Fiji has officially entered the world of specialty coffee with the launch of ONA Coffee Fiji, a partnership expected to redefine rural agriculture and boost economic growth.

At a vibrant launch ceremony held at Duadua Beach Resort in Rakiraki, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Cooperatives, MSMEs and Communications, Manoa Kamikamica hailed the move as a milestone for Fiji’s agri-export ambitions.

“This is more than a commercial project,” Kamikamica said.

“It’s an investment in our people, our land, and our place on the global stage.”

ONA Coffee, an internationally recognised brand led by World Barista Champion Sasa Sestic, is partnering with local operator Maheer Prasad to transform Fiji’s coffee industry.

Their first project will support 30 farmers in Ra Province with one million seedlings across 500 acres of Arabica and Liberica coffee.

Processing hubs will be set up in Rakiraki and other regions, creating local jobs and keeping more of the economic value within Fiji.

Kamikamica highlighted that this initiative aligns with the government’s push to diversify exports, following successes in yaqona, ginger, and turmeric.

He also pointed to enhanced investment policies, updated immigration support, and improved connectivity from Starlink and Google as factors helping attract agricultural innovation.

“This is about dignity and opportunity,” he told the crowd, made up of farmers, officials, school students and investors.

“Our rural communities will drive this industry and benefit from it.”

With this launch, Fiji brews its place in the premium coffee market one bean at a time.