Rarotonga has a largely tourism-based economy and as a result is well served by restaurants, supermarkets and convenience stores supplying foodstuffs commonly seen in NZ and Australia. Regular international flights and shipping mean stocks are maintained. Local demand is well served and supplies could be scaled up to meet demand provided transport services are maintained. There is no local manufacturing however the country is virtually self-sufficient in meat, fish, poultry, and vegetable requirements.  

Outer islands produce root vegetables and have plentiful fish supplies but import a variety of other vegetables, meat and pre-prepared foods via Rarotonga.

Fish products are the main export (60%). Imports are led by recreational boats (18%) and refined petroleum (13%)

All other NFI supplies that an organisation arriving in the Cook Islands might require are readily available. There are several large hardware supply stores affiliated to international retailers that provide any and all items that would be expected available for procurement in Australia or NZ and resupply time from these countries is around 14 days. Prices are competitive.

Generic country information can be located from sources which are regularly maintained and reflect current facts and figures. For a general overview of country data related to the service and supply sectors, please consult the following sources:

The Observatory of Economic Complexity – MIT (OEC): https://atlas.media.mit.edu/en/profile/country/cok/

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