N.Z.’s frozen food industry giant looks to Samoa next

By Mikayla Perrine 26 June 2018, 12:00AM

New Zealand’s largest frozen foods importer and distributor expect a continuous growth in trade with Samoa’s food industry.

Shore Mariner is a long-standing frozen foods distributor that exports throughout the Pacific. The company is diverse in range with about 500 different frozen products including finger foods, proteins, fruits and Asian cuisine specialties. 

Trading Manager, Mark Robson indicated that the key to Shore Mariner’s success throughout the Pacific is the appeal that they provide a large range of products at consumers' convenience. 

“Mangoes are a seasonal fruit so having frozen mangoes allows customers here to have it all year round,” Mr. Robinson said. 

Shore Mariner plays a large role in the exporting and importing industry with foods sourced from all over the world; however Mr. Robson indicated that Samoa’s trade is growing rapidly and there is an expectation in the industry for this growth to continue.

 “We are importing most of our range from Europe and Asia and it comes into New Zealand and then we export out to Pacific Islands. Fiji and Vanuatu are our two largest exports; Samoa would be our fourth largest but over the last couple of years, trade in Samoa has been increasing. We gather that’s because of a strong tourism growth,” he said. 

Shore Mariner finds value in the potential for export growth to Samoa with investments in advertising and goals to have their range of products more actively engaged within Samoa.

“Our range is always increasing. We have good quality products at a competitive price. We have had growth for many years now and we expect that Samoa will be included within that group.”

Mr. Robson has personally been intrigued by the changes in Samoa’s tourism industry having visited him over 20 years ago.  

“A lot more infrastructure and the tourist trade I did notice coming through Apia, the Frankie’s store and Farmer Joe’s store look quite modern, very Westernised.”

The growth of the tourism industry has caught the eye of foreign trade and as one of the largest exporters in the Pacific region, Shore Mariner anticipates the food industry to expand in Samoa.

By Mikayla Perrine 26 June 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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