FarmBoy and Rhumba Bring Fresh Produce to Denarau
Aleading exporter and importer, FarmBoy, have increased their presence in the Nadi area with a decentralised market at Denarau, which will be open on Wednesdays.
Situated just outside Rhum-Ba, at Port Denarau, the owners of FarmBoy realised the shortage of fresh vegetable and fruits for residents on Denarau Island and yachties berthed at the marina.
Second week
Managing director Kamlesh Prasad said this was their second week at Port Denarau and this has been appreciated by the people who live on the island and the yachties.
“We found that with most of the places closed and less vegetables in the market, we decided to come to Denarau so that those living here do not venture into town.
“In this way we are helping Government by having less people being in one place.
“We do home deliveries for anyone in Nadi up to Naisoso and people can order and we will deliver,” Mr Prasad said.
Past Wednesday, as soon as the market opened, people started arriving to do their marketing.
The move was supported by Denarau Corporation Limited and Rhum-Ba, where the market has been set up.
Denarau Island residents Renae Scown and Courtney Rhodes hailed the move initiated by Rhum-Ba saying it was more convenient and saved them getting into a crowded market in town.
“I appreciate this move and it’s so convenient for me as I have my two children with me while my husband (Chris) is away at work on Vomo Island Resort,” Mrs Scown said.
“I don’t want the children to be where a lot of people are so this is just great,” she added.
Mrs Rhodes said she ventured into town after a week and was shocked at the congestion of people.
“I’d rather just stay on Denarau and really appreciate this market which has been set up here.
“I just could not handle the crowd in Nadi town so I’d rather do my marketing here and the vegetables and fruits are fresh.”
Rhum-Ba director Susan Skeggs said the move to have FarmBoy set up just outside their premises was because they wanted the residents to have fresh fruit and vegetables at their doorstep rather than go into town.
“Also some of the residents and especially the yachties do not have transport so it it is convenient for them,” she said.