3.5 Solomon Islands Food and Additional Suppliers
Of 2014 total exports (US$ 646 mil.) 70% rough timber 70% of value of total exports were to China
Of 2015 total Imports (US$ 440 mil.) 25% petroleum, oils etc., 9% rice, 4% foodstuffs. Share of imports from Australia 27%, share from Singapore 26%
Most necessary products can be procured on the local market. There are a number of competing importers and retailers that meet local demand. They have the ability to scale up if required to meet increased or surge demand.
In general, local produce can feed the local demand at a basic level, most households have gardens and access to livestock or fish that will sustain them even in the aftermath of natural disasters, this is particularly relevant in the provinces and outer islands where food security is not an issue.
It should be noted that although Solomon Islands imports quite large quantities of food, this is for variety not survival.
There are no major manufacturing or production capabilities in the country.
Generic country information can be located from sources that 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): atlas.media.mit.edu/en/profile/country/slb/
Disclaimer: Inclusion of company information in the LCA does not imply any business relationship between the supplier and WFP / Logistics Cluster, and is used solely as a determinant of services, and capacities.
Please note: WFP / Logistics Cluster maintain complete impartiality and are not in a position to endorse, comment on any company's suitability as a reputable service provider.
3.5.1 Solomon Islands Food Suppliers
Main Food Suppliers
The staples of the Solomon Islands include root crops (taro, yams, sweet potato and cassava) and rice. Bread is also eaten but grain and flour are imported. Canned meat and fish are popular and fresh fish and other seafood is available. There is a wide variety of tropical fruits as well as vegetables available from local markets.
There are a number of stores/companies that import and sell goods. Much of what is sold in the supermarkets/shops is imported. Most of these stores are able to supply the staples. As there is a reliance on imported goods, obviously any break in the supply chain can result in shortages of certain items. There have been times when certain items, such as rice have run out.
Solomon Islands does not have a food security issue.
Additional information can be located from sources which are regularly maintained and reflect current facts and figures. For more specific and detailed overviews of food availability and market conditions, please consult the following sources:
WFP Vulnerability and Analysis Mapping (VAM): INSERT a link directly to the VAM country page if available (http://vam.wfp.org/) Not available
USAID Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET): INSERT a link directly to the FEWS NET country page if available (http://www.fews.net/) Not available
For more information on food supplier contact details, please see the following link: HQ staff will input a link to section 4.10 Supplier Contact List here.
Retail Sector
There is a robust retail sector in Honiara supplying all basic items to the market. Supplies are imported principally from NZ, Australia and China. Whilst there are no global retailers present, global brands are. Wholesale importers often have retail outlets direct to the public.
Credit is generally not used by / or offered to, all locals. It is available to larger recognised entities (i.e Humanitarian agencies)
Types of Retailers Available |
|
Type of Retailer |
Rank (1-5) |
Supermarket – concentrates mainly in supplying a range of food, beverage, cleaning and sanitation products; have significant purchasing power; are often part of national/regional/global chains. |
2 |
Convenience Store/Mini Market – medium sized shop; offers a more limited range of products than supermarkets; usually has good/stable purchasing power; may be part of chain or cooperative. |
3 |
Permanent shop with strong supply capacity – individually/family owned store; usually offers fewer commodities and a limited selection of brands; good storage and reliable supply options. |
1 |
Permanent shop with limited supply capacity – individually/family owned store; offers fewer commodities and a limited selection of brands; limited storage and unstable supply options. |
5 |
Mobile Shop/Market Stand – individually/family owned store; usually offers fewer commodities and a limited selection of brands; may be found at outdoor markets, camps or unstable environments. |
4 |
Note: The above table relates to Honiara. in outer and smaller islands supply will be predominantly market and small stores/stalls. They are largely self sufficient for food
There are a number of wholesalers/retailers in Honiara.
All and every food product can be sourced and supplied by these merchants. They are generally of Chinese ethnicity and have been running their businesses as family concerns for several generations. They have their own storage facilities and capacity to transport to wharf side, they then use the local coastal shipping facilities to transport goods to small outer island retailers.
