Classification
Product TypeProcessed Food
Product FormDried
Industry PositionValue-Added Agricultural Product
Market
Raisins (dried grapes) in Fiji are an import-dependent processed fruit product supplied mainly through seaports and sold as packaged retail food and as an ingredient. UN Comtrade-based WITS data report Fiji gross imports of HS 080620 (dried grapes) at about USD 278.76 thousand (121,284 kg) in 2024, while exports were small (about USD 5.77 thousand), consistent with limited re-exports. Import clearance is sensitive to Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (BAF) requirements, including an import permit and a phytosanitary/health certificate, with inspection on arrival. Compliance with Fiji’s Food Safety Act/Regulations is important for labeling and for permitted additives aligned to Codex standards.
Market RoleImport-dependent consumer market (net importer) with minor re-export activity
Domestic RoleShelf-stable dried fruit used in household consumption and foodservice/bakery applications; largely supplied by imports
SeasonalityYear-round availability through imports; not tied to domestic harvest seasonality.
Specification
Physical Attributes- Dried fruit is defined in Fiji’s Food Safety Regulations as product prepared from clean, sound raw (or blanched) fruit processed by drying by sun or other recognized dehydration method.
Compositional Metrics- Permitted food additives for products sold in Fiji follow the Codex General Standard on Food Additives (unless otherwise prescribed in Fiji regulations).
Packaging- For imported pre-packaged food sold in Fiji, mandatory label information includes: name of food; list of ingredients; net contents; name and address of manufacturer/packer/distributor; lot identification; date marking and storage instruction; and instructions for use (as applicable).
- Imported food mandatory label information must at least be in English; supplementary English labels may be used where the original label is not in English.
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Overseas processor/packer → sea freight container → Port of Suva or Port of Lautoka → customs/biosecurity inspection → importer/wholesaler warehousing → retail and foodservice distribution
Temperature- Ambient transport and storage are typical, but moisture and heat exposure increase spoilage and caking risk; dry, cool storage is preferred.
Shelf Life- Shelf life is generally long for dried fruit, but packaging integrity and humidity control are critical to avoid mold growth and quality degradation.
Freight IntensityLow
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighNon-compliance with Fiji’s biosecurity import requirements (e.g., missing BAF import permit where required, missing phytosanitary/health certificate, or issues found at inspection) can result in delays, rejection, or confiscation/destruction of the consignment.Check BAF import requirements for raisins/dried fruit by origin before shipment; align documents (permit, certificate, invoice, packing list, B/L or AWB) and pre-validate labels against Fiji Food Safety requirements.
Logistics MediumFiji’s sea trade is concentrated through Suva and Lautoka; cyclones, vessel schedule volatility, and port congestion/disruption can delay replenishment and increase landed cost for imported raisins.Hold safety stock for key SKUs, plan shipments with buffer time around peak disruption periods, and diversify carriers/routes where possible.
Food Safety MediumMoisture ingress and poor storage can lead to mold/mycotoxin risk and quality defects in dried fruit; additives used must comply with Fiji’s Codex-referenced additive rules, and labeling must not be misleading and must include mandatory particulars.Use moisture-barrier packaging, specify storage conditions (cool/dry) on label, and ensure additive use aligns with Codex GSFA as incorporated into Fiji regulations; apply incoming QC checks (sensory, moisture, foreign matter).
FAQ
What documents are typically required to import raisins into Fiji?BAF’s import requirements guidance lists an import permit from BAF, a phytosanitary/health certificate from the origin country, and standard trade documents such as a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading/airway bill.
What labeling information must imported pre-packaged raisins carry in Fiji?Fiji’s Food Safety Regulations require pre-packaged food labels (including imported food) to include key information such as the food name, ingredients list, net contents, manufacturer/packer/distributor details, lot identification, date marking and storage instructions, and instructions for use where applicable.
How does Fiji’s food standard describe “dried fruit” processing?Fiji’s Food Safety Regulations describe dried fruit as product made from clean, sound raw (or blanched) fruit processed by drying by sun or another recognized dehydration method, and they note that fruit to be dried may be dipped in an alkaline lye and oil solution as an aid to drying.