The latest information on pearl farming in Tahiti

This meeting aimed to review the state of sales and promotion efforts for Tahitian cultured pearls in Japan. Founded in 1993, the TPJ brings together the leading Japanese buyers of Tahitian pearls, representing 77% of the Japanese market. Yet, since the dissolution of the GIE Perles de Tahiti in 2009, no formal partnership had been established with this organization until this recent initiative.

At the conclusion of the meeting, an official partnership was signed between Mr. Kazuya Okuda and Ms. Hinano Teanotoga, Director of the Maison de la Perle, for a total amount of nearly 18 million XPF in 2012. This new agreement aims to ensure regular, long-term, and financially controlled promotional activities, with particular focus on the Japanese market.

In addition, the quality of pearls was at the center of discussions. Minister Temauri Foster reaffirmed to the Japanese partners the government’s commitment to strict controls carried out by the Directorate of Marine Resources, thereby guaranteeing the credibility of Tahitian cultured pearls on international markets.

The event was inaugurated by the Minister of Marine Resources, Temauri Foster, alongside Minister Tauhiti Nena, and attended by several representatives from institutions, government departments, and public establishments.

Over three days, no fewer than 625,345 Tahitian cultured pearls — valued at nearly 600 million XPF — will be offered for auction. On the first day, 249,592 pearls went up for sale, attracting the attention of 71 local and international buyers. On Monday, an additional 187,944 pearls will be presented for bidding. The Directorate of Marine Resources actively contributed to the smooth execution of the operation, adhering strictly to the established deadlines.

This initiative marks the return of auctions to the territory, a movement first initiated in 2010 under the leadership of Minister Temauri Foster. The partnership between the Maison de la Perle and professional groups highlights a renewed momentum focused on promoting and enhancing the value of Polynesia’s pearl treasures.

This event brings together 71 pearl farmers presenting an impressive total of 625,345 pearls, valued at approximately 600 million XPF. Although not open to the public, the event attracts international buyers from various regions, including China, Korea, the United States, New Zealand, Thailand — and especially Japan, which accounts for nearly 50% of participants.

For the first time, the Maison de la Perle is covering part of the operational costs, marking a new strategic partnership with the GIE and the Ministry of Marine Resources. This agreement reflects a shared commitment to develop the marketing, value enhancement, and promotion of Tahitian pearls.

The auction results will be announced each evening on the GIE Poe O Rikitea website, and this event is only the beginning of a series of international sales scheduled to take place in Tahiti — with another auction planned for August 2012 and three more in 2013. These initiatives aim to market around 2 million pearls next year, underscoring a strong commitment to the growth and development of the pearl farming sector.

Alongside the Directorate of Marine Resources, responsible for quality control at export, and the Maison de la Perle, responsible for promotion, Franck Testanière confirmed his commitment to intensify controls. He plans to deploy new measures to better detect irregularities, sanction offenders, and thus support exporters who comply with regulations. This initiative is designed to protect a sector that is vital to the economy of French Polynesia.

The customs director specified that control operations will no longer be limited to the international airport but will also extend across the entire territory. This approach, supported by Minister Foster, aims to help drive prices back up and reassure markets about the quality and origin of Tahitian pearls.

During the meeting, concerns were also raised about the prohibited importation of giant clam nuclei and fraud involving the use of plastic nuclei for oyster grafting. Swift measures will be implemented to put an end to these harmful practices.

With the 3rd international pearl auction in Tahiti approaching, the authorities are determined to strengthen buyer and professional confidence through reinforced and transparent control measures.

Finally, beyond the pearl sector, fishing remains a government priority. Temauri Foster emphasized the need to facilitate the export of longline products while reducing the administrative burden on operators. In this effort, the Directorate of Marine Resources will remain the key point of contact for professionals in their dealings with customs services.