IN NUMBERS

F$1m

is the cost of new machinery and general upgrade Food Processors Fiji Limited is investing into in the company’s bid to rebrand its food products.

Chairman of Food Processors Fiji Limited (FPFL), Raj Sharma has confirmed that the company would soon appoint a new general manager after the positon became vacant almost three years ago.

At the same time, the company was looking at re-branding its food products and investing around $1 million into new machinery and general upgrade of the company.

Acting GM Krupali Ben been in that position for close to three years after the former GM Brij Lal resigned. FPFL is a Government company under the Ministry of Economy and indirectly in liaison with the Ministry of Agriculture.

FPFL is one of Fiji’s leading and award winning manufacturers and local distributor and exporter of tomato sauce, chili sauce, coconut cream, frozen and canned local fruits, crops, vegetables and seafood.

“We are hoping that the new GM to begin by end of April,” Mr Sharma said.

“We are also looking at restructuring our balance sheets where we are looking at selling two properties that we have.

“We will, through this sale look at reducing our borrowing and re-focus on the future.”

“One of the properties that would be put up for sale is a commercial complex along Edinburgh Drive while the other is a vacant commercial lot in Savusavu.

“The plan is that whatever surplus proceeds we get from the sale of the properties will be put back into the company funds,”he said.

Mr Sharma said 30 percent of their food products was sold locally with a major push in increasing sales in the local market for canned tomatoes, palusami and other food items.

“We are also looking at increasing the company’s relationship with suppliers, especially those in the Tailevu areas who supply raw materials to us.

“We are also looking to increase dalo and cassava supplies.” Mr Sharma said no specific budgte has yet been allocated for the re-branding.