Chair of Food Processors (Fiji) Pte Limited, Mr Raj Sharma,
Board of Directors of Food Processors (Fiji) Pte Limited,
Acting Chief Executive Officer, Mr Raneel Mudaliar,
Staff of Food Processors (Fiji) Pte Limited,
Distinguished Guests,
Members of the Media,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Bula Vinaka and a very good afternoon to you all.
Thank you for the warm welcome.
I am delighted to be here to launch Food Processors new product – “Fiji Rokete Bongo Chili Sauce”.
We mark yet another achievement for Food Processors, a new product added to your existing list of products manufactured right here in Fiji.
As a company operating for over 35 years, Food Processors is a true example of a Fijian owned company.
I’m told that over 60 percent of the staff are women, so you’re an excellent representation of women empowerment too.
Having recently celebrated International Women’s Day, I commend Food Processors for breaking barriers in the workplace by encouraging the employment of women along their production line.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Food Processors has continuously worked to re-invent and develop new and innovative means of presenting their products, using locally sourced raw materials. They have met the consumer demand and preference, both in the domestic and export markets.
You have continued to support, develop and keep the Fijian value chain alive. Your production lines not only provide jobs for Fijians, but support Fijian farmers who toil the land for fruits, vegetables, root crops and those who engage in farmed marine products.
Through this new product, “bongo” chilli farmers now have the opportunity to supply to Food Processors. And today, I encourage more farmers to consider planting bongo chillies. What this does is it enables farmers to diversify their crop plan and also earn additional income.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
As Fijian food manufacturers focus on local produce as a key ingredient in their manufacturing process, it is critically important that they are able to access a consistent and high quality supply of the raw materials. Therefore, farmers cannot and should not become complacent. As suppliers to the process you need to ensure that you continue farming after each harvest.
At the same time, I request the manufacturers to ensure that the farmers are given their fair dues for their hard work.
We want all products carrying the Fijian made brand to tell a success story, which begins from the farmers and ends with the final product.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Food Processors has been with the ‘Fijian Made-Buy Fijian’ brand since 2012. And has now over 20 products registered, championing the ‘Fijian Product’, ‘Fijian Grown’, ‘Fijian Packed’ emblems.
Food Processors as a local food manufacturer, which is value-adding to our traditional agri-produce such as Duruka, Breadfruit, Ivi, Coconut cream, Palusami, Bele and Ota. When these products are exported, it brings Fijians living abroad closer to home as they can access these products in the supermarkets.
With the use of the Fijian Made brand emblem, it gives not only Food Processors, but every registered business an advantage in the international market, signifying it as a locally made product. The Ministry has registered over 1,000 businesses and approximately 5,300 products were registered under the Brand.
Having the emblems, builds onto the recognition and creates an identifiable brand for the international market for Fijian made products and workmanship.
More importantly is the first step towards helping our Fijian businesses grow, especially on our road to recovery.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The Ministry continues to promote Fijian products and services in the domestic, regional and international markets. And I am sure we can all agree – that there’s a different sense of patriotism when you see local products overseas or even on TV.
We are fortunate to have businesses like Food Processors, which has given the Fijian brand exposure domestically and internationally. This is a perfect time for Fijian companies to focus their efforts to support local farmers. With commitment, partnership and a lot of national pride, we have the ability to produce world-class products and enhance the Fijian Made brand and what it represents.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
If there is one thing the pandemic has taught us, it is that we need to undertake activities that will make us resilient and stronger.
I encourage farmers to reach out to the Ministry so we can advise them of the most appropriate form of business, such as co-operatives. Departments such as the Department of Co-operative Business and MSME Fiji will be able to assist. This will strengthen your ability to negotiate with buyers.
Ladies and Gentlemen, since the outbreak, the Ministry has registered a total of 76 new co-operatives mainly in the agriculture and retail sector.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Food Processors (Fiji) Pte Limited Chair, Board of Directors, CEO, management and the staff for having confidence in Fiji. I’d especially like to acknowledge your continued passion and creative new ideas.
With these words, it is my pleasure to launch the “Fiji Rokete Bongo Chilli Sauce” and wish Food Processors (Fiji) Pte Limited all the best for their future business endeavours.
Thank you and Vinaka Vakalevu.