Hihifo Food, a family-run company based in Ha’avakatolo, Tongatapu, exports frozen cassava, yam and taro to wholesale buyers in Sydney, Australia. With a largely female workforce and a strong connection to farming communities across Tonga, the business plays a key role in supporting livelihoods and meeting growing market demand.
The company unveiled the new equipment on Friday, 11 July. It has upgraded its operations with new food washing machine, forklift, cleaning bins, container ramp, scale, trolleys, staff uniforms, and a 220KVA diesel generator. These investments will ease the labour burden, reduce wastage, and help the company better manage disruptions to electricity supply—particularly during periods of peak export activity.
“This investment will help us deliver more consistently, reduce damage from power cuts, and support the hard work of our staff—most of whom are women,” said the owner of Hihifo Food, Mr. Soane Tupou.
Australian High Commissioner to Tonga, HE Brek Batley, said the partnership reflects a joint commitment to fostering inclusive, resilient, and market-ready agribusinesses across the Pacific.
