Olu, marking a decade as Sri Lanka’s premier brand of Natural Mineral Water
View(s):While focus is given to major export industries like spices, tea, and apparel, there is untapped potential in the beverage industry. As a decade-old brand, the company strives to become a game changer, which is how the journey of Olu Water began, said Shalindri Malawana, the General Manager of Liquid Island, owners of the Olu brand..
In a media statement, she said when Olu Water was conceived a decade ago, the idea of a premium, locally sourced mineral water brand was novel.
The Sri Lankan market prior to 2014 had only imported mineral water brands and the market for high-quality, locally produced mineral water was virtually non-existent. The challenge was clear: the company needed to create a product that not only matched the quality of these international brands but also resonated with the ethos of Sri Lanka. 
“Our vision was to offer a product that embodies purity and sustainability, reflecting the natural beauty and rich heritage of our island. Olu Tropical Water originates from the rare cloud forests located in the central highlands, a unique ecosystem that comprises 1 per cent of the world’s woodlands covering only an estimated 0.14 per cent of the earth’s land. This exceptional source provides natural mineral water that is unmatched in taste and quality, embodying the integrity that we wanted Olu Tropical Water to represent,” the statement said.
Another challenge they had was educating the consumer on the difference between natural mineral water and bottled drinking water. The fact is, natural mineral water differs from bottled drinking water in several ways: it comes from natural underground sources or springs and is bottled at the source, containing a higher and more defined mineral content, including minerals like calcium and magnesium, while bottled drinking water often has many of these minerals removed during treatment.
Furthermore, natural mineral water undergoes minimal processing, only allowing treatments like aeration and simple sand and carbon filtration, while bottled drinking water can go through various treatments, including UV treatment and chlorination. These differences contribute to the purity associated with natural mineral water.
In November 2018, the company decided to shift from PET plastic bottles to glass. This move was driven by its commitment to sustainability and the desire to align with the global movement against plastic pollution. The transition was not without its challenges. It required significant financial investment and logistical adjustments, but it was a necessary step in the journey towards becoming an eco-friendly brand.
With Olu giving up plastic bottles since 2019, approximately 230,000 kg of plastic have been prevented from entering the Sri Lankan market, the statement said.
“This change has not only reduced our environmental footprint but also resonated with our consumers who are increasingly aware of the impact of plastic on the planet. While we did face some resistance due to the higher price and handling difficulties, the overarching support we received from our customers was overwhelming, only motivating us further to see the transition through,” she said.
In August 2019, the company embarked on another initiative by launching Sri Lanka’s first sparkling water. Sparkling water is traditionally a European concept, often enjoyed during dining experiences as an appetite suppressant and a palate cleanser. Introducing it to the Sri Lankan market was a strategic move to cater to the tastes of international travellers while offering locals a new, premium product experience.
Brands need more than just packaging; they need a story that is authentically compelling. Olu Tropical Water’s story is deeply rooted in the heritage and natural beauty of Sri Lanka. The name ‘Olu’ comes from the national flower, which symbolises purity and resilience, mirroring the journey of the brand. Furthermore the packaging is designed to be elegant and understated, the statement said.
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