COVID resulted in the price of pork dropping from over $20 a kilo to as low as $7.50 - Cole

COVID resulted in the price of pork dropping from over $20 a kilo to as low as $7.50 - Cole

By Shanil Singh
27/03/2022
Fiji Pig Association, Simon Cole. [Image: Supplied]

The outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020 and the closure of the tourism industry led to a huge decrease in the price of pork with prices dropping from over $20 a kilo to as low as $7.50.

The President of the Fiji Pig Association, Simon Cole says the industry was poised for growth before the COVID-19 pandemic but the outbreak closed the tourism industry and dramatically changed the marketplace.

Cole says the dramatic drop in price was attributed to the over supply of pigs destined for the tourism industry that flooded into the depressed COVID market.

He adds while the three major producers in Fiji faced losses of up to 60% of their markets because of the pandemic, many of the smaller pig farms have closed.

Cole says there has been a 50% reduction in the size and numbers of piggery farms and the reopening of the tourism industry has resulted in a shortage of product.

He says they are an industry which employs over 200 people in the commercial sector and a large subsistence sector with up to 13,000 pig keepers.

However, he adds the pig industry is back thanks to strong support from the Government and banks as well as the high level of efficiency and professionalism within the industry.

Cole says a major help have been the banks who have rescheduled loan repayments, as well as providing financing for immediate needs.

He adds despite the challenges, keeping costs down and production up and continuing to provide the consumer an international quality product at affordable prices is their bottom line.

FEATURE NEWS
60% of the cane supplied to Rarawai Mill is harvested manually – FSC
Around 60 percent of cane supplied to the Rarawai Sugar Mill is still being harvested manually, according to the Fiji Sugar Corporation. This was c...
3 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
PM’s Business Awards to boost economy and global profile
The Prime Minister’s International Business Awards, scheduled for Saturday, 29th November 2025, will celebrate local enterprise achievements and ...
3 hours ago

Daulomani Safe Home residents gain easier, safer access with newly commissioned road
Over 40 residents of Daulomani Safe Home, a sanctuary for vulnerable women and children on the outskirts of Lautoka, can now access their home more ...
3 hours ago

$90K access road in Nailaga, Ba brings relief to residents
Residents along the Rotary Club Link Road in Nailaga, Ba have reason to celebrate after the commissioning of a new access road funded under the ...
3 hours ago

Nadi Bula Festival kicks off with focus on rebuilding lives
The 2025 Nadi Bula Festival represents more than just a celebration — it is a time to renew our commitment to hope, unity, and the strength that ...
4 hours ago

Man arrested in Savusavu for alleged possession of illicit drugs
A man has been arrested in Savusavu for the alleged unlawful possession of illicit drugs, as the Savusavu task force intensifies its monitoring of ...
5 hours ago



fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
Latest Videos

Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
2025-2026 National Budget Debate
Parliament has officially passed the 2025–2026 National Budget, with 75 percent of Members of Parliament voting in favour of the budget, matching ...
2 days ago

Professor Prasad on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
The show will focus on the 2025/2026 National Budget.
11 days ago

Tui Nayau and Tui Lau Installation
The ceremony for the installation of the Tui Nayau Sau ni Vanua o Lau will be held tomorrow, while the installation ceremony of the Tui Lau will be held in Tubou on Thursday.
13 days ago

TOP