Before dawn breaks in Suva, Mere Biucavu is already mapping out her menu for the day. For her, grocery shopping transcends a mere household task; it serves as the foundation for a flourishing food business that nourishes both offices and families in the capital. Each day involves multiple smaller shopping trips to replenish fresh ingredients, while her main grocery haul typically occurs on weekends when she bulk purchases items and meat at discounted prices.
Tebara Supermarket in Vatuwaqa is her go-to destination, where she efficiently navigates the aisles, comparing prices and balancing quality with affordability. “I buy both local and imported products due to the price range,” she notes, emphasizing how strategic shopping enables her to offer meals that are both budget-friendly and delicious.
Her entrepreneurial journey began as a family affair, having taken over the food business from her mother following her father’s passing. This pivotal moment strengthened her commitment to sustaining the venture. What started as simple home deliveries blossomed over time, largely fueled by word of mouth and a steadfast commitment to quality.
Reflecting on her early experiences, Mrs. Biucavu recalls, “My mum started this business; I remember when I was in class one, she baked cakes and pies to help my dad financially. This continued until my dad retired, and when I had my first baby, I took over the business with my mum at home looking after my child.”
Today, her clientele includes significant companies such as Westpac, Bank of South Pacific, and The Fiji Times, transforming her home-cooked meals into sought-after offerings in corporate lunchrooms. Each day, her customers eagerly inquire, “When will Mrs. Biucavu arrive?”
Variety plays a crucial role in her business model, as she prepares two different menus daily, providing customers with diverse options. Mondays might feature comforting dishes like chicken curry, fish lolo, or lamb stew, all reflecting local culinary preferences and prepared with ingredients carefully chosen during her shopping trips.
The camaraderie within her household fuels her business, as Mrs. Biucavu also collaborates closely with her twin sister and their mother. Together, they take on every aspect of the operation—from cooking and packing to organizing deliveries—ensuring that the business runs smoothly. The income generated supports their families and fulfills their husbands’ daily needs.
On a personal level, her dedication has led to significant rewards, including the proud achievement of purchasing a car, which not only facilitates her deliveries but symbolizes the progress she has made with her culinary venture.
Despite facing challenges such as rising food costs and demanding hours, Mrs. Biucavu’s passion for cooking remains unwavering. She views cooking as more than just meal preparation; it is a transformative skill that can enhance lives. “If your talent is cooking, you can make money through it. People eat every day. I encourage everyone to pursue it,” she states.
For Mrs. Biucavu, success starts at the supermarket shelf and is built on a foundation of consistency, family unity, and the simple yet powerful notion that good food will always find its audience.
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