The Speciality Coffee Association CEO Yannis Apostolopoulos,

ONA CEO Sasa Sestic,

ONA Coffee Fiji CEO, Maheer Prasad

My Liberica Owner, Jason Liew,

Maguta Estate Director, David Maguta,

Savage Coffees Owner, Jamison Savage,

Investment Fiji Chief Executive Officer, Kamal Chetty,

Invited Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Ni sa bula vinaka and a very good morning to you all.

Today marks a significant milestone for Fiji’s agriculture sector and our broader economic aspirations. This gathering is not merely to launch a new company, but to witness the beginning of a new chapter in Fiji’s agri-export journey — one that promises transformation, resilience, and opportunity.

The launch of ONA Coffee Fiji is more than a commercial venture. It is an investment in the future of our rural communities, our farmers, and the economic potential of our nation. It signals to the world that Fiji is ready to participate meaningfully in the global specialty coffee market — and to do so with excellence, equity, and sustainability.

ONA Coffee is a globally respected brand. Their success in Australia and across the world is built on ethical sourcing, quality production, and deep community engagement. They have demonstrated that great coffee starts on the farm, but its true value is unlocked through partnerships with local communities. The decision by ONA Coffee to plant its roots in Fiji, under the leadership of Sasa Sestic and Maheer Prasad, is a vote of confidence in our people and our potential.

Let us not forget — coffee is not new to Fiji. Wild coffee already grows in various parts of our country. The challenge before us is how we turn this underutilized resource into a structured, high-value industry that meets global standards while delivering benefits to local farmers and communities.

ONA Coffee Fiji’s model is exactly the kind of inclusive, future-focused initiative we want to promote. Their plan to work with around 30 farmers in Rakiraki — mapping wild coffee and purchasing bean sat fair prices — is just the beginning. Their goal to distribute one million high-quality seedlings over 500 acres, focusing on Arabica and Liberica varieties, is a long-term investment in the sector.

The establishment of processing facilities herein Rakiraki and other parts of Fiji will ensure quality control, add value to our exports, and generate employment. It will build technical capacity, ensure local participation across the value chain, and retain more wealth within our communities. The benefits — from consistent income during the growing phase to long-term returns as trees mature — are tangible and far-reaching.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

This initiative aligns perfectly with the Fijian Government’s broader economic strategy: to diversify exports, strengthen rural development, and promote private-sector-led growth.

In recent years, we have boosted high-value crops like kava, ginger, and turmeric. Now, specialty coffee represents the next frontier — one that combines global market potential with rural inclusivity.

We understand that for any industry to thrive, we must create an enabling environment. That’s why the Government, through the Ministry for Trade, Cooperatives, MSMEs and Communications, in partnership with Investment Fiji, has formed a multi-agency working group. This team is tasked with streamlining the investment process, ensuring regulatory clarity, and providing support to ventures like ONA Coffee Fiji.

We are also working closely with the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs, and landowning units to ensure land tenure security, community trust, and sustainable land use. We’ve already identified suitable farms to support ONA Coffee’s rollout, and our focus remains on building a system where both investors and local communities progress with clarity and confidence.

To further support this agenda, we’ve also established an Agriculture Business Taskforce — to assist those who wish to enter the agriculture space. This taskforce provides practical assistance, guidance, and fast-tracks opportunities for Fijians and foreign investors alike.

We are also undertaking a comprehensive review of legislation — with 2024 being declared the Year of Legislative Reform. This involves updating laws to reflect current realities, simplify compliance, and remove bureaucratic hurdles that discourage investment and innovation.

These reforms are part of a wider push to improve the ease of doing business in Fiji. Over the past year, we have simplified the process of starting a business, enhanced digital access to government services, and increased inter-agency coordination. We want Fiji to be a place where good ideas can take root quickly, and where entrepreneurs —local and international — feel supported at every step.

Through the Ministry of Immigration, we have streamlined the work permit process, particularly for those investing in priority sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and ICT. This ensures that key personnel can come in, contribute, and transfer skills without delay.

We are also investing in our digital future. The entry of Google and Starlink in 2024 marks a leap forward in digital connectivity, especially in rural and maritime regions. Improved connectivity will empower farmers, cooperatives, and small businesses to access markets, resources, and services in real-time.

At the grassroots level, we are expanding our support for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and Cooperatives. This includes grants, training, and business advisory services. The goal is simple —to equip our people to rise out of poverty through entrepreneurship, innovation, and self-reliance. The trickle-down effect of economic growth must reach every village, every household, and every farmer.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

All of this reflects a coordinated national effort to build an economy that is resilient, inclusive, and forward-looking. An economy that recognises the value of rural enterprise. One that prioritises sustainability, transparency, and trust.

To the farmers in Rakiraki and across Fiji: You are the backbone of this industry. With your knowledge, your land, and your hard work, we can grow a product that commands premium prices abroad and builds pride at home.

To ONA Coffee, your commitment to ethical sourcing and rural development is already winning hearts. We thank you for believing in Fiji.

To our international partners, we value your confidence in our country. Together, we will build an industry — and a reputation — for world-class coffee that is Fijian-grown, sustainably harvested, and globally respected.

Finally, to Mr. Yannis Apostolopoulos, Chief Executive Officer of the Specialty Coffee Association, your presence here today underscores the global interest in Fiji’s emerging coffee industry.

As a Government, we are not just here to facilitate. We are here to partner — with vision, with accountability, and with ambition.

Vinaka vakalevu. May this be the beginning of a fruitful journey — for ONA Coffee, for our farmers, and for Fiji.

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