An era ends; a new one begins for Vailima the ‘Taste of Samoa’
STILL THE TASTE OF SAMOA: An icy cold glass of Vailima lager on a beach somewhere in Savai'i.
Photo: Samoa Breweries Limited
An era comes to an end as Samoa Breweries Limited, makers of the country’s signature Vailima beer prepares to close up shop on Monday, 31 October.
Samoa Breweries will close at the end of the month but only temporarily, the company announced in a Friday, 14 October statement.
The Vailima brewery was launched in 1978 and has since won five prestigious international awards.
The closure brings one era to an end but it also heralds the beginning of an era bright and new for Vailima, recognised fondly around the world as the “Taste of Samoa.”
Production of Vailima will move offshore to Fiji while business couple Saleimoa Charlie Va’ai and Beatrice Ott make arrangements to establish their operations in country.
The local brewery is producing at maximum capacity to supply Samoa with Vailima for the months of October and November, the statement explains.
“Samoa Breweries Ltd (SBL) will begin the planned closure of its brewing facilities at the end of this month,” the brewery said.
“The production of Vailima will temporarily move offshore while locals Charlie Va’ai and Beatrice Ott prepare to set up their operations in Samoa.”
Vailima draught beer will available until the end of November.
The first shipment of imported Vailima is scheduled to arrive in December.
“The brewery is currently producing at maximum capacity to supply Samoa with Vailima for the months of October and November,” said Samoa Breweries.
“The first shipment of the temporarily imported Vailima will arrive in December. Vailima draught beer will continue to be available until November 2022.”
The brewery notes they are working hard to look after their people and minimise supply distribution.
Thirty-four people will be impacted by the closure.
“Since the announcement of the closure in June, we have been working hard to look after our people and minimise supply distribution of Vailima,” said Moira Simi, Country Manager of
Samoa Breweries.
Photo: Samoa Breweries Limited
“The planned closure will impact 34 of our people, down from the initial 50 as we managed to secure roles and retain more staff. The affected employees have been offered generous redundancy packages to thank and recognise their incredible service over the years.”
The brewery 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 once their operation in Samoa is setup.”
The company continues to explore options on how to create a stronger connection between its local partners and the Vailima brand.
“It’s always been our strong preference to keep the production of Vailima in Samoa,” said Mike Spencer, General Manager of Paradise Beverages Limited.
Paradise Beverages is the major owner of Samoa Breweries.
“We are thrilled the brewing of the iconic Vailima brand would remain in Samoa and be looked after by people who are incredibly passionate about Vailima,” said Mr. Spencer.
“We know the brand will be in safe hands and we’re exploring further options to provide an even stronger connection between Mr. Va’ai, Ms. Ott and the Vailima brand.”
As the company nears end of local production they have halted distribution to the general public from their Vaitele depot.
Only vendors of Vailima are being served at the Vaitele depot.
Through 21 October, the brewery is offering its cash for empty bottles promotion, 50 sene for the large 750ml bottles and 30 sene for the small 355ml bottles.
The collection and return of Vailima beer bottles will continue until 2023 to ensure all customers are able to return their empty bottles.
It is essential that Samoa Breweries Limited receives back as many bottles as possible to keep up with demand up until closure, the company said.
Delivery trucks were not operating on Monday, 17 October.
They will resume operation on Tuesday, 18 October.
For more information on deliveries and empty bottle collections, contact the Vailima brewery at (685) 68000.