A new app-based food delivery platform was launched in Suva yesterday.

FijiEats was born of the need to address the cracks in the food delivery service in the country, said owner Shanil Chandra.

The Nadi-based business has signed up restaurants and eateries in Nadi and Suva, with plans to expand their services to other municipalities around the country.

Marketing Development Facility

The platform was launched in partnership with the Market Development Facility (MDF).

FijiEats allows mobile phone users to download the app to order food from restaurants.

Restaurants must first sign up with FijiEats, said Mr Chandra, who is also the managing director of ICT company Shazcom Technology.

Survive and grow

MDF said its recent survey unveiled the fact that food vendors had experienced a decline in the number of dine-in and walk-in customers since the coronavirus (COVID-19).

Restrictions such as social distancing measures in March and April, 2020 compounded the situation, MDF said.

MDF Fiji country director Malcolm Bossley said: “There’s a push now for businesses to adapt and innovate in order to survive and grow.

“The private sector is the engine of growth.

“More than ever now the private sector needs our support, if we are to kick start this economy.

“A lot of innovation is born out of crisis.”

Decline in eat out

Mr Bossley said FijiEats was a positive step up in Fiji as it brought in the latest technology for a convenient, cost-effective and safe home-delivery app.

A 40 per cent to 100 per cent drop in sales was noted on the back of COVID-19 restrictions, MDF said.

“To recover from this, a number of MSME food vendors – restaurants, cafes, grocers in Suva pivoted to focus more on food pick up and (phone order) food delivery,” MDF said.

Meanwhile, Mr Chandra said FijiEats was designed to boost the sale of local food businesses and provide extra income for local drivers and cyclists.

Ten restaurants

Ten restaurants have signed up for FijiEats, with more expected to be announced, he said.

FijiEats selects restaurants around the user, who in turn pay the Land Transport Authority-regulated flag fall of $1.50 and $1 for every kilometre travelled from the restaurant to the area of delivery.

“It’s cheaper than a cab.”

Qualified in food

Successful businesses are based on affordability, he said.

“FijiEats took a few months to develop and will feature online payment options and trackable delivery to customers.

“Our drivers are also trained in food safety, customer etiquette and are equipped with proper food storage equipment,” Chandra added.

Govindas, Swagat and the Madhatter are among restaurants on FijiEats.
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