Smith Moots Virgin Path for Fiji

[Stacey King]

FIJI TIMES ONLINE Felix Chaudhary Monday, September 20, 2010

THE production of virgin coconut oil is still a niche market and diversification is the only way forward for the coconut industry.This was a statement made by Agriculture permanent secretary Colonel Mason Smith at the 4th Heads of Agriculture and Forestry Services meeting held at the Tanoa International in Nadi last week.

"Virgin coconut oil is still a niche market at this stage and needs a lot of marketing and awareness before it can compete with traditional vegetable oils."

"We will begin to do this at Suva on stage and through other available avenues as we try and get more awareness about the health benefits of the product out to the people," he said.

Col. Smith also said the coconut industry needed to pursue other avenues and markets because the initial start-up needed for full scale virgin coconut oil production lacked equipment and funding.

"Diversification is the key. Coconut growers will need to look at things like desiccated coconut, bio fuel, and canned coconut juice instead of just virgin coconut oil at this stage," he said.

The permanent secretary added discussions had been held with relevant stakeholders, namely the Health Ministry and the Secretariat of Pacific Community on how best to market virgin coconut oil in the country.