Ana Kalou bakes 55kg cake for Fiji Day celebration

The 2025 Fiji Day will be one to remember for pastry chef Ana Kalou, who baked a 55-kilogram cake for the celebration at the Sheraton Fiji Golf and Beach Resort in Nadi last Friday.

The resort hosted guests, staff, and students from Saint Thomas High School Band to commemorate Fiji’s 55th year of independence.

The celebration was officiated by Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro, who joined area general manager and vice-president Pacific Islands–Marriott, Neeraj Chadha, in cutting the cake.

About Ms Kalou

Ms Kalou, 30, from Tokou, Ovalau, joined Sheraton Fiji a few months ago as a pastry chef.

She was honoured to be entrusted with such an important task.

“I first learned baking from my mother and later refined my skills at Ratu Navula Vocational School,” Ms Kalou said.

She started her career at Hilton Fiji Beach Resort in the housekeeping department before transferring to the pastry section.

“October 10 was my boss’s last day at work, and he asked me to bake the best Fiji Day cake as a memory of his leadership,” she said.

“It’s the biggest cake I’ve ever made, and with the help of two colleagues, it became an unforgettable experience.”

She credited motivation, talent, and teamwork for making the achievement possible.

Sheraton Fiji Golf and Beach Resort pastry chef Ana Kalou.

Mereleki Nai

Minister for Education’s remarks

Mr Radrodro said he was proud that tourism in Fiji was more than just an industry.

“It is a story Fiji can tell the world every day — a story of warmth, welcome, and connection,” he said.

“Events like these, hosted in world-class resorts such as Sheraton, show how tourism and culture come together to create unforgettable experiences for both visitors and our local communities.”

He added that Fiji Day was a reminder that the nation’s true strength lay not only in its islands but in its people — the families, workers, artisans, and every Fijian who contributed to the nation’s shared success.

Mr Radrodro also congratulated Sheraton Fiji’s award-winning culinary team, who recently returned from the Global Challenge in the Pacific Islands, held in Australia, where they emerged victorious.