3.5 Fiji Food and Additional Suppliers

Fiji has close trading links with Australia and New Zealand, Singapore and China and consequently through importing, the market has access to international standard food and other commodity supplies. Locally produced fruit, vegetables, fish, meat and dairy supplies, underpins food imports however as Fiji has almost no manufacturing capacity additional commodity supplies rely almost totally on imports.

The market is generally well supplied and can expand to meet surge demands.

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.

Fiji - 3.5.1 Fiji Food Suppliers

Overview

While there is an increase in the retail supermarkets offering a range of imported goods predominantly from Australia and New Zealand, this is underpinned by local food markets of tropical fruits, vegetables, meat and fish in the coastal areas.  

Food Imports

Fiji imports majority of its food and beverage requirements. Wheat and rice account for 50% ($68m) of total food imported in 2019. Australia supplies approximately 38% of the total food and beverage market in Fiji and shares a position of preferred supplier along with New Zealand. There is a small and relatively concentrated food processing industry with the grocery retail sector being the largest sub-sector, three times the size of the food service industry.

Food Exports

Fiji’s main exports (2019) were mineral/aerated water ($168m -16% of total exports), raw cane sugar ($60m - 6%) and processed fish ($130m - 12%). There are several wholesale food suppliers throughout Fiji who are also exporters. These are predominant suppliers of Indian food products throughout the Asia Pacific Region.

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://oec.world/en/profile/country/fji

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): https://dataviz.vam.wfp.org/version2/country/fiji

For more information on food supplier contact details, please see the following link: 4.10 Supplier Contact List.

Retail Sector

There is a range of 6-8 different supermarket retailers that operate in the major cities and towns. The sector is stable with many long-term business entities. Close to half of Fiji’s population lives in the greater Suva area thus it is this geographic region that dominates retail sales. Suva is also a hub for the Pacific providing a base for several regional institutions and multinational corporations.  

Credit is generally available to approved customers. 

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.	1
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.	3
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.	4
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.	5

Wholesale – MaxVal-u

MaxVal-u is a wholesale and retail organization with a chain of supermarkets across Fiji. It is a subsidiary of Carpenters Fiji PTE Limited. MaxVal-u is set up in various locations across Fiji and also offers online shopping for customers’ convenience.

Supplier Overview
Company Name	MaxVal-u
Address	c/- Carpenters Fiji PTE Limited 34 Rodwell Road, Suva PO Box 299, Suva, Fiji
Does the supplier have its own production / manufacturing capacity?	No
Does the supplier have its own retail capacity?	Yes, chain of supermarkets nationwide
Does the supplier have its own transport capacity?	Yes
Does the supplier have its own storage facilities?	Yes
Approximate Turnover in MT	N/A
Payment Methods Accepted	Cash, debit/credit card, credit to approved customers, M-Paisa, MyCash
Other Comments or Key Information	N/A

Other Locations
Regions	Service Locations
Nationwide	Lami, Suva CBD, Flagstaff, Valelevu, Nakasi, Nausori, Rakiraki, Tavua, Ba, Lautoka, Namaka, Sigatoka, Navua, Labasa, Savusavu, Taveuni, Levuka

Primary Goods / Commodities Available
Commodities by Type** (SITC Rev 4 Division Code - Title)		Comments
00 - Live animals (other than fish, crustaceans, molluscs, etc.)	No
01 - Meat and meat preparations	Meat of bovine animals, meat of sheep, dried or smoked meat of swine, sausages	Imported and local produce
02 - Dairy products and birds’ eggs	Milk, yogurt, butter, cheese, eggs	Imported and local produce
03 - Fish (not marine mammals), crustaceans, molluscs…	Fish (chilled or frozen), fish (salted or in brine), fish liver and roes	Imported and local produce
04 - Cereals and cereal preparations	Wheat, rice, flour of maize, pasta...	Imported and local produce
05 - Vegetables and fruit	Vegetables, fruit and nuts, jams/jellies, fruit juices…	Imported and local produce
06 - Sugars, sugar preparations and honey	Sugars (beet or cane) raw, natural honey, fruit/nuts preserved by sugar …	Imported and local produce
07 - Coffee, tea, cocoa, spices and manufactures thereof	Coffee, cocoa, chocolate, tea, mate, pepper…	Imported
09 - Miscellaneous edible products and preparations	Ready-to-eat foods, margarine, sauces, soups and broths, yeasts…	Imported
41 - Animal oils and fats	Lard, fats and oils…	Imported and local produce
42/43 - Fixed vegetable fats and oils, crude, refined or fractionated	Soya bean oil, olive oil, maize oil, vegetable oil…	Imported and local produce

