The company that started from a backyard chicken shed in Nausori in the 1970s, now has four laying farms, a brooding and rearing farm, a feedmill as well as a warehouse, according to Fiji Times Online.

Ram Sami farm operation manager, Sindh Kumar, who is in charge of the stall at the agriculture show in Suva this week, said eggs were in high demand in the country. "Everyone is into eggs these days because they are aware of the value of eggs." For local consumption alone, they produce 240,000 eggs a month.

The company exports to Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu at least three containers a month with 12,000 dozens in one. A major hindrance to their business is the cost of feed which seems to be escalating regularly because 80 per cent of raw material is imported.

Chickens produce an egg daily, Mr Kumar said. In their case, chickens are ready to produce an egg within 20 to 22 weeks and by the time they are 80 weeks old production rate slows down.

Operational costs as well as increase in fuel costs has a bitter effect on their business as well as costs for vaccines.

Egg production thrives during the cold season while the heat reduces production. Ram Sami serves all the leading supermarkets, major hotels, aviation catering service providers, municipal markets, dairy shops, restaurants, canteens, cafes, government and commercial offices, BBQ stalls as well as neighbouring islands.