FMF Foods Limited has recently introduced a new product, premium Ceylon tea sourced from Sri Lanka, marking an exciting expansion into the beverage market. This initiative results from a partnership with Elpitiya Plantations, a prominent Sri Lankan tea producer, and is being launched under the ‘FMF Finest Premium Ceylon Tea’ brand. The product line is now readily available in supermarkets across Fiji.
The launch event was officiated by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Manoa Kamikamica, who emphasized the significance of such partnerships in establishing Fiji as a formidable player in the herbal tea market. He highlighted the potential for this collaboration to create new job opportunities, stimulate local businesses, and open export avenues, leveraging Fiji’s strategic location as a Pacific trade hub.
Kamikamica remarked on the rising global demand for organic and wellness-focused teas, underscoring that this trend presents a timely opportunity for FMF Foods to diversify its product offerings. He noted that the partnership not only caters to local consumer preferences but also aims to attract a broader market keen on healthier beverage alternatives.
Rohan Fernando, the managing director of Elpitiya Plantations, welcomed the partnership, emphasizing the unique qualities of Ceylon tea, celebrated for its exceptional quality and diverse flavors cultivated across various elevations in Sri Lanka. He noted that Ceylon tea provides a wide variety of choices for consumers, from the aromatic flavors grown in misty hill country to those from lower elevations.
Maria Kumar, FMF Group’s marketing manager, explained that the decision to add tea to their product range was driven by consumer demand, indicating a clear interest in tea among Fijians based on survey results.
In line with previous discussions on Fiji’s agricultural diversification—similar to the growth seen in the kava sector—this new venture reflects the government’s strategy to strengthen local agriculture, reduce reliance on tourism, and foster economic growth through innovative agricultural practices.
The launch of FMF’s Finest Premium Ceylon Tea, along with the anticipated expansion into the herbal tea market, signals a hopeful future not only for FMF Foods but for Fiji’s economy. By embracing this initiative, Fiji is positioning itself to benefit from a growing global trend toward healthier consumption, thereby enhancing local livelihoods and potential export opportunities.
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