'Taste of Samoa' Vailima beer to now be made in Fiji

by Mariner Fagaiava-Muller

The iconic Samoan brewery which opened in 1978, will close its doors and relocate to Fiji in October.

In a statement to TheCoconetTV, Vailima’s Suva-based parent company Paradise Beverages said it explored every avenue to retain operation in Samoa but none were commercially viable.

“We want to keep the Vailima brand alive by moving production to Fiji using the same traditional methods and ingredients,” the statement read.

“We want to stress that if a viable local option presents itself to be able to produce on island, we are open to the approach.”

“In fact, that is our preference.”

It’s expected up to 50 jobs will be affected.

Workers will have the option to apply for other roles or take voluntary redundancy. 

Currently, Vailima is manufactured by Samoa Breweries, a subsidiary of Paradise Beverages - which also owns Fiji Bitter, Fiji Gold, Vonu Pure Lager, Fiji Premium and Ratu and Bati rum.

Coca-Cola Amatil owns a near 90% stake in Paradise Beverages.

The Vailima brand and heritage will continue to live on, Paradise Beverages said.

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