THE Fijian Consulate General and Trade Commission to Australia and New Zealand facilitated the participation of Fijian exporters at the 2018 Fine Food Australia Expo which was held last week in Melbourne, Australia.
This was done through the support from the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism and the Ministry of Agriculture.
Consul-general and trade commissioner Zarak Khan said such events were an integral part of the Fijian Government’s efforts to support the micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) exporters.
“It gives them a valuable opportunity to secure buyers for their products, learn the best practices such as branding, marketing, packaging and labelling, adopted by exhibitors from other countries selling like products, as well as identify new technology and machinery that they can use to improve efficiencies in their production processes,” Mr Khan said.
Tomo Zukoshi of Fijiana Cacao/Adi Chocolate stated that this was the first time they were participating at the Fijian Made-Buy Fijian booth at FFAE.
“I extend my appreciation to the Fijian Government for their vision in providing support to MSME businesses and facilitating their participation at the expo,” Mr Zukoshi said.
“Through this expo, I have received new orders for my range of chocolate products using 100 per cent Fijian cacao and this will help grow our business back home by employing more Fijians.
“We also gained valuable production and industrial knowledge from other industry players who will help us to grow the chocolate and cacao industry in Fiji.”
Callum Drummond of Bula Batiki said that without the support of the Fijian Government, a small social enterprise would not be able to participate at this trade show.
“Bula Batiki helps 43 families on the island of Batiki in the Lomaiviti Group to produce and sell virgin coconut oil,” Mr Drummond said.
“Our business is eco-friendly and sustainable and is 100 per cent owned by the Batiki community.
“Our participation at this show has been a resounding success. We have learnt a great deal and also secured some clients for our products.”
The expo provided an opportunity to promote the “Fijian Made-Buy Fijian” campaign in the Australian market, to an audience of over 27,000 visitors comprising wholesalers, retailers and other traders and buyers of food and beverage products.
This was the second consecutive year where Fiji had representation at the FFAE.
