Shipment of Local Products Picks Up

“Our target for this first export shipment was a minimum of 50 mats”

The first shipment of over $ 4000 worth of mats over the month of August is an economic boost to the weavers of Tovu and Ketei Villages in Totoya Island in Lau.

According to Loving Island founding director Litia Kirwin the total amount represents a 25 per cent increase on local market pricing.

Shipments of mats are generally received from producers on a fortnightly basis depending on the inter-island boat schedule with the assistance of the mata ni tikina (district representative).

The first shipment arranged by Freight Services Fiji Limited is expected to deliver its first export shipment of woven mats to Brisbane via Auckland on Saturday, September 26, 2020.

“Our target for this first export shipment was a minimum of 50 mats, whilst we reached this target we were not able to send all stock received due to some mats not passing our internal quality checks. However, we have been able to fill the additional cargo space with purchased stock from other local Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises ( MSME), which we will add to our online product range in Australia,” said Ms Kirwin.

Prior to COVID-19, Loving Islands shipped its products and mats to customers in New Zealand, United States of America or the United Kingdom on a monthly basis however the business remains hopeful its sales will slowly pick up.

Ms Kirwin said over the first weekend launching online presales for the inventory for shipment, the business has sold 10 mats or 25 per cent of its stock. Apart from mats, this first shipment will include other products such as organic cosmetics, as well as natural & sustainable products from other small-medium businesses such as Kula Palms, Pepe & Pepe Fiji, Bula Coffee.