Fiji has reached a notable achievement by successfully exporting a three-tonne commercial trial shipment of Ripley Queen pineapples to New Zealand, showcasing the nation’s agricultural capabilities. This accomplishment, facilitated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways under its Agriculture Trade and Marketing Research Programme, enhances Fiji’s standing in international markets for high-quality produce.
Local farmers are celebrating this success, which is a testament to years of hard work aimed at meeting rigorous export standards. Tomasi Tunabuna, the Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, commended the collaborative efforts of farmers, exporters, and partner agencies in making this milestone possible. He underlined that this achievement not only broadens Fiji’s export potential but also provides additional income opportunities for agricultural workers, benefiting rural communities.
The Ripley Queen variety has received enthusiastic feedback from New Zealand buyers, who have praised its natural sweetness, vibrant flavor, and impressive shelf life. This positive reception highlights the significant value of Fiji’s fresh produce, reinforcing efforts to diversify the agricultural sector and expand market access.
Crucially, the trial shipment has cleared all biosecurity and quality checks mandated by New Zealand authorities, demonstrating Fiji’s ability to meet stringent export standards. This success paves the way for future negotiations regarding larger and more frequent shipments, further strengthening trade relations between Fiji and New Zealand.
Looking forward, the Ministry intends to continue close collaboration with growers and exporters to collect market feedback and explore opportunities for increasing supply to New Zealand and other potential markets. For the farmers of these pineapples, this success represents more than just an export; it symbolizes renewed confidence in Fiji’s agricultural sector and the promise of sustainable growth and competitiveness on a global scale.
In a broader context, Fiji’s agricultural exports are positively positioned, with previous reports noting that the nation is the primary supplier of fresh produce in the Pacific region, meeting over 80% of New Zealand’s demand. Optimistic projections for Fiji’s trade landscape suggest substantial growth ahead, driven by the increasing recognition of Fijian produce quality and ongoing support for local farmers. This not only opens avenues for economic advancement but also reinforces the collective commitment to foster a thriving agricultural economy in Fiji.