During an official visit to New Zealand, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade Manoa Kamikamica, alongside Permanent Secretary Shaheen Ali, engaged with Zespri International's management to explore the cooperative model that has propelled Zespri to become the world's leading kiwifruit exporter with a $2 billion industry. Zespri is distinguished by its innovative marketing and strong brand, operating as a cooperative to combine the strengths of its growers, ensuring quality and sustainability.
Inspired by Zespri's model, Minister Kamikamica aims to advance Fiji's avocado industry. Zespri has pledged support and guidance to Fiji, aiming to utilize its global market experience to bolster Fiji's agricultural sector. Despite Fiji's rich tropical fruit resources, like avocados, papayas, and pineapples, commercialization remains limited. The Fijian government is keen on adopting cooperative models and establishing solid industry frameworks to improve production, marketing, and export capabilities, aiming at diversifying the nation's economy.
Source: The Fiji Times