Beatrice Nast gives a token of appreciation to Minister for Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport Faiyaz Koya during the soft launch of the Fiji’s First Goat Milk soap in Martintar Nadi. Picture: REINAL CHAND[/caption]

About Beatrice Nast
“I have known Beatrice for a number of years and her passion for the development of grassroots community – especially women, shows her outstanding leadership qualities in her domain.”

“After months of heavy heartedness, we are – within this closely connected community, celebrating the success of a woman who is creating opportunities for other women.”

“So I thank you Beatrice for being an accurate representation of an empowered woman, empowering other women.”

“This is the time to look for opportunities. Opportunities that can fill untapped markets and demands.”

“I am thankful to Beatrice and her team for embarking upon ‘MESOVU’.”

“I am told, consumer preferences remain preferred towards natural and organic products – which is well-timed to today’s release of ‘MESOVU’ – a product which will retail in souvenir shops and be without match in high end resorts as an alternative to coconut soaps.”

Independently championed by Beatrice, ‘MESOVU’ will employ two soap makers in January next year and is supplied goat milk from three farms, which will extend to five farms to ensure guaranteed supply of goat milk – to meet growing demands.

The goat milk sourced for ‘MESOVU’ will engage local goat farmers and virgin coconut oil producers as main suppliers.

This will mean keeping Fijian communities employed and given the opportunity to generate income and safeguard an important niche resource.

Mr Koya noted that they looked forward to welcoming ‘MESOVU’ to the Fijian Made – Buy Fijian Campaign to join others that have given the Fijian brand exposure domestically and internationally.

“Through the campaign, the Ministry continues to promote Fijian products and services in the domestic, regional and international markets.”

The Campaign has reached new heights, Mr Koya highlighted.

“We have positioned ourselves to compete in the global market on quality, standards and international best practices, so Beatrice and team cannot wait for ‘MESOVU’ to be a part of the Fijian Made family.

“This is an excellent time for Fijian companies to recover, revive and reawaken their commitment towards creating new products.”

“Products our visitors can take back when they leave our shores – that enhance the Fijian Made brand and what it represents.”

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Beatrice and the MESOVU team for having confidence in Fiji and our people.”

“I’d particularly like to acknowledge your continued desire and resourcefulness.”

“I’m certain this gives confidence to other Fijian businesses to persevere with their research and development and introduce inventive and innovative products.”

“I strongly encourage other businesses to continue growing their businesses and maintain the Fijian brand recognition – something we’re truly proud of.”

“This is the time not only to produce more locally, but to buy locally.”

“In addition, I would like to encourage goat farmers to consider goat milk production as an alternative source of income to support their livelihood,” Minister Koya said.

Ms Nast said: “A lady friend of mine was making soap from goat milk in America so when she visited Fiji she talked about it.”

It was always in the back of her head to make soap from goat milk since Fiji has so many goats. She intends to grow in this new venture.