The acting permanent secretary for Agriculture Uraia Waibuta says America is a potential exports market for Fiji given the steady increase in Pacific Islanders now residing there.
Waibuta who is heading a market scope mission to the US says most Fijian products target the Pacific Diaspora community in the US, however there are some canned Fijian products that are sold in the Whole Food Markets.
He says Fiji’s comparative advantage is quality; as all our Products are sold under Fiji brand which is liked by the American consumers.
Waibuta says limited volumes of Fiji taro exported to the US market accounts to only 10 % of the total export volumes of fresh produce exported to overseas market that include New Zealand and Australia.
He says some key importers they’ve met have raised concerns on the consistency in supply of fresh products and the quality of the products that enters the US borders.
Waibuta says the Ministry will work with various councils and agencies within Government to address it.
