The Miss Hibiscus Festival made a lively comeback this year after a five-year hiatus, presenting new marketing avenues for local businesses.
One of the notable participants was GMJ’s Catering and Services, a family-run establishment that took this opportunity to promote its goal of supporting young entrepreneurs. This year, GMJ’s makes a mark by presenting traditional, authentic cuisine that sets it apart from the other offerings at Hibiscus Village along the Suva foreshore.
Their distinctive approach reflects their commitment to cultural heritage and developing future business leaders. Fane Vereivalu, co-owner of the business, expressed excitement regarding their long-awaited participation in the Hibiscus Festival.
Vereivalu shared that with encouragement from family and friends, they aimed to provide something unique to the public, giving rise to their “Traditional Authentic Food” concept. “We aimed to bring something different and unique this year, considering the diverse crowd the Hibiscus Festival attracts,” she stated.
The family actively involved their children, nephews, and nieces during the two-week holiday to teach them valuable lessons from elders about earning through traditional cooking. She emphasized that their distinctive flavor and competitive pricing are what differentiate them in the competitive catering landscape.
Hailing from Nukunuku Lakeba in Lau, Vereivalu was determined to participate in this year’s festival.