A NEW brand of chicken is expected to be sold in supermarkets throughout Vanua Levu as a local businessman has planned to pack his own poultry product.
Owner of the renowned Halal Meat in Labasa Abdul Hamid, 51, decided to extend his business by purchasing a chicken packing machine from China for $39,800 early this year.
Mr Hamid said apart from selling beef to local butchers and interested buyers in the north, he also wanted to sell chicken.
"We received the packing machine last month and we are still learning how to use it," he said.
"It will take us another six weeks before we can officially pack 10,000 chickens for sale.
"For now, we will supply our chicken to the local market and interested buyers in Vanua Levu so we can meet the increasing demand.
"This is a small-scale business and major investment for me.
"If it all goes according to plan, I will also have to sell my products to Viti Levu.
"I will be employing 15 youths and I am planning to name my product as The Best Halal Chicken."