Chef Vuto is passionate about sourcing fresh and healthy produce from local markets and small vendors.

He said purchasing directly from these community sellers was not only a wise choice for health reasons but also an important way to support farmers and small business owners financially.

“By choosing to buy locally grown fruits and vegetables, consumers can help sustain the livelihoods of farmers who depend on regular sales to provide for their families,” he said.

Every Saturday, Chef Vuto visits the Nausori Market, known for its wide variety of fresh produce.

He said the market has become his preferred shopping destination for weekend grocery trips, offering him the opportunity to select the freshest seasonal foods.

Chef Vuto said he also appreciates the vibrant atmosphere, the chance to interact with the growers themselves, and the assurance that the produce he buys has often been harvested just hours earlier.

“I also get a chance to meet people from various villages who would come down for the weekend to sell their produce – that’s what makes it exciting,” he said.

As a chef, this allows him to ask questions about how the crops are grown and to be more mindful of the origins of the ingredients he uses in his cooking.

On weekdays, when time is often limited, he shops for vegetables along Koronivia Rd, where numerous vendors and small-scale farmers display and sell their harvest in makeshift stalls.

According to him, buying along this road is noticeably cheaper than many other outlets, making it an economical option for those who want to prepare affordable nutritious meals. “The vendors in Koronivia Rd often sell in abundance, and provide customers with generous quantities at reasonable prices,” he said.

“This abundance shows the dedication and hard work of the farmers, who rise early to pick, pack, and transport their produce to the roadside before dawn.”

Chef Vuto said shoppers should consider supporting local farmers and vendors whenever possible.

He believes that when people spend money in local markets rather than in large supermarkets, they contribute to a cycle that benefits the entire grassroots communities.

“Not only do we receive fresher, tastier, and often pesticide-free produce, but we also help ensure that small growers continue planting and sustaining their families too,” he said.

Apart from priotising fresh produce, Chef Vuto also visits the supermarkets every fortnight to buy groceries.

He chooses Extra Supermarket in Laucala Beach as it is convenient, spacious and offers a wide variety of food products to choose from.

“Extra is very clean, they have a variety of products and we can also shop freely as it is nice and spacious,” he said.

His expenses in the market and the supermarket may vary every week as sometimes he buys in mid week.

Chef Vuto encourages shoppers to be mindful of what they buy and pick from the supermarkets and markets.

He says it is always important to know what you buy as it will reflect in your family’s wellbeing.