PARADE Arcade in Suva has become the home of a new natural foods shop — Highland Natural Food.
And according to the shop owner "a one-stop store for healthy, vegan lifestyle". The proud owner of this new shop is Repeka Uluilakeba.
She said the new food shop was an all-natural food store and juice bar that sells plant-based produce, dried herbs and essential oils including wholesome cereals, sauces, herbal teas, and packaged goods.
Ms Uluilakeba said her vegetarian background prompted her to provide consumers including vegans with more vegetarian options in the greater Suva area.
"We try to keep the items served from the juice bar as fresh and as nutrient-rich as possible, so all products used for the juices and smoothies are locally-produced," she said.
The shop also boasts its trademark sauces and salad dressings.
"We also make our own natural butters, sauces and dressings which are mostly raw and fresh and which we use in the food sold in the juice bar," Ms Uluilakeba said.
Ms Uluilakeba is assisted by her children at the shop.
She revealed that she was not only targeting health-conscious people and those on weight-loss programs but the working class and those who may not have time in the morning to prepare something healthy for themselves at work.
The shop has been operating a little over a month now and the Uluilakeba family is pleased with business so far.
"We do have our good and not so good days but on the whole, business has been good," she said.
They hope to live up to their aim of being 'the place to go' for a healthy, vegan lifestyle in Suva city.
All products sold in the shop are meat-free, dairy-free and where possible, natural oils and natural sweeteners are used.