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 world’s leading exporter of kiwifruit, noted for its innovative marketing strategies and strong brand identity.
The cooperative structure of Zespri allows it to leverage the collective strengths of its growers while upholding high-quality standards and sustainable practices. Minister Kamikamica has expressed a similar vision for advancing the avocado industry in Fiji.
Zespri has offered its expertise and support to Fiji, utilizing its extensive experience in international markets to help the nation maximize the potential of its agricultural sector. Despite Fiji’s abundant tropical fruits, such as avocados, papayas, and pineapples, these resources have not yet been fully commercialized.
To diversify Fiji’s economy, efforts are underway to implement similar cooperative models and create robust industry frameworks that can enhance production, marketing, and export capabilities. DPM Kamikamica is currently on an official visit to New Zealand, where he is engaging with industry leaders to advance these initiatives.