Historic First Export of Santo Water Taro to Australia Marks Success of VBS-led National Standard Packhouse System

Date: April 23, 2026

Port Vila, Vanuatu – The Vanuatu Bureau of Standards (VBS) today celebrates a landmark achievement for the nation’s agricultural sector: the first-ever commercial export of a container of water taro from Santo to the Melbourne market in Australia.

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This historic shipment, which took place last Friday, directly implements the Government mandate under Council of Ministers (COM) Decision No. 51 of 2025. This decision tasked VBS with establishing and operationalising the National Standard Packhouse System (SPS), a critical reform to open formal export pathways for root crops.

Meeting Australia's Strict Requirements

According to the CEO of VBS, Mr. Atanas Pipite, this achievement proves that Vanuatu has now met Australia's strict biosecurity (SPS) and import requirements.

“We have shifted from informal agricultural exports to a standards-based, controlled farm-to-market system,” Mr. Pipite said. “This is not a one-off shipment. It is the establishment of a long-term export mechanism designed to maintain quality, increase farmer income, and build confidence in international markets.”

A Whole-of-Government Success

The export was made possible through a coordinated national system bringing together key partners across the value chain:

• VBS led the packhouse phase and national integration platform.
• Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) managed farmer coordination, pre-harvest quality control, and traceability.
• Department of Biosecurity (DOB) ensured compliance and inspection.
• Vanuatu Customs monitored handling, temperature, and export logistics.
• World Best Trading (WBT) acted as the official export partner under an MOU with Melbourne wholesaler, Market Fresh.

Next Steps: Second Shipment & Nationwide Expansion

The second export is expected next month, coinciding with the official commissioning of the Santo Packhouse by Prime Minister Jotham Napat. Upon arrival in Melbourne, Trade Minister Samson Samsen and his Australian counterpart will formally open the container, marking the completion of the end-to-end pathway.

Furthermore, starting in July 2026, VBS will begin construction of additional packhouses in Pentecost, Malekula, and Tanna with a budget of VT300 million.

“This initiative represents real progress in building direct access to high-value markets, strengthening trade relations with Australia, and generating foreign exchange income for our farmers,” CEO Pipite concluded.

The VBS extends its congratulations to the Santo farmers, the Ministry of Trade and Commerce, and all national partners for this historic achievement.

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FROM ROOT TO RICHES: OWNING THE QUALITY REVOLUTION VBS & DARD

VBS & DARD Provincial Kava Campaign 16th to 20th June 2025
“Compliance is not a penalty. It is our passport to the world.”

🏝️ A LETTER TO EVERY KAVA FARMER, EVERY LANDOWNER, EVERY NI-VANUATU

For decades, the world has paid premium prices for Vanuatu kava. Yet too often, the profit leaks—not because our root is weak, but because our post-harvest chain is inconsistent.

In June 2025, VBS and DARD travelled by ship through cyclone swells to reach Epi and Lamap. We did not come with fines. We came with an invitation: to take full ownership of the quality narrative.

🌱 WHY THIS IS YOUR MOMENT

The global market for kava is not just growing—it is competing for Vanuatu. Buyers in Europe, America, and the Pacific pay a premium only for kava that is:

• Noble (genetically pure)
• Chemically compliant (kavalactone-tested)
• Ethically dried (never Two-Day)

When you meet these VBS standards, you are not simply following a rule. You are claiming your share of an export economy that can transform your village.

🛠️ FROM TRADITION TO INVESTMENT

Our farmers already hold the ancestral knowledge. The training added the technical edge:

• ✅ Nursery management → Turn one cutting into 100
• ✅ Noble variety identification → Protect the brand that only Vanuatu owns
• ✅ Drying & packing labs → Double your price per kilo
• ✅ Kava Act awareness → Know the minimum price—and demand it

This is not aid. This is asset-building.

⚖️ PROTECTING THE COLLECTIVE WEALTH

In Malampa, bags of Two-Day kava were seized and destroyed. Some saw loss. We ask you to see investment protection.

Imagine if one farmer sells immature kava. The container is rejected. The entire shipment loses value. The importer turns to Fiji or Hawaii.

That is not a fine. That is a national dividend lost.

💡 THE ROOT CAUSE WE MUST ALL FIX

The root cause of past rejections was never bad intent—it was fragmented knowledge. One village mastered drying; another did not. VBS and DARD are now closing that gap, province by province.

You are now the custodians of that knowledge.

🌏 YOUR LAND, YOUR CAPITAL, YOUR FUTURE

The land is not just soil. It is your capital reserve.
The kava is not just a crop. It is your share scheme.
The standard is not just a document. It is your title deed to the trillion-vatu market.

