Processing facility bringing growth to Niue
The Niue Agro-processing facility was opened in April 2014 and continues to ensure that agriculture products are processed to higher valued, more competitive quality standards for various local and export markets outlets.
The project was supported under the FAO Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP) which funded the construction of a small food product development and processing unit and provided processing equipment.
After the project officially ended, the Niue Agro-processing facility remained under the management of the Department of Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries (DAFF). A handful of people who were trained under the project continue to utilise the facility.
Ms. Feo Fou is one of them. The training had helped Ms Fou to improve a product called Maholi banana chips. Suitable packaging and tips on correct cooking techniques for the production of these plantain banana chips was provided.
Ms. Fou commented on the training: “The FAO training I was invited to last year has helped me upgrade my product. The correct packaging has given my product, Lupe Niue- Maholi chips, a longer shelf life, from one week to a few months.”
Ms Fou continued, “I am also grateful to DAFF for the assistance with nutritional testing of the product and the design and printing of the labels. I have been able to expand my business as a result of the assistance provided by both FAO and DAFF. I would like to encourage the youth of Niue to look into processing as a career option.”
Another product under development is taro ice-cream. The Secretariat of the Pacific Community, through the Pacific Horticultural and Agricultural Market Access Program, sourced a professional ice-cream maker to help improve the consistency of the ice blocks.
With the new equipment Ms Fou was able to develop a new product called Niulimi ice-blocks which are dairy free ice blocks made of taro, pawpaw, honey, coconut cream and also the young coconuts.
Both the banana chips and the Niulimi ice blocks are selling locally and have become popular with the locals and tourists. She also supplies her products to a few local eateries.
“It’s pleasing to see that the facility is continuing to develop,” said Mr. Dirk Schulz, Food Safety and Nutrition Officer for the FAO Sub Regional Office for the Pacific Islands. “It’s encouraging that new products are being produced and that partnerships with other agencies are supporting these new initiatives.”
Another outcome of the project was the establishment of the Niue Island Food Processors Association. The Executive committee was elected at the beginning of October 2015.
Though it is very early stages, the Agro processing facility has helped the quality of products and allows the development of more new products for sale to the public.