Counterfeit Water Scandal | New Tender Hong Kong Island and Outlying Islands Offices Switch to Bonaqua

SighingCashier · 2026-03-20T12:17:33+00:00

The government has re-tendered bottled drinking water following the "fake water" scandal. Swire Coca-Cola won the bid with a contract value of HK$31.93 million, supplying approximately 1.46 million bottles of "Bonaqua". The new tender documents include additional requirements, including financial audits and on-site inspections, aimed at ensuring water quality and supply capacity. The original contract was terminated last year due to issues.

SighingCashier

2026-03-20 12:17:33

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The government revealed a “counterfeit water” scandal last year, prompting the Transport Department to re-tender for bottled drinking water for affected government departments on Hong Kong Island and the outlying islands. According to department data, Swire Coca-Cola won the bid with approximately HKD 31.93 million, providing “Bonaqua” bottled water, involving about 1.46 million bottles.

New Tender Includes Financial Review

The new tender introduces several requirements, including a market share of at least 50% over the past 10 years, with no fewer than 50 sales channels, of which at least 20 are retail outlets. It also requires a daily delivery order capacity of no less than 100 orders.

If the bottled water is imported, it must meet the qualifications of a food importer and submit safety testing reports. For bids exceeding HKD 15 million in total, bidders must pass a financial review, submit a contract deposit, and allow on-site inspections by authorities.

Last year, the Transport Department awarded a HKD 52.94 million, 36-month contract to Xin Ding Xin to supply bottled drinking water to government offices on Hong Kong Island and some outlying islands. Following the “counterfeit water” procurement scandal, the government immediately terminated the contract.

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