Bottled water brands seize on Hong Kong procurement scandal to promote products

Some bottled water brands in Hong Kong are taking advantage of a growing government procurement scandal to promote their products.

Watsons Water posted on social media on Wednesday that its products were “safety and quality assured”, highlighting its strictly controlled production processes, which included multiple filtration and high-temperature distillation. The post received almost 380 reactions.

Another local drinking water manufacturer, Swire Coca-Cola, posted on Facebook on Tuesday night that its Bonaqua bottled water was locally produced and “a trustworthy option”.

The post, which received around 150 likes and laughing emoji reactions – significantly more than the account’s usual engagement – added that all products complied with international safety standards, thereby “safeguarding customers’ health”.

The posts attracted high engagement amid a growing controversy surrounding the drinking water supplier for Hong Kong’s civil service.

Xin Ding Xin Trade, the company that won the HK$52.9 million (US$6.8 million) government procurement contract to supply drinking water to offices on Hong Kong Island and some outlying islands, was found to have used fraudulent documents and provided products with false trade descriptions.