Jessica Gounder
Auckland, August 2, 2024
Daily Good Immunity Shots are formulated with natural, organic produce and high-quality, nutritious ingredients
(Photo Supplied by Fiji Trade Commission)
Jessica Gounder
Auckland, August 2, 2024
The Auckland Food Show 2024 was a major success for the Fiji Booth with thousands of Fijians, Pacific Islanders and Kiwis loving and appreciating the taste of Fiji.
People came up to the Fiji Booth and acknowledged the Fiji Trade Commission and Investment Fiji team for getting the taste and delicacies of Fiji to Auckland.
Aztec Farms Director Ellen LaPorte had great interaction with people visiting her counter to taste and purchase a variety of herbal teas and Fiji-made chocolates.
“We are very pleased with the feedback we have received about our products. Many customers are surprised that Fiji companies are making such premium quality products.
Our products are all natural; herbal tea, spices and chocolate. We observed that our products appeal to both young and mature people who are health conscious,” she said and added that many visitors were aware of the health benefits of turmeric and moringa.
“Many others were lured by the strong natural flavours of our teas,” Ms LaPorte said.
According to her, many visitors loved the dark chocolate with cardamom, which is healthy.
“Where can we purchase these products in New Zealand?” visitors asked.
“This is an exceptional compliment for us as it motivates us to find a New Zealand distributor who understands our products and our customer market,” she said.
Fiji Fire Directors Sam Campbell and Gauthier Mescam had a lot of traction at their counter as people had heard their hot sauce on New Zealand’s Hit Radio and were eager to taste it. During the two days, they received many inquiries.
Visitors were surprised that Fiji is home to high-quality coffee as well (Photo Supplied by Fiji Trade Commission)
A platform for interaction
“The Auckland Food Show has given us a platform to interact with our target audience and demographic. Brooke Fine Foods is our New Zealand distributor and has rolled us out at Bin Inn Supermarkets. Our rollout will continue throughout August,” Mr Campbell said.
FMF Foods Ltd Group Export Manager Rakesh Raju acknowledged the Fiji Trade Commission to Australia & New Zealand and Investment Fiji for providing them with a platform to engage with Kiwis and receive feedback on their new products.
“One of the benefits of attending this show was that we were able to interact with consumers and get their feedback about our products. This has increased our brand awareness in the New Zealand market,” he said.
Similar gratitude was expressed by the Bula Coffee team.
Visitors were pleasantly surprised that such high-quality coffee beans were grown and harvested in Fiji.
“Even with the generous sponsorship from the Fiji Trade Commission and Investment Fiji, it is still a considerable financial investment for our business and although we will not see this in profits during this show – we anticipate that the advertising and networks made during the week will pay us back in the long run,” Representative Sikeli Bola said.
He said that his company had positive feedback from people attending the Show.
Surprising Coffee!
“We hope to grow our contact and expand the business. We are excited to meet people in the marketing sector who can potentially help us to reach more coffee (and Fiji) lovers around the world,” he said.
PanPac Distributors Ltd is a subsidiary of C J Patel Pte Ltd, a distributor of Fiji’s leading brands such as Jasons Bongo, Skipper Tuna, Angel Gold Mackerel, Rewa Fun Flavour, Sugars of Fiji, Fiji Beers, bounty Rum and Pops drinks.
“Some of these brands are available through major retail chain stores such as Pak N Save, New World and Woolworths,” General Manager Rajiv Prasad said.
Daily Goods received an encouraging public response for their immunity shots purchased from major supermarkets. The benefits of turmeric and ginger in tea or other beverages were also highlighted at the Show.
Jessica Gounder is the Trade and Marketing Officer at the office of the Fiji Trade Commission of Australia and New Zealand based in Auckland.
