Fijian pineapples are drawing strong interest in New Zealand markets, where consumers have noted their sweetness compared with locally grown varieties. Minister for Agriculture Tomasi Tunabuna confirmed that the fruit has performed well during a three-month trial export program, which has already completed its first shipment.
Tunabuna told Fijivillage News that he expects the trial to support more regular and larger export volumes in the future. Exporters are currently receiving NZ$7 per kilogram (US$4.20) for the fruit. The pineapples shipped so far have been sourced from growers in the Western Division, including Nadi, Lautoka, and Ba.
The Minister noted that exporters continue to face challenges in New Zealand, including high landing charges and strict quality standards for imported fruit. He said the trial is ongoing and that exporters are adjusting operations to meet market requirements.
When asked about potential earnings for farmers, Tunabuna said the opportunities are broad, although revenue figures from the initial shipment have not yet been reported. He encouraged farmers to continue planting pineapple to prepare for expected export demand, adding that the outlook for future shipments remains positive based on early market responses.
Source: Fijivillage News
