4 Jan 2011

Fiji copra producers struggle to meet increased demand

4:50 pm on 4 January 2011

Fiji copra producers are struggling to try and meet increased demand, while the price is at an all time high.

Fiji Village reports the Copra Millers of Fiji Chairman, Ilisoni Taoba as saying due to the huge demand they are trying to encourage people to start replanting coconut trees.

Last month, Copra mill gate price stood at 409 US dollars per tonne while the price is expected to increase to about $528 per tonne this month.

Taoba said in January last year, the price stood at 272 US dollars per tonne and compared to the current price, a lot more is needed to get the industry back on its feet.

Taoba has also revealed that in order to keep the copra mill in Savusavu running, they are now looking at importing copra from neighboring Pacific islands.