From the Farm to the Tourist’s Table

Abstract

The International Finance Corporation (IFC), in partnership with the Fiji Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) and the Fiji Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Tourism (MITT), conducted a study of the sourcing of imported and local fresh produce by Fiji’s hotel sector. The study analyzes the purchasing patterns of Fiji’s hotels, to better understand existing linkages between the tourism and agriculture sectors, and to identify opportunities to improve these linkages. This report covers Fiji’s main tourism areas of Nadi, Lautoka, the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands, Denarau, and the Coral Coast that are home to 74 percent of all bed places. The report estimates the demand for vegetables, fruits, meats, seafood, dairy, herbs, and juice products across hotels in Fiji’s main tourism areas. Based on this demand estimate, as well as on feedback from specialists working in the sector and qualitative interviews with hotel chefs, owners, and purchasing managers, the report identifies specific fresh produce items that have potential for import replacement by local agricultural producers. The results and recommendations in this report can be used by the Fijian Government, farmers and suppliers, donor and development partners, hotels, and the broader agricultural industry to develop, fund, and implement the policies and practices required to increase economic linkages between tourism operators and farmers.