EDITION 2 : 2018 We celebrate over 80 years of serving the people of Fiji and the Pacific.

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The early part of the year saw the entire team Punjas honoring women and celebrating their contributions to the workforce. Women at all sites including island branches were treated to refreshments and were acknowledged by members of the management team with the directors in attendance as well. To commemorate the International Women’s Day 2018, all the ladies were donned in purple for the day. Press for Progress is the 2018 theme for International Women’s Day , encouraging effective action for advancing and recognizing women. Some inspiring words to all the women out there:

You can do almost anything you put your mind to … You can swim the deepest ocean and climb the highest peak … Be a doctor or fly a plane, lead a nation, become a CEO You can face adversity and still walk tall. You are strong, smart compassionate and much more than words could ever say!

World Day For Health & Safety At Work

Sites across the Punjas Group observed the International Day of Safety and Health from 26-28 April. This was the 4th consecutive year the event was observed. Safety Awards were also presented to the following sites for having zero injuries in 2017 and for overall safe practices. Congratulations to the following sites for bagging this year’s safety awards: Punjas Distribution Centre Punja & Sons (Spices)Limited Universal Printing Press Limited And team Combined Manufacturers Limited for being the most improved safe site. The entire team did an awesome job of The Spice Team are all smiles as they receive Their safety Award bringing down their number of injuries from 11 to 2!

Well done CML, keep up your safety efforts! This year’s theme focused on Improving the Safety and Health of Young Workers Going Green, Keeping The Environment Clean & Pristine

Every other Saturday, a team of dedicated volunteers, mainly from the Punjas Distribution Centre head off to the Saweni Beach after clocking off. They arrive at the beach with empty bags and put on their gloves and start their routine of walking from one end to the beach to another, ---collecting plastic bottles, cans, glass, wrappers and other refuse that spoil and damage the natural beauty of the area. Some of the team join in trimming bushes and general weeding. Towards the end of the cleanup, the rubbish is collected in bags and transported to the rubbish dump by our trucks. Almanah Hope Centre One of the charities the Punjas Charity other initiatives. Dorinda Work on phone 679 9248329 or Trust actively supports is the Almanah This is achieved through training in the Founder Pastor Raymond Moti on phone Hope Centre. Almanah, which is the areas of Personal Development, Health 679 8665231. They can also be reached on Hebrew word for widow, gives an & Food Safety, Micro Business Facebook at Almanah Hope Centre. indication as to who the main Development, Financial Literacy and beneficiaries of the organization would Basic Business Skills. be. One of the key objectives of the Punjas has been associated with this Almanah Hope Centre’s is to: initiative since inception and continues • Empower disadvantaged widows to to be the major sponsor to date. realize their full potential and purpose Those wishing to assist may contact the in life through training, mentoring and Director –Almanah Hope Centre-Mrs.

Almanah Hope Centre Founders Trainees From Fat to Fab with Company Reps and Assistant Misnister for From Fat to Fab Women Veena Bhatnagar at their launch He went to fit to flab and then back to fit. It goes without saying that gaining weight is effortless(and fun). Indeed, no one counts the pounds when they are having fun and enjoying the finer things in life. Meet Mr. Moshin Ali, Assistant Group Internal Audit Manager, who lost a total of 30kg in a span of 8 weeks only! ‘I had to put myself through a strict diet plan for 8 weeks, this meant no junk food or snacks or fizzy ’, says Moshin.

He said his diet consisted mainly of soups, particularly chicken soup with Kumala and uncooked tuna. For breakfast he had Weetbix and a cup of Before green and lunch mainly consisted of a whole meal sandwich and fruits. Moshin also spent 30 minutes every lunch hour working out in the gym before heading back to work. Moshin’s advice for healthy living and especially those wishing to lose weight are to “ eat healthy, homemade food is not only cheap but nutritious, avoid junk food and exercise often to keep the weight off.” Thank you Moshin for sharing your weight loss wisdom with us. To all those wanting to shed some extra kilos, it is never too late to start a healthy lifestyle. Every little change counts towards a fitter you!

After Employee Awards

Punjas LABASA team recently felicitated employees for exceptional performances in their respective elds for the last Financial year.

Best Delivery Assistant Mr. Aminiasi Epi receives his award from Best Picker-Jaihendra Kumar receives his award from Mr. Rajendra Kumar (L) Branch Manager Labasa Branch Manager -Mr. Rajendra Kumar

LabasaLabasa OHSOHS TeamTeam MembersMembers UndergoUndergo AccreditedAccredited OHSOHS TrainingTraining

7 members of the Labasa branch underwent training for OHS Modules 1 & 2 in early June this year. They Best Merchandiser Mr. Pranil Naidu(M) receives his award from Nrab represented areas of the warehouse, sales, merchandising and promotions team and those whose jobs require them to be on the field. The training is a mandatory requirement by the Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations. Elected representatives undergo this every two years.

