followed by the introduction of the 375mL stubbies (“pints or Fiji Babies”) to the market in 1971.
In 1977, the brewery acquired the South Seas Brewery in Lautoka and started production in the burning West. Fiji Stout and Fiji Light were created in the following years only for production of these to cease in 1995 when they created Fiji Gold.
“During 1998, South Pacific Distilleries Ltd was acquired from FSC along with the award winning Bounty Rum brand. The following year, we purchased Samoa Breweries Ltd in Apia, manufacturers of Vailima and Coca-Cola and shortly afterwards we introduced RTDs to the market with the first being Bounty Rum & Cola.”
In 2005, CBF & SPD merged to form Fosters Group Pacific Ltd (FGPL) and in 2007 their 50th anniversary was marked by the introduction of a new beer, Fiji Premium. The company grew RTDs in Fiji by creating the vodka-based Tribe range in 2005 and in 2011, they were briefly part of the global brewing giant SABMiller, because of SABillers aquisition of the Fosters Group.
“Amatil acquired FGPL and renamed it Paradise Beverages in 2012,” Mr Spencer said.
“We commenced the creation of rums and rum liqueurs now known as the Rum Co of Fiji and also commenced a significant $50m capital investment program in 2013. In 2014, we acquired Vonu from Islands Brewing Company and this year we launched Katia premium vodka.”