Two entrepreneurs in Samoa have started the process to ensure the iconic Vailima Beer continues to be produced in Samoa.
Samoa Breweries Ltd announced in a press release yesterday that a Memorandum of Understanding was signed with Charlie Va’ai and Beatrice Ott to produce the beer in Samoa. Va’ai and Ott are man and wife.
The MOU foresees SBL granting the two an exclusive license to produce the iconic brew in Samoa for the local Samoan market.
“Samoa Breweries Limited will continue to sell and distribute Vailima alongside Samoa’s favourite non-alcoholic beverages while the brewing of Vailima will be done locally by Mr Va’ai and Ms Ott,” said the release.
“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.
Spencer announced earlier this year that SBL would move operations to Fiji, including the brewing of Vailima.
For now, the beer will continue to be brewed offshore until Va’ai and Ott are ready to produce locally.
Moira Simi, Country Manager of Samoa Breweries Limited said, “It’s fantastic we have found a passionate local to produce our much-loved Vailima. We look forward to working closely with Mr Va’ai and Ms Ott to continue the great legacy of Vailima in Samoa.”
Photo:Samoa Observer
