Chefs, food entrepreneurs and agribusinesses gathered at the Australian High Commissioner’s Residence in Suva earlier this week to showcase Fiji’s vibrant food scene.

“It’s thrilling to see the rise of Fijian cuisine and how it’s stepping out of the kitchen and into the spotlight,” said Robert Oliver, PIFR Executive Director.

“Fijian food is not just healthy food, it’s also connected to tourism and culture.

When you raise the Fijian cuisine you also raise all of these. PIFR feels like we’ve come along at just the right time. The conversation is now.”

According to Audrey Jean-Baptiste from the Scaling Frontier Innovation program, Fiji’s food scene was already growing fast prior to COVID-19.

Perhaps surprisingly, the pandemic has seen even more innovation as talented professionals from the tourism sector turned to food-based businesses.

“Skills that were previously used in the tourism sector, are now available within the domestic market and this has led to new business ideas and has motivated existing businesses to launch new products.

And it has been great to see consumers supporting the growing variety of food businesses in the country” said Jean-Baptiste.

Guests at the event were treated to a menu curated by Pacific Island Food Revolution winners, Sikipio Fihaki of NiuGrillz and Krystelle Lavaki of Lady Kupcake.

Tastings were available from Tasty Island Treats, who had their signature healthy chill pops available; KokoMana from Savusavu had chocolate coated ginger on their table; Marama Niu had their newly-launched coconut-milk based ice-cream and coconut nectar products; and Mama’s Mushrooms, a social enterprise that trains women’s groups to cultivate mushrooms, had pickled mushrooms and tempura mushrooms on offer.

Also offering samples of their amazing products were Waitika Farm honey, with a variety of honey related products; the Wainuqa Cooperative, which supplies root crop chips to various Suva retailers; and Taleitaki, who are launching a Fijian ginger beer through their GingerLei brand.

The Acting Australian High Commissioner, Ms Anna Dorney said it was inspiring to meet entrepreneurs who were showing great creativity in difficult times.

“Now more than ever our economies need entrepreneurs like these to create jobs and drive the economic recovery” said Ms Dorney.

“Also, this ice cream is delicious” she added.

Foodpreneur and Founder of Mama’s Mushrooms, Fanny Fiteli said “it was a wonderful opportunity to take part in today’s event.

Not only did we connect with other foodpreneurs

and partners, we also launched our rebranded logo and packaging here.

We have expanded our range of mushroom products this year and it is so exciting to see them being enjoyed by so many today.

I thank everyone for their overwhelming support.”

The event was supported by the Australian Government, through a range of food and entrepreneur support initiatives, including the Scaling Frontier Innovation program, the Pacific Island Food Revolution, the Fiji Enterprise Engine, ygap, and the Pacific Agribusiness Research and Development Initiative.