Markwell Foods has long been known for delivering high-quality frozen food solutions across Australasia. But beyond the familiar aisles of New Zealand and Australia, the company’s export arm has quietly become a trusted supplier to the retail, foodservice and HORECA sectors throughout the Pacific Islands.
At the heart of this success is Seira Lepua, Markwell Foods’ Pacific Islands Export Manager, whose passion for customer connection and practical problem-solving has helped shape the company’s growing footprint across some of the world’s most geographically diverse markets.
Seira Lepua, Markwell Foods’ Pacific Islands Export Manager, leading growth through strong relationships and customer-first solutions.
Building the Pacific Connection
Seira’s role evolved naturally from opportunity and demand.
“Like most things in business, it wasn’t by initial design,” she says. “It began with a few requests, and we realised there was real demand. From small beginnings, we developed systems to support export growth.”
Today, Seira leads export operations—coordinating everything from export certification and logistics to maintaining strong local partnerships. Her week is a mix of answering enquiries, pricing container options, and as she puts it, “always finding ways to increase the shopping basket.”
Connecting New Zealand to the Pacific — Markwell Foods proudly supplies island markets from Fiji to Samoa and beyond.
Meeting Island Markets on Their Terms
Exporting to the Pacific isn’t as simple as sending a container to one country. Each island has its own regulations, customer preferences, and logistical challenges. Success depends on flexibility and genuine human connection.
“You need strong relationships, and an understanding that every customer is different—even within the same country.”
To meet diverse needs, Markwell Foods offers customers the ability to order as little or as much as they need. This approach keeps stocks fresh, costs manageable, and sailings frequent—all crucial for remote markets with limited cold storage and shipping schedules.
Understanding Pacific Consumers
The Pacific Islands’ retail, foodservice and hospitality sectors are more sophisticated than many realise.
“Supermarkets in the Pacific look just like those in Australia or New Zealand,” says Seira. “Consumers want the same trusted brands and quality—they won’t settle for less.”
Lifestyle changes are also shaping new trends. As families become smaller, there’s rising demand for ready-to-eat meals, smaller portions, and air-fryer-friendly options. Growing migrancy is also influencing flavours and driving innovation across local menus.
Behind the Scenes: Navigating Supply and Sustainability
Exporting meat and seafood to remote islands requires balancing minimum quantities and certification rules. Seira explains “You might get a request for 50 kg of a premium cut, but plants can’t process that small with export certs—so you need to find smart solutions that work for everyone.”
Despite rising freight costs, Markwell Foods has focused on stability.
“We’ve worked hard to keep pricing consistent to help customers manage costs.” Seira explains.
Looking Ahead
Introducing new categories initially created hesitation in some markets – but Seira says trust has turned that around. “Once customers saw the value, quality, and ease of purchase, confidence followed.”
It’s this mix of reliability, adaptability, and personal connection that continues to define Markwell Foods’ Pacific story. As island economies evolve, the company remains committed to being a partner of choice—supporting growth through trusted brands, flexible supply, and strong relationships.
Markwell Foods — the preferred choice for quality frozen foods across the Pacific.
🌐 To learn more or connect with Seira about export opportunities in the Pacific, visit markwellfoods.co.nz or get in touch directly via LinkedIn.
