Feasibility Study for the Establishment of a Heat Treatment Facility in the Central Division of Fiji
PHAMA undertook a feasibility study for the establishment of a new high temperature forced air (HTFA) facility close to Suva to process fruit and vegetables for export. An existing HTFA facility treats products grown in the Western parts of Viti Levu. The objective of a new HTFA facility is to facilitate diversification of fresh produce exports from the Central and Eastern Divisions of Fiji by enabling treatment closer to production areas and export out of Suva rather than Nadi. A major risk for any HTFA facility, is the low and erratic supply of produce and the existing facility is struggling to operate sustainably. The Study found that a smaller, leaner and more flexible operating model could work as part of a diversified agribusiness enterprise, rather than as a stand-alone service. However, the study recommends that any decision should be deferred until progress is made on the Nausori (Suva) airport upgrade.
