A Guide to Supermarkets & Food Shopping in Wallis & Futuna

Wallis and Futuna has several supermarkets where you'll find a mix of French, New Zealand and Australian brands. Prices are generally high due to freight costs, and most supermarkets close for 2-3 hours during lunch break. Many supermarkets stock essential groceries, fresh produce and household items, though selection can be limited compared to larger markets.

SEM Supermarché (Wallis)

SEM Supermarché, located in the Fenuarama Shopping Centre in Mata'Utu, offers slightly cheaper prices compared to other supermarkets. You'll find fresh produce, including local fish, along with dairy, meat and imported goods. They have a generous liquor section, which is cordoned off on Sundays. They also have a clearance section where items close to their use-by date are discounted. The store includes a pharmacy section behind the counter, stocking basic medications.

SEM is open from 6 am to 12 pm and 2 pm to 7 pm Monday to Saturday, and 6 am to 12 pm on Sunday.

Interwallis (Wallis)

Just down the road from SEM, Interwallis focuses more on French brands and has a good selection of imported foods. They have a small bakery section, which includes cakes, as well as freezer goods. They stock toiletries, though they have limited medical supplies. Interwallis also has a website and offers home delivery in Wallis.

Interwallis is open from 6 am to 7 pm Monday to Saturday, and 6 am to 11 am Sunday.

SERF Supermarché (Futuna)

SERF Supermarché in Nuku serves as one of the main supermarkets in Futuna, offering standard groceries including pasta, dairy and household items, along with gluten-free flours like buckwheat and tapioca. They have a comprehensive deli section, fresh baguettes and more. SERF tends to be a little cheaper than other stores on Futuna, but more expensive than on Wallis.

SERF is open from 6 am to 12 pm and 3 pm to 7 pm Monday to Saturday, and 6 am to 12 pm Sunday.

Cowafdis (Futuna)

Cowafdis in Leava, Futuna's main town, is one of the island's largest supermarkets, which is usually the first to be well stocked after shipping comes in, thanks to its position near the wharf, yet the first to run out, as we've seen plenty of shelves empty. It has extensive dry goods aisles, some liquor, as well as a freezer section and a limited deli and bakery.

Cowafdis is open from 6 am to 12:30 pm and 3:30 pm to 7 pm Monday to Saturday, and 6 am to 12 pm Sunday.

Small convenience stores are scattered throughout both islands, offering essential items when supermarkets are closed. These stores typically stock snacks, drinks, basic toiletries and non-perishables, though fresh produce availability varies - typically only offering one option, such as New Zealand apples.

Most convenience stores accept cash only, and like supermarkets, expect higher prices due to import costs.

Mini Mag L'After (Wallis)

The only chain of 24/7 convenience stores in the territory, Mini Mag L'After offers takeaway food including paninis, crepes, and baguettes, along with imported food and toiletry goods from France and New Zealand. You'll find branches in Mala'e, Malaefo'ou and Lavegahau.

Mini Mag L'After Malae is open 24 hours, 7 days a week.

Mini Mag (Wallis)

Mini Mag is the version of Mini Mag stores that are not 24/7. They offer much the same as Mini Mag L'After. You'll find branches in Te'esi and Mata'Utu.

Mini Mag is open from 5 am to 7 pm Monday to Saturday, and 5 am to 12 pm Sunday.

JLS Magasins (Wallis)

JLS Magasins operates with early morning hours, making it convenient for early shoppers. It stocks standard grocery essentials and household items. They also provide local SIM card top-up vouchers. Find branches in Utufua, Mata'Utu and Alele.

JLS is open from 5 am to 1 pm and 3 pm to 8 pm Monday to Saturday, and 5:30 am to 12:30 pm on Sunday.

Super Hihifo (Wallis)

Along the main road in Alele, Super Hihifo is a decent-sized convenience store stocking the essentials, as well as local fruit, vegetables and homemade snacks.