For more information on food supplier contact details, please see the following link: HQ staff will input a link to section 4.10 Supplier Contact List here.
Wholesale – Central Developments Ltd
Supplier Overview |
|
Company Name |
Central Developments Ltd |
Address |
Old Chinatown |
Does the supplier have its own production / manufacturing capacity? |
No |
Does the supplier have its own retail capacity? |
Yes. Can supply direct to the public |
Does the supplier have its own transport capacity? |
Yes |
Does the supplier have its own storage facilities? |
Yes |
Approximate Turnover in MT
|
Figures not available |
Payment Methods Accepted |
Cash, credit card, credit by prior arrangement |
Other Comments or Key Information |
|
Honiara based only.
Other Locations |
|
Region(s) |
Service Location(s) |
No |
N/A |
Primary Goods / Commodities Available |
||
Commodities by Type** (SITC Rev 4 Division Code - Title) |
Comments |
|
00 - Live animals (other than fish, crustaceans, molluscs, etc.) |
No |
Imported. No limitations on availability or season or variations |
01 - Meat and meat preparations |
Meat. Sausage. (Frozen) |
Imported. No limitations on availability or season or variations |
02 - Dairy products and birds’ eggs |
UHP or powdered milk |
Imported. No limitations on availability or season or variations |
03 - Fish (not marine mammals), crustaceans, molluscs… |
Canned fish |
Imported. No limitations on availability or season or variations |
04 - Cereals and cereal preparations |
Wheat, rice, flour of maize, pasta. |
Imported. No limitations on availability or season or variations |
05 - Vegetables and fruit |
Fruit , vegetables ,Nuts, jams/jellies, fruit juices |
Imported. No limitations on availability or season or variations. Also fresh local fruit and vegetables |
06 - Sugars, sugar preparations and honey |
Sugars (beet or cane) raw, natural honey, fruit/nuts preserved by sugar … |
Imported. No limitations on availability or season or variations |
07 - Coffee, tea, cocoa, spices and manufactures thereof |
Coffee, cocoa, chocolate, tea, mate, pepper, all spices |
Imported. No limitations on availability or season or variations |
09 - Miscellaneous edible products and preparations |
Ready-to-eat foods, margarine, sauces, soups and broths, yeasts, soft drinks |
Imported. No limitations on availability or season or variations |
41 - Animal oils and fats |
Lard, fats and oils… |
Imported. No limitations on availability or season or variations |
42/43 - Fixed vegetable fats and oils, crude, refined or fractionated |
Soya bean oil, olive oil, maize oil, vegetable oil |
Imported. No limitations on availability or season or variations |
**For non-FOOD products please see section 3.5.2 Additional Suppliers, and for FUEL/PETROLEUM products please see section 3.1 Fuel.
Disclaimer: Inclusion of company information in the LCA does not imply any business relationship between the supplier and WFP / Logistics Cluster, and is used solely as a determinant of services, and capacities.
Please note: WFP / Logistics Cluster maintain complete impartiality and are not in a position to endorse, comment on any company's suitability as a reputable service provider.
3.5.2 Solomon Islands Additional Suppliers
Overview
There is no manufacturing or local production in the Solomon Islands. Wholesalers in this country operate a little above retail level and generally in smaller household type commodities to the level of mid size hardware stores. Items such as tents, office equipment, water pumps, pipes tools etc are all available in Honiara but in limited quantities. Very few of these items are available outside the capital Honiara.
All goods are imported via sea or air transport. Closest major trading partners are Australia and New Zealand.
There are no suppliers present for local purchase/procurement at the manufacturing/production and wholesale levels
For more information on suppliers’ contact details, please see the
following link: 4.9
Solomon Islands Additional Service Provision Contact
List
Disclaimer: Inclusion of company information in the LCA does not imply any business relationship between the supplier and WFP / Logistics Cluster, and is used solely as a determinant of services, and capacities.
Please note: WFP / Logistics Cluster maintain complete impartiality and are not in a position to endorse, comment on any company's suitability as a reputable service provider.