While the local pig industry continues to fight back and moving towards normal, it has a long way to go, says Simon Cole, president of the Fiji Pig Association and owner of Vuda Pigs.
Mr Cole said the industry reported a 233 per cent in domestic sales which reflected the growing local demand for pork.
“Some of our major producers have cut production by as much as 40 per cent. And many of our small commercial piggeries have gone out of business,” he said.
According to Mr Cole the industry was not geared up to expand the domestic market, adding that they have had little choice.
“I believe the country can be proud of our pig farmers for their adaptability and resilience in sustaining the pig industry. We have fought back and increased our sales without tourism by 233 per cent.”
Mr Cole said the industry took a major hit with the loss of 60 per cent of its tourism market, a result of COVID-19.
“We were suddenly faced with a major crisis. The domestic market historically only purchased 300 tons a year, mostly for supermarkets, shops and restaurants. While we had the stock to produce the 700 tons, we, obviously, did not have the market,” said Mr Cole.
“More challenging was to adjust to the domestic market where the pig industry has had to reduce prices by as much as 50 per cent to increase sales.
“Additionally, we continue to carry the burden of the cost of feeding the pigs even with the much smaller market.
“With tourism we received top prices selling to the top end of the market, but that no longer exists.”
