After more than 10 years of careful assessment, New Zealand has approved Tonga’s market access request for fresh pineapple export pathway. The lengthy process reflects strict requirements mandated by New Zealand’s Ministry of Primary Industry (MPI) to review import health standards for pineapples and also assess pest risk associated with pineapples from different countries as risk varied for each exporting country. NZ MPI conducted a joint mission with MAFF, MTED and NZ Importer to Vava’u in June 2025 to identify issues on the ground relating to export of fresh pineapple from Vavau to New Zealand and how to address them before export is opened up. Given the quality of Tongan pineapples, there is potential for the product to enter niche markets at premium prices.

MTED has prioritized the constructing a new, HACCP compliant packhouse in Vava’u to process pineapple for export to New Zealand, as existing facilities in the island do not meet NZ’s standards. MAFF Tonga and NZ MPI will be requested to provide technical advice on the pack house to ensure full compliance with NZ standards for exporting fresh pineapple and any other potential export commodity in the future. In the meantime, NZ MPI and Tonga MAFF will develop a dedicated and simple Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for pineapple starting from cultivation to point of export to ensure Tongan pineapple is free from pest. Given pineapple is a non-fruit fly host commodity with low risk, there is no need for an export plan. 

This initiative will directly benefit the 252 commercial pineapple growers in Vava’u, preventing local market from flooding during peak season from October to December and increasing the export receipt for Tonga.