Akbar Praises Essence of Fiji’s ‘Extraordinary’ Business Venture
The Minister for Health and Medical Services, Rosy Akbar praised Essence of Fiji in Nadi for their ‘extraordinary’ business’ venture into making organic skin and food products out of Nama (sea grapes).
Essence of Fiji specialises in spa training, spa operations, product manufacturing and the Essence of Fiji Rejuvenation Centre, a high end transit lounge catering to Fiji travellers..
While speaking at the launching of the Nama Fusion products at the Essence of Fiji Rejuvenation Centre on Tuesday, she added the initiative had come at a right time when the ministry is raising awareness on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).
The latest Nama Fusion products are chocolates, detox tea bags, salt and flakes, which were all made out of Nama.
“As you all know that 80 per cent of Fiji’s population is affected by NCDs, this is all due to unhealthy lifestyles.
Ms Akbar said we need to “change our lifestyles, eat more healthy food and exercise so we get none NCDs.”
“This business initiative is in line with the ministry’s work on promoting healthy eating habits, these are all health products and supplementary food items,” she said. Essence of Fiji in 2016 launched their Namasé Skin and Healthy which are available within the Senikai Spas, a local chain of spas with 20 years of experience in Fiji’s tourism industry.
Ms Akbar said that Essence of Fiji had taken Fijian made products to another level and its promotion internationally.
“The idea to make something out of Nama, the heavenly food is amazing, we as Fijians should be proud of this, as it is one of the best ways to promote healthy organic products,” she said.
Essence of Fiji will work closely with the women of various villages in the Yasawa on the supply of Nama.
Ms Akbar said it was a good way of complementing the work of their ministry and also empowers women in the Yasawas.
She added NCDs are sometimes salt related issues so with the new Nama Fusion Products it would also help people to cut down on their salt intake.
The essence of Fiji Group Director, Debra Sadranu said plans are also underway to release a cookery book to act as a guide where people can see different ways to make Nama dishes.
She added that the initiatives were all about social responsibility, health and wellness of the people.