New Zealand fresh produce company Turners & Growers Limited (NZX: TUR) has announced it will open a Fijian distribution center with cold chain facilities later this month.

In a release the company said it would open the direct business in Suva after 100 years of exporting and importing to the island nation, with New Zealand's fresh fruit and vegetable trade with the country valued at around US$15.25 million (FJD$28 million).

The distribution center will be based in Fiji's capital Suva

"Our investment in Fiji will see us working even more closely with growers and retailers there to get the best produce from soil to plate," said the company's New Zealand markets general manager Alistair Petrie.

"The establishment of our own controlled cool chain and distribution centre means New Zealand grown products can be showcased to consumers in Fiji.

"For New Zealand growers wanting to supply products to Fiji, this will simplify the process for them.  It will be easier for growers here to supply Fiji through the new Turners & Growers business operations there, payments to them will be made through the existing domestic grower payments system that we operate for all other markets."

Photo: www.descubra.info

Source: www.freshfruitportal.com