Samoan made Talofa (Frozen) taro and puou breadfruit has secured a foothold in Sydney Australia with the first commercial trial shipment to Down Under hailed as “a huge success,” by the man responsible and private exporter, Su’a Tanielu Su’a.

 “The 10,000 kilos of frozen taro sold like hot cup cakes after it was launched a few weeks ago from our Sydney distribution outlet,” said Su’a, after returning from Sydney where the Talofa brand was launched.

The event was attended by the Minister of Agriculture Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt.

“And not so surprisingly, new distributors have expressed interests to sell our Samoa made frozen taro,” said Su’a. “Based on positive sales reports, a second shipment schedule to arrive in Sydney in early November will increase to two-20 foot containers or over 20,000 kilos of taro, breadfruit, ufi and taamu.

“With the Minister’s endorsement, S.R.O.S, (Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa) is also helping with the technology to develop the Talofa Brand for frozen, taamu and ufi targeting our new found clients in Sydney.

“The new Samoa Made frozen added value agro products will be on the November consignment for Sydney.” 

Su’a added for the next shipment to date they have paid over $5,000 to families for puou at $1 per breadfruit not including thousands for taro as all taro varieties can be exported frozen.

“The Samoa Tradition Farmers and Growers, Gagaifo Lefaga are also on board and one of main taro suppliers.

 “Its money paid directly to families and farmers and the reception is positive to say the least.

“The exercise,” added the private exporter “has opened the gateway for exports as well as a new source of income for our local farmers.

 “Exporting frozen agro-products opens up another market for our growing number of Samoan farmers “The frozen concept will also lead to bigger markets apart from Australia and New Zealand because it bypasses stringent bio-security hurdles.

 “In Sydney, our competition includes Tonga, Fiji, Taiwan and even China. 

“And despite the competiveness nature in the frozen agro market, I am very thankful to see our Samoan community coming out on full force to buy Samoa Made frozen agro-products.”

 Complimented Agriculture Minister Laaulialemalietoa;

“The venture would not have been possible if it wasn’t for Su’a’s vision and his bold move to take the financial risk to test the waters.

“It’s entrepreneurs like Su’a that government wants because his business ingenuity will translate to a new source of income for taro farmers, increase the country’s export revenues and Gross Domestic Product.

“The frozen technology is also setting a new pathway for our talo exports because it allows all talo varieties to be shipped overseas.

“Not only is the frozen technology opening the gateway for all of Samoa’s talo varieties as export commodities, it is also more economical for our Samoan talo planters in terms of replanting.

“To that end, the message from government to our farmers is simple. “We are opening up the export market for your benefit and farmers must do their part by working the land to take advantage of our new markets. 

 “The benefits for our farmers are astronomical.”

The ultimate goal is to expand to Brisbane and Melbourne.