The owner of StarKist Samoa cannery in American Samoa says economic realities will force it to review its ongoing tuna sourcing and operating plans in the territory.
Del Monte Food comments were in response to the passage of the minimum wage increase for American Samoa.
Del Monte spokesperson, Mary Sestric, says the initial increase of 50 cents per hour, combined with the further annual automatic increases, has the potential to radically change the economics of tuna production.
She says the company is committed to working closely with local leaders to identify a solution that is in the best interest of the people of American Samoa; while, at the same time, allowing StarKist to remain competitive in the global tuna marketplace.
She says the company is concerned that without a successful resolution, its current investment programme to expand Samoan operations will be affected.
