Lynda and Stewart Resnick Water Portfolio Overview
Lynda and Stewart Resnick control a large water portfolio through private holding companies and subsidiaries. The Resnicks use The Wonderful Company as a central holding vehicle for water and agricultural assets, including POM Wonderful, Fiji Water, and various California orchard operations Forbes. Their water strategy focuses on long-term ownership of water rights, bottling brands, and irrigation infrastructure tied to high-value crops.
The Resnicks have repeatedly ranked among the largest private water owners in the United States by volume of water rights and acreage. Their holdings span multiple Western states, with significant allocations in California and Arizona, and their companies have expanded bottled water distribution globally through Fiji Water Forbes. The structure relies on private operating companies rather than public filings, making exact water volumes difficult to verify independently.
Key Water Brands and Operating Companies
Fiji Water and Bottled Water Operations
Fiji Water, owned by The Wonderful Company, remains the flagship bottled water brand in the Resnick portfolio. The brand sources water from an aquifer in Fiji and sells primarily in premium retail and hospitality channels in North America and other markets Forbes. Fiji Water competes with Nestlé Waters and other major bottled water brands in the U.S. retail segment.
The Resnicks have used Fiji Water to build a global distribution footprint while maintaining tight control over branding and supply chains. Fiji Water has faced scrutiny over water extraction volumes and environmental impact in Fiji, with company statements emphasizing sustainable sourcing and community investment Forbes. The brand continues to expand into new retail formats and export markets.
Water Rights, Agriculture, and Infrastructure
California and Western Water Allocations
The Resnicks hold substantial water rights in California, primarily supporting irrigated agriculture under The Wonderful Company umbrella. These rights are tied to high-value crops such as almonds, pistachios, and citrus, which require reliable water access in drought-prone regions Forbes. Their operations intersect with broader debates over water allocation, groundwater sustainability, and regulatory limits in the state.
California's Sustainable Groundwater Management Act has increased scrutiny on large agricultural water users, including entities linked to the Resnicks. The Wonderful Company has publicly stated its commitment to groundwater sustainability and efficiency improvements in its farming operations Forbes. Analysts note that the Resnick water portfolio benefits from long-term contracts and senior rights in several key basins.