Young Sigatoka Entrepreneur Takes Fiji Produce to Global Markets

A young family-run agricultural business in Bilalevu, Sigatoka, is expanding Fiji’s presence in overseas markets while creating new opportunities for farmers across Viti Levu.

At 31, Vinesh Varun Sharma, director of Vinesh Export, has built an export business connecting farmers from Sigatoka, the Western Corridor and Central Viti Levu with buyers in New Zealand and Japan.

Established in 2023, the business began with two acres of freehold land. Working alongside his wife, Vandhana, Sharma has since developed a growing operation sourcing a wide range of agricultural commodities from local farmers.

Products exported to New Zealand include eggplant, pawpaw, okra, curry leaves, long beans, cowpeas, drumstick, cluster beans, red fire chillies, amaranthus, turmeric, ginger, cassava, mango, dry coconuts and dalo.

Pearl guava is exported to Japan.

The company recorded significant growth between 2024 and 2025. In 2024, it exported 43,560 kilograms of produce, generating $348,480 in revenue.

By 2025, export volumes had increased to 81,100 kilograms, with revenue rising to $648,800.

Sharma attributes the growth to careful record-keeping, reinvestment and strong relationships with local farmers and overseas buyers.

Support from the Ministry of Agriculture’s Commercial Agriculture Development Programme (CADP) has also helped the business expand.

Through the programme, Vinesh Export received a packhouse and cooler valued at $87,398, allowing the company to handle larger volumes while improving produce quality and storage.

Before receiving the facility, Sharma and his wife used their garage as a makeshift packhouse as they worked to establish the business.

The company now employs five full-time workers and around 10 casual workers, providing employment opportunities in Bilalevu, Waicoba and surrounding communities.

Vinesh Export also purchases produce directly from farmers, with collections carried out on Thursdays and Saturdays.

Principal Agriculture Officer (West) Solomoni Naisau has acknowledged the company’s contribution to farmers and its growing role in the agricultural economy.

Despite its expansion, logistics remain a challenge. The company currently operates with a single three-tonne truck to transport produce to the airport, sometimes requiring two trips when demand is high.

The business also faces the challenge of maintaining strict quality standards, with produce rejected when it fails to meet export requirements.

Sharma and Vandhana say maintaining quality is essential to protecting relationships with international buyers and strengthening confidence in Fiji’s agricultural exports.

From a garage converted into a temporary packhouse to a modern export facility, Vinesh Export’s growth demonstrates the potential for young entrepreneurs to build commercially successful agricultural businesses while creating opportunities for local farmers.

The family now hopes to further expand its operations and reach more international markets, with the long-term goal of building a sustainable business that benefits farmers, creates employment and showcases Fiji’s agricultural products to the world.