Page 36 - Fiji Traveller 7

Kalounisiga says business development and sustainability is
an important part of the ROC Market experience.
“It's not just about setting up a stall and selling. We help and
offer advice. And we have joined hands with Westpac on several
occasions to do microfinance training.
“So vendors learn about the value of budgeting, price points,
where to place themselves in the market. A lot of my work on the
back end is helping people to develop brands. So, you know,
rather than just coming and putting some things on the table and
selling it, we show them the value behind creating a brand and
what that brand can do for Fiji and for their business.”
She continues: “It's a whole learning process on financing,
marketing, labelling, packaging, we try really hard to be eco-
friendly. For all our food vendors, all their packaging has to be
eco-friendly because we want to do our part for Fiji, and we try to
minimise as much as we can on plastics. We don't have plastics
unless they are stamped as biodegradable.”
In the future, Kalounisiga would like to see the expansion of
their online marketplace - Fiji Community Market - which first
launched during Covid with the support of an Asia Foundation
grant.
In the long term, she would love a purely handmade or locally
produce market, although she acknowledges this may take
several years. Aroma Kitchen's Felichya Kayes
Kalounisiga would love to see more young people participate
as vendors at the market, saying the school system does not
encourage a lot of entrepreneurship or creativity. Tips for first-timers to the ROC Market
“And there’s proven history there that people can make a
good income out of doing something that they believe in and • Bring a bag: you may think you’re just going to
something that they're passionate about. So, it'd be really nice browse but chances are you will leave with some
to have some school leavers or students that have a great idea treasure.
and want to showcase that and see how it goes, and the ROC • Bring a hat and fan, and wear sunscreen: it
[Market] is the perfect platform for them to do so.” can get hot.
She concludes: “I absolutely love the market. I love managing • Stay hydrated: there are lots of vendors offering
the market. I'm so grateful for the opportunity to have been creative juice and iced tea combinations and
able to do this because through it, I've got to meet some really fresh flavoured iceblocks, or simply grab a bu
amazing creatives. (green coconut).
“I've also learned about what we can do collectively to help • Circumnavigate the market before committing
on so many things like waste reduction, and there's so many to your purchase - there is lots of choice.
awareness programs that have come through the market.” • Plan to have lunch at the market: you’re
spoilt for culinary options and there is seating
The Gold FM ROC Market is on the third Sunday of each in the Dolphin’s complex or under the trees at
month from 9am-3pm government buildings.
Loftus, Carnarvon and Thurston Streets • Cash is convenient, although some vendors are
ROC Market - Fiji using digital wallets. There are several ATMs
nearby.

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