Super Hihifo is open from 5:30 am to 12 pm and 3 pm to 8 pm Monday to Saturday, and 5:30 am to 12 pm and 2 pm to 7 pm Sunday.

Manatapu Bazar (Futuna)

Manatapu Superette in Tavai is your only 24/7 convenience store that operates with continuous hours throughout the week, making it the most convenient option for flexible shopping times in Futuna.

Manatapu is open 24 hours, 7 days a week.

Marantha (Futuna)

Located closest to the airport, Marantha in Vele is ideal for last-minute shopping before departure. They have essential food items and sometimes local fruit and vegetables downstairs, while clothes can be found upstairs.

Marantha is open from 6:30 am to 11:30 am and 2 pm to 7 pm Monday to Saturday, and 6:30 am to 11:30 am and 3 pm to 6 pm on Sunday.

Altofenua (Futuna)

This convenience store has a couple of branches on Futuna, as well as a clothing store on Wallis. On Futuna, you can find branches in Mala'e and Nuku. They stock a range of basic food items, homeware, clothing and a few knick-knacks.

Altofenua is open from 12 pm to 7:30 pm Monday to Saturday, and closes at 7 pm on Sunday.

Vai Alimentation Supérette (Futuna)

Convenience store in Vaisei near the church with a stock of essential food items, as well as clothes and homeware.

Sorry team, we missed the opening hour during our last research trip.

For a list of convenience stores, check out Information, Shops & Services in Wallis and Information, Shops & Services in the Futuna.

Some travellers bring their own food from home, but as a remote island with a fragile ecosystem, Wallis and Futuna follows strict biosecurity rules that require declaring all food items for inspection. While some foods pass through easily, others need import permits.

Do You Really Need to Take Food to Wallis and Futuna?

Before packing your cooler, consider whether you really need to bring food to Wallis and Futuna.

As you've seen from this guide, Wallis and Futuna has plenty of local stores and supermarkets available. Although food prices are higher than in mainland France or nearby countries like Australia and New Zealand, it tends to make more sense to buy food once you're here, especially with the limited baggage allowances between Wallis and Futuna, for example. See food costs in How Much Does a Trip to Wallis and Futuna Cost?

Unless you have essential snacks or special dietary needs (although, check Wallis and Futuna for Vegans & Vegetarians and The Gluten-Free Guide to Wallis and Futuna may help you out), we don't recommend using precious luggage space for food.

Tips for Taking Food to Wallis and Futuna

If bringing food to Wallis and Futuna:

• Declare on your Passenger Arrival Form if taking any food, even if allowed
• Write a list of all food items to show Customs and Biosecurity officers for quicker processing
• Pack food in check-in luggage, not carry-on
• Ensure all food is commercially packaged with clear country of origin labelling
• Submit items requiring inspection to biosecurity officers after baggage collection

What Food Can You Bring to Wallis and Futuna?

Although clearly labelled packaged food can be brought into Wallis and Futuna without issue, Wallis and Futuna has its own agricultural import regulations managed by the Veterinary, Food and Plant Inspection Service (SIVAP). Many food items can be brought in with proper permits and declarations, though bringing food will slow down the arrival process.

Food and Animal Products

Animal products and food of animal origin may be allowed for personal consumption up to 5 kg (11 lbs) per person, but only if traceability requirements are met, such as labelling and an invoice. SIVAP also says these products must have undergone heat treatment and, or, come from authorised countries, including New Caledonia, New Zealand, Australia and the European Union.

Plant Products

Plants and plant products can be much more controlled. Some are only allowed if accompanied by an import permit issued by SIVAP and a phytosanitary certificate from the authorities in the country of origin.

Food Items That May Be Allowed if Declared

SIVAP specifically mentions some food items for personal consumption that may be allowed if declared, including taro, yams, kape and breadfruit, provided they are cooked or peeled and frozen. This is quite useful if you're coming from nearby Pacific islands, but it still means they should declare these items on arrival.