Authentic Indian sweets is now available for customers in Labasa and Vanua Levu with the soft opening of the Bhikhabhai shop on Thursday.
It is located at the Damodar City complex in Labasa and will mark the company’s sixth outlet and its first northern division store.
Company’s sales and operations manager, Roseline Chand, said it was Labasa’s turn to get a taste of the products.
“We are coming into a new market, ” she said.
Ms Chand said they would use the first few weeks to gauge the business environment and customer preferences in Labasa.
“The making of milk-based Indian sweets are complimented by the use of premium New Zealand dairy products which distinguishes the taste from ordinary sweets in the market,” she clarified.
About Bhikhabhai
The Bhikhabhai family business is now over 95 years in existence with its headquarters located in Ba.
Five other outlets are located in Main Street Ba, RB JetPoint Centre in Nadi, Tappoo City Lautoka, Damodar City complex in Raiwaqa, Suva and the Damodar Plaza/Village 6 in the heart of the Central Business District (CBD) of Suva.
She felt confident in revealing that their Labasa outlet matched and was above the hygienic standards of food preparation.
Ms Chand said prices depended on the weight of the sweets and she believed quality cannot be compromised with low prices.
The sweets and savouries were daily prepared daily and no preservatives were added, giving it a natural taste of freshness.
“We are using authentic spices that were brought to Fiji from India by the owner’s great grandmothers,” she indicated.
Five locals from Labasa have been employed at the outlet on a full-time basis.
Ms Chand reiterated these staff had undergone six weeks of intense training in preparation and customer service skills at their shops in Viti Levu.
Company chief executive officer, Viraaj Kantilal Lad, said investment was just over $500,000.
Corporate clients from Labasa placed orders with outlets in Viti Levu which indicated a growing demand for their products.
“Especially during the festive periods, we have known customers from Labasa who call to place their orders for our products,” he mentioned.
Story By: Sampras Anand
Feedback: sampras.anand@fijisun.com.fj