Develos Australia and FMF strengthen partnership to uplift Fiji’s baking standards

Develos Australia, part of a leading European food company, has reaffirmed its partnership with Fiji’s baking industry through a show and tell event, highlighting high-quality bakery products and sharing international expertise.

Bakery Account Manager – Export Food Ross Young, who has over 40 years of experience, says the company’s focus is not on price but on quality, helping local bakers achieve world class standards.

During the presentation, Young introduced several new products, including sausage rolls, red velvet cakes, fudge brownies, and the company’s popular cake, a 100 percent sponge-based cake ideal for tortes and gateaux.

He adds that the company also showcased two Australian bread concentrates, a 6 percent wholemeal and an 8 percent multigrain blend, both designed to make production more economical and efficient for local bakers.

Young emphasized the importance of ongoing collaboration with FMF and local partners, saying they are committed to improving the industry and supporting Fiji’s growth.

Meanwhile, FMF, the country’s largest flour supplier, launched a two-day training program aimed at enhancing the skills of pastry chefs and bakers across Fiji.

FMF Baking Specialist Sachin Kumar says this marks another step in the company’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the local baking industry.

With over 20 years at FMF, Kumar says the training introduces new products and baking techniques developed in collaboration with FMF’s Australian partners.

He adds that the company wants Fijian bakers to be well-versed in these innovations and understand how to use them effectively.

Kumar says FMF is responding to a growing shortage of skilled bakers by offering hands-on training designed to improve product quality and productivity.

The current training covers pastry chefs and bakers from the Central Division and will extend to the Western Division later this week.

He highlights that FMF has also planned specialized sessions for airlines, hotels, and bakeries, ensuring broad coverage across the hospitality industry.

He says it’s about giving local bakers full knowledge of what’s available globally and ensuring they maintain world-class quality here at home.

FMF’s ongoing efforts highlight its dual focus on product innovation and community development, reinforcing its role as a key driver in Fiji’s baking sector.