Wholesale – NEWWORLD IGA

The company began trading as a family business over 80 years ago, operating as NEWWORLD since 2001. Currently, the group has 17 supermarkets with a total strength of around 1000 employees. Company’s trading name “NEWWORLD” is an identifiable brand name in the supermarket industry in Fiji. NEWWORLD also holds and operates the master franchisee of IGA in Fiji.

Supplier Overview
Company Name	NEWWORLD IGA
Address	Kings Rd Yalalevu, Ba, Fiji
Does the supplier have its own production / manufacturing capacity?	No
Does the supplier have its own retail capacity?	Yes, a chain of outlet stores and supermarkets nationwide
Does the supplier have its own transport capacity?	Yes
Does the supplier have its own storage facilities?	Yes
Approximate Turnover in MT	N/A
Payment Methods Accepted	Cash, debit/credit card, credit to approved customers, M-Paisa, MyCash
Other Comments or Key Information	N/A

Other Locations

Region(s)

Service Location(s)

Nationwide

West Region

NW Ba Shop 3

NW Nadi Town

NW IGA Supa - Votualevu

NW Rakiraki

NW IGA Lautoka City

NW Tavua

Pots & Things Lautoka

Northern Region

NW Labasa

NW IGA Express - Savusavu

Central Region

NW IGA Nakasi

NW Nausori

NW Vitiplaza - Valelevu

NW IGA Damodar City

NW IGA Greig St - Suva City

Savusavu on Vanua Levu

Somosomo on the island of Taveuni.

Primary Goods / Commodities Available
Commodities by Type** (SITC Rev 4 Division Code - Title)		Comments
00 - Live animals (other than fish, crustaceans, molluscs, etc.)	No
01 - Meat and meat preparations	Meat of bovine animals, meat of sheep, dried or smoked meat of swine, sausages…	Imported and local produce
02 - Dairy products and birds’ eggs	Milk, yogurt, butter, cheese, eggs…	Imported and local produce
03 - Fish (not marine mammals), crustaceans, molluscs…	Fish (chilled or frozen), fish (salted or in brine), fish liver and roes…	Imported and local produce
04 - Cereals and cereal preparations	Wheat, rice, flour of maize, pasta...	Imported and local produce
05 - Vegetables and fruit	Vegetables, fruit and nuts, jams/jellies, fruit juices…	Imported and local produce
06 - Sugars, sugar preparations and honey	Sugars (beet or cane) raw, natural honey, fruit/nuts preserved by sugar …	Imported and local produce
07 - Coffee, tea, cocoa, spices and manufactures thereof	Coffee, cocoa, chocolate, tea, mate, pepper…	Imported
09 - Miscellaneous edible products and preparations	Ready-to-eat foods, margarine, sauces, soups and broths, yeasts…	Imported
41 - Animal oils and fats	Lard, fats and oils…	Imported and local produce
42/43 - Fixed vegetable fats and oils, crude, refined or fractionated	Soya bean oil, olive oil, maize oil, vegetable oil…	Imported and local produce

Wholesale – GR GROUP

The company began trading in 2014 with an agriculture operation first established as the forefront business with an aim of food security and self-sufficiency. They have since evolved to be a more diversified entity with a fast-growing and sustainable development of agriculture, construction, food processing, restaurants, trading, resorts, health services and more.

