Kava exporter from Labasa

from Fijilive
Award brings joy to Labasa couple
November 27, 2011 04:42:01 PMA+ A-|||
A Labasa couple was among the big winners at the Prime Minister’s Exporter of the Year Awards in Nadi last night. Nelesh Kamal and his wife Lalita Wati won the Medium Exporter of the Year Award. The couple operating as Nelesh Kamal Company in Siberia, Labasa exports around 1 container Kava every 2-3 months.

Specialising in the export of Kava chips, Pounded kava and Kava roots to New Zealand and United States of America, the two-year-old business has come a long way. For Nelesh the award which is an honor came as a surprise as he was not expecting to win.

“I wasn’t really expecting to win but this award is truly a motivation to both me and my wife to strive for better things in future,” he said.

The 35-year-old who has no business training is thankful to Investment Fiji for its support and cooperation. “I completed high school education at All Saints College and moved straight into business without much training but the support and assistance I have been gaining from Investment Fiji has really made me and my business grow.”

“I operate from home with two labourers at the moment but have plans of expanding my business and employing more people in the near future,” he added.

Meanwhile, Biscuits Fiji Limited walked away with the Prime Minister’s Exporter of the Year Award while Tropik Wood Industries Limited won the Large Exporter of the Year and the Small Exporter of the Year award went to Standss South Pacific Limited.