Food Processors Fiji Ltd is making significant strides in its operations with the establishment of a new vegetable and root crop processing center located in Batiri, Vanualevu, supported by a $635,000 investment. The facility, featuring advanced blast and cold storage capabilities, is designed to enhance operational efficiency, preserve product quality, and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
CEO Raneel Mudaliar emphasized the company’s commitment to quality, stating that the development aligns with their dedication to providing premium processed products while supporting local agriculture. The farmland cultivated by Food Processors Fiji spans over 400 acres, producing a variety of fruits and vegetables, including Batiri oranges and cassava. The farm is home to over 13,000 citrus trees, showcasing their investment in both crop diversity and sustainability.
The company actively collaborates with local communities, sourcing root crops from nearby farmers—starting with Batiri village—to expand their network of suppliers. Additionally, they are investing in a nursery for grafting orange seedlings, further enhancing their agricultural capabilities. Food Processors Fiji is also engaging in beekeeping, aiding in pollination and honey production, which contributes to ecological sustainability.
With the new processing capabilities, the company is set to buy, process, and export local produce, thereby creating economic benefits, generating employment, and providing markets for local farmers. Mudaliar assured that the new facility will focus on cost efficiency, minimizing spoilage through local processing, and reinforcing their commitment to quality standards.
In the coming years, Food Processors Fiji aims to optimize land use through strategic agricultural development, which includes plans to expand cassava cultivation and replant orange trees to ensure sustainable productivity. Mudaliar highlighted last year’s successful harvest of 1,000 tons of sugarcane, with expectations to increase that to 1,500 tons in the current year.
In a parallel initiative, the company is also progressing with a solar project, moving toward sustainable energy solutions, demonstrating their overarching commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility in the agricultural sector.
Similar advancements in Fiji’s agricultural landscape, as highlighted recently, reflect a collective push towards improving market access and supporting local farmers, which is essential for building economic resilience. The commitment from Food Processors Fiji Ltd and other players in the sector illustrates a hopeful and positive trajectory for the future of Fiji’s agriculture, promoting sustainability and community empowerment.
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