Kimble Chung, a renowned ginger exporter from Suva, has accused the Fiji Fresh Ginger Exporters Association of hindering his efforts to export ginger to the United States. In a report by The Fiji Times dated October 2, 1989, Chung alleged that the association pressured Burns Philp Shipping to decline transportation of his products to the US West Coast.
Chung claimed that the association insisted on a new freight rate that exceeded $3,000, a notable increase from the standard rate of $2,800. He also expressed concerns that his ginger would be stored on the deck of the shipping vessel instead of in the hold, which could adversely affect its quality.
“I send my ginger to small buyers, but they want me to send it to larger buyers who require at least 200,000 pounds,” Chung said, adding that BP Shipping was expected to dispatch a container that day.
This situation is not new for Chung, who has faced similar obstacles with the association in the past. He indicated that the association is trying to direct his shipments toward larger buyers, which does not align with his objective of catering to smaller clients.
Chung’s business, Chung’s Trading, located in Vatuwaqa, currently has almost 2,000 cartons of ginger ready for export, with a shipment worth about $27,000 USD (approximately $59,736 FJD). In addition to ginger cultivated on his own farm in Namara, Chung also procures ginger from other local growers.
He speculated that the association’s actions may be aimed at safeguarding established buyers while limiting opportunities for new exporters. Chung has previously faced payment disputes with certain buyers, which resulted in him ceasing to ship to them.
Despite these challenges, Chung remains committed to persisting with his export endeavors and overcoming the obstacles presented by the association.