Supplier Overview
Company Name	GR GROUP
Address	Lot 11 Wainidova Road, Navua P.O. Box 561, Pacific Harbour, Fiji
Does the supplier have its own production / manufacturing capacity?	Yes
Does the supplier have its own retail capacity?	Yes, chain of supermarkets operating under the True Mart banner
Does the supplier have its own transport capacity?	Yes
Does the supplier have its own storage facilities?	Yes
Approximate Turnover in MT	N/A
Payment Methods Accepted	Cash, debit/credit card, credit to approved customers, M-Paisa, MyCash
Other Comments or Key Information	N/A

Other Locations
Region(s)	Service Location(s)
Viti Levu	10 stores throughout the island

Primary Goods / Commodities Available
Commodities by Type** (SITC Rev 4 Division Code - Title)		Comments
00 - Live animals (other than fish, crustaceans, molluscs, etc.)	No
01 - Meat and meat preparations	Meat of bovine animals, meat of sheep, dried or smoked meat of swine, sausages…	Imported and local produce
02 - Dairy products and birds’ eggs	Milk, yogurt, butter, cheese, eggs…	Imported and local produce
03 - Fish (not marine mammals), crustaceans, molluscs…	Fish (chilled or frozen), fish (salted or in brine), fish liver and roes…	Imported and local produce
04 - Cereals and cereal preparations	Wheat, rice, flour of maize, pasta...	Imported and local produce
05 - Vegetables and fruit	Vegetables, fruit and nuts, jams/jellies, fruit juices…	Imported and local produce
06 - Sugars, sugar preparations and honey	Sugars (beet or cane) raw, natural honey, fruit/nuts preserved by sugar …	Imported and local produce
07 - Coffee, tea, cocoa, spices and manufactures thereof	Coffee, cocoa, chocolate, tea, mate, pepper…	Imported
09 - Miscellaneous edible products and preparations	Ready-to-eat foods, margarine, sauces, soups and broths, yeasts…	Imported
41 - Animal oils and fats	Lard, fats and oils…	Imported and local produce
42/43 - Fixed vegetable fats and oils, crude, refined or fractionated	Soya bean oil, olive oil, maize oil, vegetable oil…	Imported and local produce

  **For non-food products please see section 3.5.2 Additional Suppliers, and for FUEL/PETROLEUM products please see section 3.1 Fuel.

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.

Fiji - 3.5.2 Fiji Additional Suppliers

Hardware and NFIs

Suppliers are generally reliable and the government will prioritise national procurement over the import of emergency relief items. Although, even if nearly all non-food humanitarian items (shelters, cooking kits, hygiene kits, etc) may be found in the country, the local suppliers only maintain stocks based on the general needs of the country and are not ready for a surge to support large humanitarian needs. In the event of surge demand during emergencies resulting in competition for supply from local and national actors, it is predictable that the prices will increase significantly. The process for replenishment of supplies may be slow. 

Wholesale – Vinod Patel & Company Ltd.

Vinod Patel & Company Ltd is a company based in Fiji and operates Fiji’s largest chain of hardware stores, with ten branches nationwide. Vinod Patel is a primary exporter of hardware to other Pacific Island countries and it has branches located in all major towns and cities and has a product range of more than 35,000 items. In addition, associated manufacturing companies: Ba Industries Limited (BIL) and Tubemakers & Roofmart (SP) Limited provide roofing nails, galvanized and wire nails, PVC pipes and fittings, metal roofing and walling materials, farm fencing, chain link fence, barbed wire and a complete range of structural and reinforcing steel. 

Supplier Overview
Company Name	Vinod Patel & Company Ltd.
Address	1 Ratu Dovi Rd Laucala Beach Estate, Suva, Fiji
Does the supplier have its own production / manufacturing capacity?	Yes.  Manufacturer of steel roofing products, wall frames and trusses, together with galvanised pipes and tubes, wire and fencing. Fully integrated grinding cement plant with annual capacity of over 215,000 tonnes. Manufacturer and supplier of high-quality uPVC, mPVC and Polyethylene pipes and fittings. Pre-fabricated concrete slabs and infrastructure products manufacturer and distributor. Tile adhesive manufacturing unit.
Does the supplier have its own retail capacity?	Yes, directly manages retail locations.
Does the supplier have its own transport capacity?	Yes
Does the supplier have its own storage facilities?	Yes
Approximate turnover in USD - $	N/A
Payment Methods Accepted	Cash, debit/credit card and credit to pre-approved customers, M-Paisa, MyCash
Other Comments or Key Information