Best Driver Award presented to Mr. Daya Nand(M) by Mr. Rajendra Kumar(L) Branch Manager and Warehouse

Team Labasa during the OHS Modules 1 & 2 Course

Best Sales Representative Award presented to Mr. Rajneil Kumar (M) by Sales Supervisor Shailendra Kumar (R) and Branch Manager-Rajendra Kumar(L)01 Down Memory Lane

We recently celebrated the 83rd Birthday of Mr. Kanti Punja, Director, Punjas Group of companies. Staff at the head office got together and surprised Mr.Punja on the occasion. Born in 1935, the same year Punjas company was founded, Mr. Kanti Punja has been part of its humble beginnings. “My father, Punja Kara, started a small grocery shop in Cuvu, Sigatoka in 1935. I attended Cuvu Primary School. During World War II, the American troops were camping on Cuvu Beach. That was a time of growth for us,” he recalls. The company moved to Veitari in Lautoka after some time. “A relative of ours moved to India and had just vacated the building. There was enough space for a shop Mr and Mrs. Kanti Punja cut the birthday cake downstairs and living space on top.

Our family including myself and three of my brothers moved to Veitari while our eldest brother remained in Cuvu to look after the shop. The area was heavily populated with workers of the Colonial Sugar Refinery mills at that time. You can still see some old buildings near the Lautoka Wharf area,” he added. The company started importing groceries such as rice and flour after the move to Veitari. Mr. Kanti Punja attended Natabua High School but had to leave in between to help out in the growing family business. Land for the Head Office (63 Vitogo Parade, Lautoka) was bought after. “We built a storeroom (bulk) at the back (current location of the head office lunchroom) and started operating from there. There was no building then, just a storeroom. The land next to us had a building that was run by a Chinese shopkeeper. We later bought it. This is now the Punjas Liquor shop,” said Mr. Punja. Mr. Kanti Punja was awarded with the Medal of The Order of Fiji in 1999

In 1958, the current head office building was constructed. It was initially a supermarket on the ground floor and residential flats were built on top. “We were the first supermarket in town after MH and Burns Phillip. Punjas Supermarket was also the first local shop to get a liquor license. We had to work very hard back then. Everything was done manually. We did everything ourselves. I had to drive our truck and deal with the customs authorities to clear our goods. I also bought copra for the company. We expanded into manufacturing operations initially with Oceans Soaps Limited followed by the Rice mill,” he added. Mr. Deoji Punja was the Managing Director of the company then. In 1964, we became a limited liability corporation,” reminisced Mr. Punja. Mr. Kanti Punja also shared his fondest and proudest memories of his father, company Founder-Mr. Punja Kara. “I remember at one time, there was a strike at the ports in Sydney. We were importing flour from Melbourne so were not affected and didn’t face any shortages.

Mr. Kanti Punja in the 1970s helping pack clothes for people affected by a tropical cyclone We could have increased the prices of our flour and made huge profits because of the short supply situation had we wanted to. But my father did not do it. He told us to be fair and continue to do the right thing. We did not hide our stocks or increase prices. We put flour out in 10kg packs as usual for sale,” he said. This legacy of our company founder, Mr. Punja Kara - ‘We Will Not Cheat, We Will Not Be Cheated’ continues to be the underlying guiding principle of doing business even today at Punjas. Mr. Kanti Punja still comes to work everyday. He spends most of his time doing philanthropy and community service. He sits on numerous boards and is actively involved with religious and charitable work.

Mr. Kanti Punja in his office

Mr. Punja at a Trade Expo in Japan, here he is pictured with Mr. Kanti Punja on the Zip Line at Sabeto in 2014 the then representative of Yokohama Tyres naturally good for you

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The above quote comes from the Hippocratic Oath, but it could very aptly describe the Naturally Fiji philosophy, all the way from what how we manufacture our products to the benefits, our products provide. Naturally Fiji started with a simple mission; to use entirely wholesome production methods to produce the highest quality all natural products available in Fiji Islands. With this confidence, Naturally Fiji released it’s first product, a coconut oil soap bar with immediate success and has now expanded to include a whole range of personal care items including perfumed oil, body lotions, face scrubs, body lotions, shampoos and conditioners.

Naturally Fiji products are hand crafted from natural ingredients sourced locally and around the world. These hand-picked raw ingredients are brought to a modern production facility and this combination, ensures an environmentally and socially sustainable product that delivers exceptional qualities to our end users.

The power flowers, the Black & White Orchids are our key ingredients in most of the specialty products.

Orchids have been found to reverse the signs of aging, calm inflammation and help increase cell turnover. Naturally Fiji Sales Executive Central Kiara Kumar(L),Business Development Manager Mahzabeen Begum(M) with a friend at the Red Cross Ball inRed Cross Ball Sponsorship by Naturally Fiji Known as “the tree of a thousand virtues”, the sacred oil of Dilo (Tamanu) has remarkable regenerative and curative properties. Tamanu oil is able to reach all three layers of the skin: epidermis, dermis and hypodermis, promoting the growth of healthy skin.

The Neem tree is known as the “Village pharmacy”. The medicinal and cosmetic properties attributed to Neem Oil are so numerous that they invoke disbelief! The seed inside the Neem fruit is rich in oil and is extracted and cold pressed for healing skin disorders.

