As part of its development program FRIEND provides, or helps create, an outlet for small rural producers. Mangoes for its chutneys, pickles and jams, for example, are sourced from 19 different growers, many of whom have only a single tree.
All FRIEND chutneys, pickles and jams are produced under controlled conditions, quality checked, packed and stored in Lautoka to ensure a year-long supply.
Handicraft items may be produced as a home industry or in central workshop locations. Up to 12 individuals, many of them deaf, train and work at the card production unit in Lautoka.