Pacific Trade Invest (PTI), a key regional agency promoting trade and investment for Pacific Island countries, played a central role at the two-day Agriculture Mini Trade Forum held in the Central Division.

The event, which concluded today, brought together farmers from the Central, Eastern, and Northern Divisions.

PTI connects Pacific Island products to international markets, supports women-led enterprises, and promotes digital resilience—particularly in the tourism sector.

Glynis Miller, PTI’s Trade Commissioner for New Zealand, led a plenary discussion during the forum, emphasizing the importance of understanding market demand in New Zealand.

“PTI works to bring Pacific produce to market and align trade with national development priorities such as health, education, and housing,” said Ms Miller.

“We prepare initial market insight reports for key products like taro, cassava, honey, and coconut, and tailor our support based on business readiness and specific needs.”

She explained that trade visits and direct business-to-buyer connections are at the heart of PTI’s strategy to build long-term export relationships and ensure sustainable trade growth for Pacific Island businesses.

According to a presentation by PTI, Pacific exports to New Zealand reached NZD 78 million in 2024—of which NZD 26 million came from fresh produce. Fiji emerged as the leading exporter, contributing 46% of the region’s total fresh produce exports. Taro remains the top commodity, followed by cassava and papaya.

Ms Miller stressed the importance of maintaining high standards to uphold Fiji’s reputation in the New Zealand market.

“Quality and consistency are crucial. That’s why PTI actively gathers and shares importer expectations to help our exporters meet market standards,” she added.

Joining the discussion, Matthew Anderson of Fresh Direct—one of New Zealand’s national wholesalers—highlighted supply chain realities and the need for both domestic and export markets to ensure growers receive returns, even for produce that may not meet export grade.

“New Zealand depends heavily on imported produce due to limited year-round supply,” Mr. Anderson said.

“That creates real opportunities for Pacific exporters.”

He also emphasized the need to understand retail market dynamics, noting that New Zealand has approximately 800 supermarket produce departments and 500 pre-grocers.

“From what we’ve observed, New Zealand consumers value quality and affordability, spending around $30 per grocery trip,” Mr. Anderson explained.

“That’s why branding and a consistent consumer experience are critical for long-term success.”

Other speakers from relevant organizations and line ministries also contributed to the forum, outlining their roles and how farmers can access the services they offer.

The forum concluded with a shared commitment to address existing gaps, enhance trade facilitation, and improve market access for Pacific farmers—particularly in high-potential sectors such as fresh produce.

The Western Agriculture Mini-Trade Forum will be held at the Sofitel Resort in Denarau, Nadi on Thursday 31st July and Friday 1st August. 

ENDS

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