Island business blends tourism with healthy organic products

A small organic business in Naqara attracts tourists while promoting healthy, locally produced food products.

Naomi Tadulala, who manages the shop Yanuyanu PTE Limited, said the business is run by an Italian and German couple.

The shop is the only business in Naqara and sells organic products including ice cream, dried fruits, turmeric juice, virgin coconut oil, roasted cocoa leaves, Fiji sea salt products and natural soap.

Ms Tadulala said the business had been operating on Taveuni for more than five years and produces organic ice cream.

In 2006, Robert Glowatzki visited Taveuni and later settled in Matei after falling in love with the island lifestyle. In 2016, he and his wife, Lucilla Chiericati, established Yanuyanu PTE Limited.

The business operates as an organic farm and food production company, aiming to combat non-communicable diseases (NCDs) by providing healthy, locally sourced alternatives.

Using the fertile soil of the “Garden Island”, they grow crops such as ginger, turmeric, cocoa and tropical fruits, which are processed into products including organic ice cream, chocolates, ginger tonic and health-focused powders and juices.

Ms Tadulala said the factory was based in Matei and produced herbal medicine and organic products.

“Many tourists come and buy our products from the store. We have been seeing plenty of tourists and getting good sales,” she said.

She said the business had previously been slow but remained hopeful for improvement.

“I started working here this year and it has been an amazing experience, from selling organic products on shelves to serving tourists,” Ms Tadulala said.