The Miss Hibiscus Festival returned this year after a five-year hiatus, providing a variety of new marketing opportunities for local businesses. One notable participant was GMJ’s Catering and Services, a family-owned establishment that took the opportunity to promote its commitment to nurturing young entrepreneurs.
At the festival, GMJ’s Catering distinguished itself by offering traditional, authentic food that set it apart from other vendors at Hibiscus Village on the Suva foreshore. This unique offering highlighted their dedication to cultural heritage and their mission to cultivate future business leaders.
Fane Vereivalu, co-owner of the business, expressed excitement about the long-anticipated return of the Hibiscus Festival. With strong support from family and friends, they crafted a distinct menu centered around their “Traditional Authentic Food” concept.
“We aimed to provide something different and unique this year, as the Hibiscus Festival attracts a diverse crowd,” Ms. Vereivalu stated. They chose to involve their children, nephews, and nieces to teach them about the traditional practices of making money through food during the holiday.
Through their catering ventures, she emphasized that their unique taste and reasonable prices help them stand out. Originally from Nukunuku Lakeba in Lau, Ms. Vereivalu was eager to participate in this year’s festival.