With its canned Lomaiviti Special product, the Pacific Fishing Company is looking to introduce a Fiji delicacy to new consumers around the world.
“This is albacore flakes, and we have put them in coconut cream,” Pacific Fishing Company CEO Saiyad Raiyum told SeafoodSource at Seafood Expo Asia, taking place 10 to 12 September in Singapore. “It’s probably unheard of with tuna, but this is something that is eaten almost on a daily basis in Fiji; that’s something we want to share with the world.”
The Levuka Town, Ovalau, Fiji-based cannery offers a variety of tuna products, but the Lomaiviti Special is unique, according to Raiyum.
“The coconut cream gives you a different taste and texture to the whole thing,” he said. “The albacore blends in perfectly, and it’s got a smooth taste as well. Then, it’s got a pleasant aftertaste.”
According to Raiyum, the delicacy is normally eaten with root crops, like taro or cassava, in Fiji, but it also works well with bread or salad. Due to the coconut cream, the product also boasts a high level of protein.
“This is for anybody and everybody who loves to have a salad, loves to have a snack, and use tuna every day,” Raiyum said. “There is no rival for this product. I’ve done my research around the world, and I haven’t seen anyone put anything in coconut cream purely, so this is something that stands out from the rest.”
Raiyum said the Lomaiviti Special was introduced in Fiji last year, but now, the company is looking to expand to other countries in the region.
The company also just introduced a new product: wahoo chunks in a can.
“This is a delicacy in the South Pacific, especially in our neighboring countries, Tonga, Samoa, etc.” Raiyum said.
