Food Demand Soar

Demand for agricultural products cannot be met locally, the Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association (FHTA) said.

It comes as the surge in tourist arrivals continue.

The higher visitor numbers mean tourism has bounced back with demand for fresh produce, said FTHA chief executive officer, Fantasha Lockington.

Demand for supplies in fresh fruit and vegetables, dairy products like cheese and cream, meat like beef and lamb, seafood such as fish and prawns, and pork, must therefore be imported, said Mrs Lockington.

While this was also a problem before the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government announced measures to cushion the impact.

The 2023-2024 financial year will have some agricultural products fall to 15 per cent in duty and import excise.

Lamb, prawns, ducks, corned beef, canned tomatoes, chicken portions and beef are on the list of reduced duty.

Last Friday, Minister for Finance, Biman Prasad, said it was a good balance between Fiji’s supply and demand chain.

FHTA had identified insufficient local supply of fresh produce for the tourism industry in past years.

She said local chicken production was sufficient for the market.

“It worked well for restaurants and hotels, and we have no doubt it has a direct response to demand,” she said.

She said other products were a challenge due to inconsistencies exacerbated by seasonal production issues, quality and quantities required.

“Strict hygiene demands for meat and seafood products for hotels mean chefs must be able to clearly identify and confirm production dates, storage temperatures, packing and even transportation information,” she said.

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Story by: josefa.babitu@fijisun.com.fj