Before the sun rises over Suva, Mere Biucavu is already planning her menu for the day.
For Mrs Biucavu, shopping is not just a household chore, it is the backbone of a thriving food business that feeds offices and families across the capital. Every day, she does small shopping trips to top up fresh ingredients, while her full grocery run is usually reserved for the weekends.
That’s when she carefully selects bulk items and buys most of her meat, taking advantage of lower prices.
Her preferred stop is Tebara Supermarket at Vatuwaqa, where she moves swiftly through the aisles, comparing prices and balancing quality with affordability.
“I buy both local and imported products due to the price range,” she says, explaining how smart shopping keeps her meals affordable for customers while still maintaining taste and quality.
Mrs Biucavu’s business story is rooted in family. She took over the food venture from her mother after her father passed away, a turning point that strengthened her resolve to keep the enterprise alive. What began as simple house to house food deliveries slowly grew through word of mouth and consistent quality.
“My mum started this business; I remember when I was in class one my mum baked cakes and pies to help my dad financially
“This kept going until my dad retired and I took over when I had my first baby, my mum stayed home and looked after my child that is when I took over the business.”
Today, her customer list includes major companies such as Westpac, Bank of South Pacific and The Fiji Times. From humble beginnings, her home-cooked meals now reach corporate lunchrooms and busy professionals who look forward to her daily offerings. And the daily question they always ask is, when is Mrs Biucavu will arrive.
Variety is key to her success. She prepares two different menus every day, giving customers options and keeping things exciting.
Mondays might feature chicken curry, fish lolo or lamb stew, comforting meals that reflect local tastes. Each dish is prepared with care, using ingredients she has personally selected during her shopping rounds.
Behind the scenes, it is truly a family affair. Mrs Biucavu runs the business alongside her twin sister and their mother. Together, they cook, pack and organise deliveries, ensuring everything runs smoothly. The income they earn supports their households and helps their husbands meet daily family needs.
The business has also brought personal rewards. Through years of dedication and early mornings, Mrs Biucavu was able to purchase a car — something she considers one of her proudest achievements. It not only makes deliveries easier but stands as a symbol of how far the business has come.
Despite the challenges of rising food costs and long working hours, she remains passionate about what she does. Cooking, she believes, is more than just preparing meals, it is a skill that can transform lives.
“If your talent is cooking, you can make money through it
“People eat every day. I encourage everyone to do it and go for it.”
For Mrs Biucavu, success begins at the supermarket shelf but is built on consistency, family unity and the simple truth that good food will always find a market.
