Before dawn breaks over Suva, Mere Biucavu is already at work planning her daily menu. For Mrs. Biucavu, grocery shopping transcends a mere household task; it serves as the foundation of her flourishing food business that feeds both offices and families throughout the capital. Each day, she embarks on small shopping trips to replenish fresh ingredients, reserving her full grocery haul for the weekends when she can purchase bulk items and meat at lower prices.
Her go-to location is Tebara Supermarket in Vatuwaqa, where she expertly navigates the aisles, weighing price against quality. “I buy both local and imported products due to the price range,” she explains, noting how her strategic shopping allows her to keep meals affordable for her customers without sacrificing flavor or quality.
Mrs. Biucavu’s entrepreneurial journey is deeply rooted in her family history. Following the passing of her father, she took over the food business from her mother— a pivotal moment that only strengthened her resolve to preserve their family legacy. Initially, her mother baked cakes and pies to support the family while they were growing up, with the home-based food deliveries gradually expanding through word of mouth and her commitment to quality.
“My mum started this business; I remember when I was in class one. This continued until my dad retired, and I took over when I had my first child,” Mrs. Biucavu reminisces, attributing much of her success to the support of her mother, who stayed at home to care for her child during this transition.
Today, her clientele includes major companies such as Westpac, Bank of South Pacific, and The Fiji Times. What began as humble house-to-house deliveries has blossomed into a service that provides home-cooked meals to corporate lunchrooms and busy professionals eager for her daily offerings. In fact, they often eagerly await the question of when Mrs. Biucavu will arrive.
The variety in her services is crucial to her success. She crafts two different menus each day, ensuring customers have options and keeping their meal experience fresh. On Mondays, for instance, customers can choose from comforting chicken curry, fish lolo, or lamb stew—dishes that resonate with local flavors and are prepared with ingredients she meticulously selects.
Mrs. Biucavu runs this business alongside her twin sister and their mother, allowing for a collaborative effort in cooking, packing, and organizing deliveries. The income they earn not only supports their families but also empowers them to contribute to household needs.
The venture has also yielded personal rewards. Through her dedication and early mornings, Mrs. Biucavu has proudly purchased a car, which has significantly streamlined her delivery process and symbolizes the growth and success of her business.
Despite facing challenges such as rising food costs and long hours, she remains fervently passionate about her work. Cooking, she asserts, is not merely about meal preparation but a skill that has the power to change lives. “If your talent is cooking, you can make money from it. People eat every day. I encourage everyone to pursue it,” she states.
For Mrs. Biucavu, true success begins at the supermarket shelf, but it thrives on the pillars of consistency, family collaboration, and the understanding that good food will always find its market. Her inspiring story resonates with many, showcasing how determination, family support, and a passion for cooking can lead to a fulfilling and prosperous business.