Shalindri Malawana, General Manager of Liquid Island, discusses the transformation of its signature brand Olu Tropical Water and the company’s evolution over the past decade. Founded to offer premium, locally sourced natural mineral water in a market dominated by imported brands, Olu Tropical Water has consistently prioritized purity, sustainability, and innovation. From sourcing water from the rare cloud forests of Sri Lanka’s central highlands to pioneering the country’s first locally produced sparkling water, Olu Tropical Water has continually pushed boundaries to cater to both international travellers and local consumers.
How has Olu Tropical Water’s product line evolved over the past decade to meet changing consumer needs?
When we conceptualized Olu Tropical Water 10 years ago, our focus was on providing premium, locally sourced Natural Mineral Water in a market dominated by imported brands. Our vision was to create a product that embodies purity and sustainability, reflecting the natural beauty and rich heritage of our island. We source our water from the rare cloud forests in the central highlands, a unique ecosystem that comprises only 1% of the world’s woodlands and covers a mere 0.14% of the Earth’s land. This exceptional source provides Natural Mineral Water with unmatched taste and quality, embodying the integrity we envisioned for Olu Tropical Water.
In August 2019, we pushed boundaries further by introducing Sri Lanka’s first locally produced sparkling water. This product was designed to cater to the tastes of international travellers and offer locals a new premium experience, enhancing dining in five-star hotels and boutique establishments. This strategic move reflects our commitment to innovation and quality, aiming to serve discerning travellers and locals alike.
What specific sustainability initiatives have Olu Tropical Water implemented to reduce its environmental footprint?
2019 was a pivotal year for all of us in the group, including Liquid Island. We made a rapid transition from PET to glass bottles to align more closely with our goal of becoming a sustainable brand. Though this was a significant investment, we have prevented over 130,000 kg of plastic from entering the environment.
Beyond packaging, Olu Tropical Water is actively involved in conserving the critically endangered Hill Country Leopard by preserving the Central Highland Cloud Forest. This initiative aims to enhance water resource sustainability, create biodiversity corridors, and promote human-wildlife coexistence through education and public outreach. Supporting such a robust wildlife project is both costly and challenging. To aid this effort, we introduced the Olu ‘Leopard Edition,’ where each bottle sold contributes directly to the ‘Corridors for Conservation’ a project led by the Wilderness & Wildlife Conservation Trust.
How does Olu Tropical Water approach research and development, and what factors or trends have driven the brand’s trajectory in introducing new products, such as your innovative sparkling water which was a first for Sri Lanka?
Our approach to research and development is centred on innovation and sustainability. A prime example is our introduction of Sri Lanka’s first locally produced sparkling water in August 2019. This initiative was inspired by a desire to cater to international travellers while offering locals a premium product experience. By bringing a traditionally European concept to Sri Lanka, we aimed to elevate dining experiences and provide a sophisticated alternative to still water.
What are Olu Tropical Water’s primary goals for the next decade, particularly in terms of market expansion and sustainability initiatives?
With our recent entry into the Maldives, Olu Tropical Water aims to offer an eco-friendly alternative to imported brands while establishing itself as a leader in the beverage industry. Sustainability remains at the heart of our mission, reflected in our continuous efforts in conservation and reducing environmental impact with initiatives that ensure that Olu Tropical Water aligns with global sustainability trends and consumer values.
Reflecting on Olu Tropical Water’s journey, how do you perceive the brand’s impact on the beverage industry, particularly in terms of setting new standards for sustainability and product innovation?
Olu Tropical Water is a brand whose story transcends packaging and is deeply rooted in the heritage and natural splendour of Sri Lanka. The name ‘Olu’ derives from our national flower, symbolizing purity and resilience—qualities that reflect our brand’s journey.
Looking back on our 10-year journey, Olu Tropical Water has made a notable impact on the beverage industry by pioneering the water category. Our transition from PET plastic to glass bottles was a bold move that resonated with environmentally conscious consumers. Introducing Sri Lanka’s first locally produced sparkling water further demonstrated our commitment to innovation and to catering to evolving consumer tastes.
Our dedication to sustainability is evident through our conservation projects and focus on preserving natural ecosystems. We have successfully built a brand that champions the natural beauty and heritage of Sri Lanka, setting a benchmark in the industry.