Fijian pineapples are attracting strong interest in New Zealand, with consumers praising their exceptional sweetness, reportedly surpassing that of locally grown pineapple varieties.
This was confirmed by Minister for Agriculture Tomasi Tunabuna, who says the fruits have impressed buyers during a three-month trial export programme, which has already seen its first shipment successfully delivered.
Tunabuna told fijivillage News that he hopes the trial will pave the way for more consistent and larger-scale exports in the near future.
He says exporters are currently receiving NZ$7 per kilogram for the pineapples.
He adds the pineapples being exported are sourced from farmers in the Western Division, particularly Nadi, Lautoka, and Ba.
However, the Minister noted that while the trial is progressing well, exporters still face challenges, including high landing charges and strict fruit quality requirements in New Zealand.
When questioned about the expected revenue and market potential for local farmers, Tunabuna said the opportunities are significant, although figures from the first shipment are yet to be received.
He is encouraging farmers to continue planting pineapple, highlighting that prospects for future exports remain promising.
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