Vailima production may remain in Samoa

Vailima beer and other Vailima products may continue to be produced in Samoa after all.

Samoa Breweries Ltd (SBL) Tuesday announced that a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been reached with Charlie Va’ai and Beatrice Ott to produce Vailima in Samoa.

“It’s always been our strong preference to keep the production of Vailima in Samoa,” says Paradise Beverages Limited (the majority owner of SBL) General Manager Mike Spencer.

“We are thrilled to be working on a solution where the brewing of the iconic Vailima brand would remain in Samoa and be looked after by people who are incredibly passionate about the brand.”

SBL says until Va’ai and Ott are ready to produce locally on island, the product will be produced offshore using the same methods and ingredients, to ensure continuity of supply.

The MOU foresees that SBL will grant Va’ai, Ott and family an exclusive license to produce the Vailima brand in Samoa for the local market.

SBL will continue to sell and distribute Vailima alongside Samoa’s favourite non-alcoholic beverages while the brewing of Vailima will be done locally by Va’ai and Ott.

Moira Simi, Country Manager of SBL said, “It’s fantastic we have found a passionate local to produce our much-loved Vailima. We look forward to working closely with Va’ai and Ott to continue the great legacy of Vailima in Samoa.”

The Government has also been informed on the latest developments through the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour. “We had a successful meeting with the Ministry of Commerce Industry and Labour, as well as the Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa this week to provide an update on the MOU and plans to produce Vailima in Samoa,” said Simi.