Tonga's sole duty free enterprise, the Leiola Group Ltd is branching out from its airport duty free operation to offering its high branded products to local retailers.

The new marketing strategy was launched at a farewell party for Miss Heilala hosted by her sponsor Leiola Duty Free at Pangaimotu Island Resort on August 27.

General Manager Siaosi Koloamatangi said Leiola is expanding its market. "Branching out to the distribution of our products to local retail stores has always been part of the company's vision to grow," he said.

Last year the parent company Pacific Retail Ltd. bought the government's remaining 75 percent shareholding in the Leiola Group Ltd. for $6.06 million pa'anga.

The new shareholders, who are Pacific Retail Ltd (75%) and Ross Chapman (25%), then took over the Leiola operation on July 30, 2008.