Ashwin Export & Import Plans New Products

Ashwin Export & Import Company Ltd located in Namaka, Nadi, exports organic turmeric to the United States of America and New Zealand and ginger to New Zealand.

The company, according to Investment Fiji, recently developed a new product (organic turmeric powder) and will soon start exports of drumsticks/ moringa leaves with a few upcoming projects to be launched by mid 2022.

Background

In 1979, American businessman, Ashwin Khandhaliwala, left India for America when he was 23.

In 1984, the Gujarat-born established a grocery and spice line business, in Edison, New Jersey and continued his global tours in search of spices.

In his pursuit, Mr Khandhaliwala discovered Fiji in 2018, where he found what he described was the world’s best turmeric.

Turmeric powder.

The company now employs 23 locals at its processing facility in Namaka and has attained Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) and GMP certifications, both of which has allowed them to sell their organic produce to other markets internationally.

Mr Khandhaliwala said the pandemic impacted the company’s exports to the USA which dropped more than half the average amount.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, hit the company has diversified its product range to focus more on farming and cultivation of saijan (moringa) oil and locally made pickles added to its range of exported goods.

Mr Khandhaliwala works closely with up to 120 local farmers from multiple villages across the interiors of western Fiji.

Investment Fiji continues to assist the company with approval processes and connections to other markets.

Feedback: maraia.vula@fijisun.com.fj