Other Locations
Region(s)	Service Location(s)
Viti Levu and Vanua Levu	9 retail locations

Primary Goods / Commodities Available
Commodities by Type** (SITC Rev 4 Division Code - Title)		Comments
24/27 - Crude materials, inedible, except fuel	Fuel wood, crude fertilizers, sand/stone/gravel	Imported and locally produced
51 to 59 - Chemical and related products	Chlorine, pharmaceuticals, soaps, plastic tubes/pipes, chemical fertilizers	Imported and locally produced
61 to 69 - Manufactured goods classified chiefly by material	Rubber tyres, wood pallets, textiles, cement, iron/steel pipe fittings, copper wire, metal tanks	Imported and locally produced
71 to 79 - Machinery and transport equipment	Engine/machine parts, generators, sewing machines, pumps, telecoms equipment,	Imported
81 to 89 - Miscellaneous manufactured articles	Lighting fixtures, furniture, clothing,	Imported and locally produced
91/93/96/97 - Commodities not classified elsewhere

Wholesale - Carpenters Hardware Ltd

Carpenters Fiji Pte Limited, a subsidiary of MBF Holdings, represents almost all sectors in Fiji with wholesale, retail, hardware, automotive, IT, finance, water bottling, shipping, and industrial and marine engineering industries. Carpenters have over 100 years of experience and service in commerce and trading in the Pacific and employ over 3,000 people. It is a major supplier of building and industrial materials including general hardware, plumbing, floor and wall tiles, domestic and industrial electrical products, a full range of timbers, including pine and native timber, a range of steel products in beam sheets and rods including a steel cutting and bending, as well as a wire rope cutting and splicing service. It is one of the largest wholesalers in commercial and industrial electrical products, including air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment, as well as providing backup spare parts and after-sale service.

Supplier Overview
Company Name	Carpenters Fiji Pte Limited
Address	34 Rodwell Rd, Suva PO Box 299, Suva, Fiji
Does the supplier have its own production / manufacturing capacity?	No
Does the supplier have its own retail capacity?	Yes
Does the supplier have its own transport capacity?	Yes
Does the supplier have its own storage facilities?	Yes
Approximate turnover in USD - $	N/A
Payment Methods Accepted	Cash, debit/credit card, credit to pre-approved customers, M-Paisa, MyCash
Other Comments or Key Information

Other Locations
Region(s)	Service Location(s)
Viti Levu, Vanua Levu and Ovalau	Suva Branch in Walu Bay and a network of branches in Suva City, MHCC, Nausori, Sigatoka, Nadi, Lautoka, Ba, Rakiraki, Levuka, Taveuni, Labasa, Savusavu.

Primary Goods / Commodities Available
Commodities by Type** (SITC Rev 4 Division Code - Title)		Comments
24/27 - Crude materials, inedible, except fuel	Fuel wood, crude fertilizers, sand/stone/gravel	Local and imported
51 to 59 - Chemical and related products	Chlorine, pharmaceuticals, soaps, plastic tubes/pipes, chemical fertilizers	Local and imported
61 to 69 - Manufactured goods classified chiefly by material	Rubber tyres, wood pallets, textiles, cement, iron/steel pipe fittings, copper wire, plastic tanks	Local and imported
71 to 79 - Machinery and transport equipment	Engine/machine parts, generators, sewing machines, pumps, telecoms equipment, vehicles	Imported
81 to 89 - Miscellaneous manufactured articles	Lighting fixtures, furniture, clothing,	Local and imported
91/93/96/97 - Commodities not classified elsewhere

**For FOOD products please see section 3.5.1 Food Suppliers, and for FUEL/PETROLEUM products please see section 3.1 Fuel.

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.