A1 Kava & Spice Dealer is investing in a $25 million factory in Bulileka, Labasa.
The well-established exporter of kava and spices from the North is constructing a two-storey factory adjacent to the current processing facility.
Managing director Arunesh Chand said: “The development has all been planned after the A1 Kava & Spice Dealer was successful in securing a commercial land within the vicinity of Bulileka, Labasa.
“The factory will have a large storage space, warehouse and bulk space for storing seasonal raw materials,” he said.
The project is expected to start as early as January.

Features
The A1 Kava & Spice Dealer factory will not only cater for the kava and spices aspect.
Mr Chand explained: “The first floor will be transformed in a garment factory which will employ at least 30 workers on full-time basis.”
Sumati Apparels (Fiji) Ltd, which is a sister company of A1 Kava & Spice Dealer, will be located on the first floor.
However, the ground floor will be entirely for Kava and spice processing.
It will also have a wholesale distribution centre and counter in the front bottom part of the building. There will be enough parking spaces available as well.

Funding and employment
The construction will be completed in three phases and will cost $25 million in total.
Mr Chand will be funding the development through assistance.
“The funds to build this factory will come from the Government of Fiji and Fiji Development Bank (FDB),” he explained.
“Other funding agencies such as Market Development Facility (MDF) will also be approached and requested to assist in the completion of this project.”
The factory is expected to generate new employment.
Mr Chand said: “We will have 50 full-time workers and more than 10 part-time casual workers during construction phase.
“All products that will be produced and packed at the factory will be exported to maximise the returns.”

Market potential
Mr Chand believes the kava and spices has a shining future and wants to fully tap into its potential.
He explained: “The potential for this type of business is very high. Kava and spice is being used daily by majority of the population all over the world these days.
“There are lot medicinal values of Kava and spices as well.
Producing/processing high quality Kava and spices is a must these days as professionals want better fine-tuned export quality products with quality packaging styles.”

Benefits
Mr Chand stressed people of Labasa need decent job with a decent salary to stop them from leaving their homes and travel to Suva.
“In-fact no one in Labasa wants to leave their sweet home and live in already overcrowded Suva – Nausori corridor,” he said.
“Hence, it is my dream to set-up something whereby some people of Labasa are at-least retained back and given full-time employments.
“I am born and bred in Labasa and it is heartbreaking to see people leave their beloved mother land and emigrate.”
A1 Kava & Spice Dealer will try and help people stay in the comfort of their homes and earn a better living in Labasa.

North Growth
The Northern Division has seen some great development being undertaken in the recent days.
Mr Chand said: “There are a lot of development going on in North with the plan to build Damodar City.
“Also start of work on other large complexes such as the project by Dalip Chand buses and Charan Jeath Singh in the main town has really boosted the morale of North.
“People are building confidence to stay back in North and achieve their dreams.
“In years to come, I think North will be one of the best places to live in Fiji with the abundance of agricultural resources and seafood supply all around the year.”

Background
A1 Kava & Spice Dealer is an extended arm of the Jai Raj & Son Distributors.
Mr Chand explained: “This company was born out of the already existing spice company owned by my father-in-law.
“His business is in existence for past 20 years servicing the local people around North, but I have created A1 Kava & Spice Dealer out of it to entirely focus on the export market.”
He said there are high demands of kava and spices among the Fiji residents now living in other parts of the world who still love the Fiji style of spicy curry foods and of course the national drink, ‘Kava’.
“Therefore, it is our ultimate aim to supply our brothers and sisters overseas with the best products that is available here,” he said.

Future Plans
Mr Chand believes this is a great time to develop and tap into all ventures possible.
“We are planning to venture into frozen goods as there is abundance of supply of agricultural products such as cassava, dalo, ginger and cocoa yams,” he said.
“Also with the completion of the A1 Kava and Spice factory we have aimed to buy at least 2 pick-up 4×4 single-cab vans to go down to the village levels to buy produce from farmers and bring down to the factory for processing.”

Market potential
Mr Chand believes the kava and spices has a shining future and wants to fully tap into its potential.
He explained: “The potential for this type of business is very high. Kava and spice is being used daily by majority of the population all over the world these days.
“There are lot medicinal values of Kava and spices as well.
Producing/processing high quality Kava and spices is a must these days as professionals want better fine-tuned export quality products with quality packaging styles.”