A project that threatens Moorea’s businesses

The Carrefour project in Maharepa raises another major issue: competition. On an island like Moorea, where the market is inherently limited, the arrival of a dominant player can have profound and lasting consequences.

A historic decision by the Polynesian Competition Authority

On September 12, 2022, the Polynesian Competition Authority (APC) took an exceptional decision: to ban the establishment of Carrefour in Maharepa. This decision was based on a clear observation: the project presented high competitive risks, likely to drive out existing competitors.

Excessive market dominance

According to the APC’s analysis, the Wane Group would have achieved:

75 to 85% of the supermarket market in Moorea,
70 to 80% of the branded store market,
up to 50% of all businesses, all sectors combined.

In certain local areas, the group has become ultra-dominant, with competitors relegated to marginal market shares, often less than 15%.

Less competition, more risks

Such concentration automatically leads to several risks:

the gradual disappearance of small businesses,
reduced choice for consumers,
weakened bargaining power for customers,
increased ability to raise prices in the absence of credible alternatives.

Contrary to popular belief, a quasi-monopoly does not guarantee lower prices. On the contrary, it promotes a lasting market imbalance.

Competitive projects discouraged

The APC also pointed out that the establishment of Carrefour in Maharepa would make other authorized projects, such as Painapo Market and Happy Market, economically unviable.

As a result, instead of stimulating competition, the project would block it, preventing the emergence of new, more diversified offerings tailored to the island.