Study shows Fiji can save over $24 million on food imports for hotels

A study of fresh produce demand from Fiji’s Hotels and Resorts has found that last year, hotels and resorts in Fiji’s main tourism areas spent $74.4 million on the procurement of fresh produce.

It also found that of this amount, 52% or more $38.5 million was spent on imported items.

The study which is called “From the Farm to the Tourist’s Table” highlighted that Fiji has the potential to cut $24.1 million of its import bill by focusing its resources on growing or producing specific, high potential fresh produce items locally.

The study was done by the International Finance Corporation in partnership with Australian Aid, the Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism.

18 fresh produce items account for 63% of the total fresh food imports consumed by hotels in Fiji’s main tourism areas of Nadi, Lautoka, Denarau, Coral Coast and the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands.

The report says increasing local food production can increase food security and help to more evenly share the benefits of a growing tourism sector across Fiji’s population.