Deputy Prime Minister and Trade Minister Manoa Kamikamica visited Zespri International during his trip to New Zealand to gain insights into their successful cooperative business model, according to the Ministry of Trade. Zespri is a prominent player in the kiwifruit industry, boasting a value of $2 billion and recognized as the largest exporter of kiwifruit worldwide, thanks to its innovative marketing strategies and robust brand identity.
The cooperative structure of Zespri enables it to leverage the collective strength of its growers while maintaining high-quality standards and promoting sustainable practices. Minister Kamikamica envisions a similar approach for enhancing the avocado industry in Fiji.
Zespri has extended an offer to assist Fiji by sharing its vast expertise in international markets, aiming to help the nation fully capitalize on its agricultural potential. Though Fiji is rich in tropical fruits like avocados, papayas, and pineapples, these resources have not yet been fully commercialized.
To diversify Fiji’s economy, efforts are underway to adopt comparable cooperative models and establish strong industry frameworks that can boost production, marketing, and export capabilities. DPM Kamikamica is currently in New Zealand, engaging with industry leaders to advance these objectives.