Market for local product

Fijian products have a lot of potential in the global market and this has been proved by countless products with the most recent being Island Style Peanut Butter.

According to Investment Fiji, the local business recently featured on Investment Fiji’s trade products list which led them to secure an international trade deal.

Island Style Peanut Butter director Gary Pickering said a distributor from Japan saw their products on Investment Fiji’s website and expressed interest in purchasing them.

“Investment Fiji, through their broad network and expertise across multiple markets, has been supporting businesses to grow.

Our local stockists include, New World IGA, Fresh Choice Supermarket, Extra Supermarket, and Truemart Supermarket, but entering the Japanese market is a huge milestone,” said Mr Pickering.

“We have already dispatched one shipment to Japan, and we are excited about the future partnerships,” he said.

In a media release Investment Fiji shared that after the deal, the Wailoaloa, Nadi based company had also been invited to FOODEX Japan 2023, which was Asia’s leading professional trade show for food and beverage companies.

“FOODEX is a world-class international show, and participating in it, will put us in front of many potential buyers and distributors,” said Mr Pickering.

“Investment Fiji provided a platform for us to become more visible to potential importers around the world. This has been done through samples being sent to various trade offices and through Investment Fiji’s website promotion.”

Mr Chetty said their team had assisted numerous businesses in the past, and were continuing to support more local entrepreneurs to help them expand their reach in every way possible.

“By increasing exports, we are allowing our local businesses to become more confident, to thrive and create more job opportunities, and to continue to contribute to Fiji’s economy,” he said.

Meanwhile Mr Pickering said their next phase was to introduce a new flavour range using another Fijian product in their peanut butter.

“We are also finalizing designs for a small gift box range that will attract the attention of the foreign customers who visit Fiji as tourists and might want to gift the product to their family and friends when they return,” said Mr Pickering.

“We also hope to expand our export business in the next six months with prospective distributors in the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand.”

Island Style Peanut Butter products can also be found at renown resorts and hotels across Fiji, and the company is ready for its next plan.