The Fiji Coconut Pte Ltd is embarking on an innovative plan to further diversify its production.

On Saturday company chairperson Raj Sharma revealed that it is in talks to seek new ideas for coconut husks, coconut water and coconut chips in a bid to expand its output.

This will augur well for its name change from Copra Millers Fiji, he added.

The President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere was instrumental in initiating the rebranding when he was the deputy board chairperson of Fiji Coconut Pte Ltd.

Mr Sharma said the reason for the change of name was to use coconut to its full potential.

“The shed and the machines and the hot air drier were all during the time of His Excellency the President,” Mr Sharma said.

“Initially we were producing crude oil and then we ventured into virgin coconut oil and coconut cooking oil.”

This was all through innovative ideas from other by-products that could be generated from the raw material, he added.

Mr Sharma promised President Ratu Wiliame that the company would continue in the journey that he has set for them.

Challenges
Mr Sharma shared the challenges that the coconut industry had and measures it put in place to secure employment to President Ratu Wiliame during an event last Friday.

Although the Tropical Cyclone Yasa, the COVID-19 pandemic saw the company make losses,they did not send anyone home or put them on pay deductions, Mr Sharma said.

“There was a 66 percent loss of the supply of coconuts to the mill,” he said.

President Ratu Wiliame commended the company for its efforts.

“Coconut has been a source of food, protection, medicine, employment and income and many other positive traits for generations,” he said.

He encouraged the company to continue in their work so that the coconut industry can be successful again.

Copra was Fiji’s number one export product in the 1960s.

Feedback: laisa.kabulevu@fijisun.com.fj