24 Oct 2018

Samoa banana exports to NZ a 'huge deal' for country

From , 3:01 pm on 24 October 2018

Samoa's agriculture minister says entry to the New Zealand market is a "huge deal" for Samoan banana farmers.

This week Samoa is sending its first shipment of ripe bananas to New Zealand in over 50 years with the hopes of making regular shipments.

Lopao'o Natanielu Mu'a says the event marks a turning point for the industry, after interest in Samoan bananas dropped off nearly 30 years ago.

He told Mackenzie Smith a lot now depends on how the country copes with the test run shipment this week.

Pile of bananas on a market

Photo: 123RF