The newly upgraded 1,624-cubic-metre cold storage facility at Nishi Trading’s headquarters was officially opened yesterday by HRH Crown Prince Tupouto‘a ‘Ulukalala, signaling a milestone for Tonga’s horticulture export sector.
The enhanced facility is expected to preserve watermelons and other crops for longer, thereby improving export quality and supporting increased production of OUANA juice.
Cold storage room. Image: NZ High Commission
“This work helps us improve the reliability and quality of our watermelon supply to key markets, while also supporting our team and farmers with better systems and training,” said Minoru Nishi, Managing Director, Nishi Trading Company Limited.
Cabinet Ministers joined the tour of the upgraded premises, witnessing how better cold storage and trained packhouse staff will help farmers reach external markets.
Image: NZ High Commission
The upgrade builds on a partnership with PHAMA Plus, funded by Australia and New Zealand, which has supported Nishi Trading for several years. The program has previously helped in establishing HACCP-certified packhouses and preparing waterproof export protocols for watermelons and squash.
PHAMA Plus Tonga Country Manager Tevita Lautaha said the partnership strengthens Tonga’s horticulture export sector through practical investments. “We are pleased to support Nishi Trading with technical upgrades that improve production outcomes, reduce waste and contribute to stronger export performance.”
According to Nishi Trading’s earlier statements, limitations in irrigation and storage had reduced export volumes,from 474 tonnes in 2020 to 460 tonnes in 2021, with further setbacks in 2022 and 2023. The upgraded facility is now set to help reverse that decline and meet rising regional demand.
With Tonga’s agriculture sector contributing about 16 % of GDP and nearly half of exports, improvements like this cold storage boost the country’s overall economic resilience.
As exports gear up for the next growing season, farmers and exporters say they are optimistic, but success will depend on maintaining cold-chain integrity, timely fumigation services, and consistent alignment with international market standards.
