Deep in the heart of Fiji’s Garden Island, where volcanic minerals have nourished life for millennia, a movement has taken root. Gaiatree Sanctuary and Elevate Edible Flowers & Microgreens are more than a jungle farm — they’re reshaping Fiji’s culinary landscape. Through sustainability, innovation, and storytelling, this dynamic enterprise has evolved from a bold new idea into an award-winning force in food tourism in Fiji.
The journey begins: Building a food paradise
IN 2010, Matthew and Natasha arrived on Taveuni with a dream — to create an organic sanctuary focused on sustainable farming. From the island’s hilltops, they built cyclone-proof monolithic domes and planted a diverse food forest with over 400 varieties of fruit, spices, herbs, and edible plants. Their struggle to find fresh greens in those early years led to the dream of growing micro herb salads, now available year-round. After six long years of dedicated research and trials, they successfully launched Fiji’s first locally grown, Edible Flowers & Microgreens for professional kitchens.
From farm to five-star: The evolution of “elevate”
Elevate was born out of necessity and creativity. Fiji’s culinary scene lacked a consistent, local supplier of edible flowers & microgreens. Elevate stepped in, not just as a premium supplier but as a cultivator of vibrant high-impact ingredients to top chefs and mixologists. Originally focused on edible flowers, Elevate expanded into nutrient-dense microgreens, offering bold flavours and stunning visual appeal. Today, these greens enhance everything from fine dining to cocktails and comfort food.
The late chef Lance Seeto was among the first to embrace Elevate’s mission, incorporating its ingredients into menus at Malamala Beach Club and KANU Nadi. Elevate now supplies leading resorts and restaurants across Fiji, setting a new standard for ingredient quality and presentation.
The chefs who create, the soil that sustains
Behind Elevate’s success are visionary chefs crafting edible art and the rich volcanic soil of Taveuni, which provides unmatched nutrient density to the resulting greens. With a team comprising 95 per cent women, Elevate ensures each microgreen and flower petal is expertly farmed, harvested, and packed with precision and care.
Sustainability and innovation: A commitment to the future
Elevate goes beyond farming — it educates and inspires. Through social media, it shares with local chefs and mixologists the “Art of plating”, emphasising minimal waste and intentional presentation.
The company practices zero-waste farming, growing only what is needed each week to maintain freshness and sustainability. Its commitment to eco-friendly solutions extends to 100 per cent plant-based bio-plastic packaging, with ongoing advocacy for sustainable policies and duty concessions small businesses focused on plastic reduction in Fiji.
A defining moment: The FETA awards and acknowledgements
In recognition of its impact, “Elevate” won gold in the Tourism support category at the 2024 ANZ Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards.
This accolade celebrates Elevate’s contributions to sustainability, food tourism, and enhancing Fiji’s reputation as a world-class dining destination. Team Elevate extended gratitude to the FETA Board, judges, sponsors, and fellow industry innovators who continue to make Fiji shine on the global stage.
What’s next?
The 2025 “Elevate” catalogue will introduce a game-changing Baby Herb Salad Mix, designed to bring bold flavour and enhanced nutrition to restore dining. Elevate remains committed to keeping Fiji’s local food systems thriving, delicious, and beautiful.
Final words
From a single seed on Taveuni to Fiji’s premier supplier of Edible Flowers & Microgreens, “Elevate” is shaping the future of food. This journey isn’t only about garnishes, it’s about transforming an industry, one plate, one ingredient, and one idea at a time. Matthew and Natasha are proud to be part of Fiji’s evolving culinary story, ensuring a bright, flavourful, and sustainable future.
Disclaimer:
Not all flowers are edible, some in Fiji are toxic. Culinary flowers must be organic and free from chemical sprays. Chefs and mixologists rely on expert organic growers like Elevate to ensure safety and quality.
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n AVANEESH RAMAN is the content curator of blog The A Connection – https:://theaconnection.blogspot.com/. The views expressed in this article are his and is not necessarily shared by this newspaper.
Creative plating to complement the flavours. Pictures: SUPPLIED
Perfect for fine dining to cocktails and comfort food.
Visionary chefs crafting edible art. Picture: SUPPLIED
