Cook Islands Distillery
Cook Islands Distillery was born out of a dream to create world-class spirits from our little Pacific paradise”
Handcrafted in the village of Nikao on family land, our small distillery produces gin, vodka, and rum, reflecting the essential elements of our island home and celebrating its unique flavours, traditions, and natural beauty.
Nikao, located on the main island of Rarotonga, is the village of our kopu tangata, past and present. With a little experimentation and a thirst to put a subtle spin on the classics, we proudly introduce Tavake Spirits—our debut range of handcrafted spirits. Named after the majestic seabird with a distinct long red tail, once prized for its feathers and symbolic of ancestral voyages across the Pacific, Tavake incorporates local botanicals such as raparapa (star fruit), vanira (vanilla), ara (pineapple) bark, and pure Rarotongan rainwater. On island time, we take care to bring out the best of our home in every bottle. Kia manuia
You can visit our website here: www.cookislandsdistillery.com or if you have any queries, contact us on info@CookIslandsDistillery.com
Rito Cook Islands
In the 1970s, on the island of Rarotonga, a young girl named Susan Tuoro watched in awe as her grandmother, Moari, worked her magic—grating raw coconut flesh, blending it with fragrant local flowers like tiare and frangipani, and leaving the mixture to bake under the sun until a clear, nourishing oil slowly emerged. This early experience sparked Susan’s lifelong understanding that the careful extraction of essential oils from Cook Islands nuts and flowers held the secret to radiant skin and hair.
Decades later, in 2007, Susan and her husband Robert began producing their own skincare range and coconut oil from their home, using the same traditional methods of grating, drying, and cold-pressing with a heavy manual press. Today, they continue to craft the purest Tamanu and Coconut Oils—a true labour of love rooted in ancestral knowledge and island tradition.
You can visit their website here: www.ritocookislands.com
Turepu Vanilla
Turepu Vanilla – Cultivating Excellence from the Heart of the Cook Islands”
Turepu Vanilla was founded in 2017 by Lafala Turepu, driven by a vision to harness the Cook Islands’ ideal growing conditions for one of the world’s most prized spices—vanilla. From its first harvest in 2019, the farm has grown steadily, becoming one of the largest vanilla producers in the region. Since beginning exports in December 2020, Turepu Vanilla has consistently met its quarterly targets, showcasing the farm’s commitment to quality and reliability. With the support of family and a dedicated team, Lafala oversees the meticulous care and maintenance of the farm.
Vanilla beans begin ripening in April, with harvesting continuing over a 3–4 month period, yielding an average of 80–100 kilograms of green beans per month. The success of each harvest is closely tied to the pollination season—strong pollination directly translates into a rich yield. Turepu Vanilla is more than a farm; it’s a testament to sustainable growth, family collaboration, and the rich agricultural potential of the Cook Islands.
You can contact them on turepuvanilla@gmail.com or call +682 53487
Noni Juice Cook Islands
Danny Mataroa – Championing the Power of Noni”
In the Cook Islands, noni juice has long been revered as a traditional plant medicine, valued for its natural healing properties and cultural significance. Danny Mataroa has embraced the challenge of preserving and promoting this important legacy, dedicating himself to raising awareness about the health benefits of noni and its role in island wellness. With deep respect for ancestral knowledge and a passion for natural remedies, Danny has become a leading advocate for noni cultivation and production in the Cook Islands.
His work not only highlights the therapeutic potential of noni juice—known to support immune health, digestion, and overall vitality—but also reinforces the importance of sustainable agriculture and traditional practices. Danny’s commitment ensures that noni remains a vital part of Cook Islands culture and a valuable export product with global appeal.
You can contact him nonimana007@hotmail.com
Rito Enua Creations
Kia Orana, my name is Eva. What started as a love for making eis and natural island products for family and friends has grown into a small business (Rito Enua translates to Essence of the Land) that lets me share the beauty of the Cook Islands with others. I work with local growers and use traditional methods where I can, because for me it’s about more than just business — it’s about keeping our culture alive, celebrating our land, and sharing a piece of home with everyone who supports us.
You can contact me on evangeline1804@gmail.com for any business enquires. Meitaki