Pickering Family Boosts Their Homemade Peanut Butter In Fiji

The Pickering family’s famous peanut butter business began three years ago.

Their journey of creating and operating Island Style Coconut Peanut Butter (Fiji) started when they were visiting their family in Fiji and were on the hunt for a natural, wholesome peanut butter.

Company business director, Gary Pickering said they struggled to find anything suitable so they made their own peanut butter.

“You could say we’re nuts about peanuts. We’re also crazy about coconuts and passionate about people,” he said.

“Our combination of roasted peanuts – purchased from a roadside stall – and a hint of the delicious coconut oil Fiji is known for, made for a delicious treat. We couldn’t get enough of it.

“We headed back to New Zealand but took our new-found recipe with us and continued to create our coconut peanut butter to enjoy at home – and to share with friends and family.”

Mr Pickering said it turned out that other people loved the unique taste of their homemade peanut butter just as much as they did.

“So, we started selling it at markets and, eventually, in a few local supermarkets and cafes,” he added.

“Fast forward to 2020 and, just like countless families worldwide, the pandemic changed the course of our lives. We decided this was the perfect time to return to Gary’s homeland: Fiji.

Minister for Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport, Faiyaz Koya (left) congratulating the owners of Island Style Coconut Peanut Butter Fiji, Gary Pickering and Heather Pickering for joining the Fijian Made family.

“Hi Oleic peanuts have around 30 per cent more mono unsaturated fats than regular peanuts, similar to avocados and olive oil.

He also said they used Fijian seal salt, Fijian coconut chips and Fijian dark chocolate made by Fijiana Cocoa.

“Our small factory is in the beautiful Wailoaloa beach area of Nadi,” he said.

Interestingly, Mr Pickering is Labasa Born and has lived in Suva until the age of 7, before his family moved to Auckland in New Zealand.

“My wife Heather is Australian, born in Brisbane. We have two boys George, 7and Louie, 5. We moved to Fiji in March of 2020 to start our business.

“I had always wanted to return to Fiji so when, due to COVID-19, I was made redundant form a 20-year career at Air NZ, it seemed like the right time.”

He said he was very grateful to local Fijians supporting their product.

“We are also selling to visitors to Fiji through retail out lets as well as through hotel menus. Our next step is to enter the export market,” Mr Pickering said.

“Our product is available in selected Fresh Choice, Extra, True Mart and New World Supermarkets. It is also available in selected Jacks stores in the West.”

Mr Pickering said they were proud to receive the Fijian Made certification and be showcased along with other Fijian companies.

“It is a great way to promote Fiji and show the potential of what can be achieved here. At this stage we produce the three varieties of peanut Butter Smooth, Crunchy and Choc,” he said.

The Pickering family’s inspiration was that they loved natural peanut butter and wanted to make Fiji’s first All Natural Premium Peanut Butter that Fiji can be proud of.