Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade Manoa Kamikamica recently visited Zespri International in New Zealand to gain insights into their successful cooperative model, according to the Ministry of Trade. Zespri is a prominent $2 billion industry and the largest kiwifruit exporter globally, well-known for its innovative marketing strategies and strong brand identity.
The company operates as a private sector cooperative, which enables it to leverage the collective strength of its growers while maintaining high-quality standards and sustainable practices. Minister Kamikamica envisions a similar approach for the development of Fiji’s avocado industry.
Zespri has offered to assist Fiji by providing guidance and utilizing its substantial experience in international markets to help maximize the potential of Fiji’s agricultural sector. Despite Fiji’s rich variety of tropical fruits, including avocados, papayas, and pineapples, these resources have not been fully commercialized.
To diversify Fiji’s economy, efforts are underway to implement cooperative models and establish strong industry structures that can improve production, marketing, and export capabilities. Currently, DPM Kamikamica is on an official visit to New Zealand, where he is engaging with industry leaders to advance these objectives.