We add Noni extracts which are considered one of the best Display of Naturally Fiji products at wedding favours exhibition in Sheraton, Denarau treatments for most types of skin conditions as well as hair. It promotes healthy hair and scalp and contains Anti-fungal and Antibacterial properties.

Other ingredients like Turmeric, Rosemary Oil, Lavender Oil, Honey and Sugar, add beneficial properties resulting in firmer and better skin tone for both oily and dry disposition. The combination of our Virgin Coconut oil & natural extracts and oils, produce a potent fusion that is nourishing, moisturizing, protecting and rejuvenating for skin and hair. Naturally Fiji brings you “all the essences of Fiji” sourced from the finest pure coconut oil, orchid extracts and natural ingredients. Created with only one true objective: “Where the body meets the soul.

Check out the latest offerings from Naturally Fiji Limited. Oceania Tennis Federation (OTF) Nations Pacific

The Minister for Youth and Sports, Laisenia Tuitubou, believes one of the core attributes of the sport of tennis is that it promotes equality and inclusivity. In his official opening address during the 2018 Oceania Tennis Federation (OTF) Nations Cup Pacific at the Regional Tennis Centre in Lautoka yesterday, Tuitubou said tennis was a lifelong sport with low impact and non-contact. “Tennis is played in almost every country and I’m delighted that the sport is receiving equal recognition in Fiji and the Pacific region,” Tuitubou said. “Tennis can be particularly beneficial to help develop self-esteem, focus and social skills while encouraging physical activity. “It is also accessible to those living with special needs and individuals from all walks of life can take up the sport. Tennis and sport teach individuals how to set goals and challenge themselves to achieve their personal best.” Tuitubou said sports required hard work and dedication at training. “Players often receive specific instructions and in-depth evaluation from their coaches,” he said. “It allows individuals to practise taking criticism and using it to improve their game while learning how to learn. Outreach Programme for young childern of all ages.

Outreach Programme Participants with the Nations Cup Pacific players and Officials - TShirts sponsored by Punjas , proud supporters of the tournament.

Tennis players visit Punjas Biscuits Factory “The Ship's Crackers”

The ship’s crackers were an important part of the sailor's sea diet before the introduction of canned foods. (or hard tack) is a simple type of or what is now known as a Cabin Cracker/Bread, made from flour, water, and sometimes salt. Hardtack is long lasting and was used for sustenance in the absence of perishable foods, commonly during long sea voyages, land migrations, and military campaigns. Because it is hard and dry, hardtack (when properly stored and transported) will survive rough handling and temperature extremes. To soften, hard tack was often dunked in brine, , or some other liquid, or cooked into a skillet meal. It was probably from these early sailors habit of dunking the biscuits that we Fijians picked up the habit of “cracking our Breakfast Crackers” into our tea as we do today.

Royal Navy hardtack during Queen Victoria's reign was made by machine at the Royal Clarence Victualing Yard at Gosport, Hampshire, stamped with the Queen's mark and the number of the oven in which it was baked. Biscuits remained an important part of the Royal Navy sailor's diet until the introduction of canned foods; canned meat was first marketed in 1814, and preserved beef in tins was officially introduced to the Royal Navy rations in 1847. In 1801, Josiah Bent began a baking operation in Milton, Massachusetts, selling "water crackers" or biscuits made of flour and water that would not deteriorate and were used extensively as a source of food by the gold prospectors who migrated to the gold mines of California in 1849. The G. H. Bent Company still prospers in Milton. Still a favourite today

Today, Hardtack is a mainstay in parts of Canada. One Canadian maker of traditional hardtack specialize in a high density, high caloric product that is well suited for use by Arctic expeditions. Alaskans are among the last to still eat hardtack as a significant part of their normal diet. Alaskan law requires all light aircraft to carry "survival gear", including food. The blue-and-white Sailor Boy Pilot Bread boxes are found throughout Alaskan airstrips, in cabins, and virtually in every village. Unlike the traditional hardtack recipe, Sailor Boy Pilot Bread contains leavening and vegetable shortening. Hardtack remains popular today in Papua New Guinea. The flavoured hardtack is manufactured for general popular consumption along with the Cabin line, which is probably as close as can be found to the original hardtack as carried by British ships, and the Navy line, which combines the wooden-like consistency of the Cabin line. In the Fiji Islands we have had an on-going love for the humble “Breakfast Cracker”, as a staple meal or snack, which is most commonly cracked and dunked into our breakfast “tea”. With the recent release of the new “Cabin Bread” and “Cabin Crackers” range of products by Punjas Biscuits we have now joined the ranks of those countries who still appreciate the value of a long lasting snack or staple food in the tradition of our forefathers humble “Ships Biscuit” or “Hardtack” that will survive for long periods in harsh environments without the benefit of refrigeration.

Punjas Corporate Office: 63 Vitogo Parade, PO Box 125, Lautoka, Fiji. Ph: +679 666 1633, Fax: +679 666 3039, Email: [email protected]