🤝 JOIN THE MOVEMENT

The VBS Provincial Division remains open for:

• ✅ Free drying audits
• ✅ Export labelling guidance
• ✅ Kavalactone testing referrals
• ✅ Linkages with compliant buyers

Compliance is not control. Compliance is collective wealth.

📞 Contact the VBS Provincial Office or your local DARD Agriculture Officer.
🌐 This is Vanuatu’s decade. Own it.

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⬇️ Download: Shefa Training Report (June 2025)
⬇️ Download: Malampa Partnership Report (June 2025)

— Published by the Vanuatu Bureau of Standards, for the farmers who hold the root, and the future, of our nation.

Best Before Dates Decoded: VBS Lab Report on Snack Quality

Date Published: December 2025

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A recent nationwide inspection by the Vanuatu Bureau of Standards (VBS) has revealed important insights into the quality and safety of food products on our shelves. Laboratory tests conducted on snack items, including potato chips and baked snacks, show that “Best Before” dates are not just suggestions—they are key indicators of product quality, freshness, and safety.

As part of our ongoing commitment to consumer protection, VBS is sharing these findings to help you make informed choices and to remind retailers of their responsibilities under Vanuatu’s food safety regulations.

What the Laboratory Tests Revealed

Two snack products were analyzed in detail:

1. Potato Chips (1 Month Past Best Before Date)

• Chemical Safety: Safe to eat—no harmful rancidity detected.
• Quality Issue: Moisture content was elevated (2.22%), meaning the chips may have lost their crunch and freshness.
• Verdict: Acceptable with reservation—safe but not at peak quality.

2. Baked Snacks (On Best Before Date)

• Chemical Safety: Failed quality standards—critically high free fatty acids (2.5%).
• Quality Issue: High moisture (3.97%) and significant rancidity, leading to potential soapy or bitter taste and soft texture.
• Verdict: Unacceptable—not suitable for sale or consumption.

What “Best Before” Really Means

Best Before Date: This indicates the period during which the product is expected to remain at its best quality—in taste, texture, and freshness. It is not an expiry date, but eating food after this date may mean a decline in quality.

Use By / Expiry Date: Used for perishable items where safety may be compromised after the date. These are stricter and related to health risk.

In the cases studied, one product remained safe after its Best Before date but had lost quality, while another had already failed quality standards on its Best Before date due to packaging or ingredient issues.

Advice for Consumers

• Always Check Dates: Look for “Best Before” or “Use By” dates before purchasing.
• Trust Your Senses: If a product looks, smells, or tastes unusual—even if it’s within date—do not consume it.
• Store Properly: Keep dry snacks in sealed containers away from humidity to maintain crispness.
• Report Concerns: If you find expired or poor-quality products, inform the shop manager or contact VBS.

Reminder to Retailers and Shop Owners

Under the Vanuatu Bureau of Standards Act, all retailers are required to ensure products meet national standards. This includes:

• Regular Shelf Checks: Remove products past their Best Before dates, especially if quality is compromised.
• Proper Storage: Control humidity and temperature to preserve product integrity.
• Supplier Accountability: Source from reputable suppliers and verify product quality upon delivery.
• Cooperation with Inspections: VBS continues to conduct inspections nationwide. Your cooperation ensures a safer market for all.

VBS Is Here to Protect You

The Vanuatu Bureau of Standards remains dedicated to upholding food safety and quality across the nation. Through laboratory testing, inspections, and public awareness, we are working to ensure that every product sold in Vanuatu is safe, reliable, and of high quality.

Together, we can build a healthier, more informed Vanuatu.

For more information or to report a concern, contact the Vanuatu Bureau of Standards at +678 25978.

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📄 Download Full Laboratory Reports

Access the complete laboratory analysis:

• Download Potatoe Chips Quality Analysis Report 1
• Download Windo Snacks Quality Analysis Report 1

Vanuatu Bureau of Standards
Ensuring Standards, Protecting People.

Championing Vanuatu's Voice on the World Stage

Port Vila, Vanuatu - 12 November 2025

Pictured (L-R): Mr. Atanas Pipite, CEO of Vanuatu Bureau of Standards (VBS) and Mr. Steve Lowes, ISO Regional Coordinator for Asia and the Pacific

VBS Represents Vanuatu at Global Standards Events

The Vanuatu Bureau of Standards (VBS) is proud to announce the successful international engagements of our Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Atanas Pipite, at two pivotal global standards events in October 2025. This journey underscores VBS's growing role in shaping international standards that directly benefit the people and economy of Vanuatu.

Mr. Pipite's mission began in Kigali, Rwanda, where he represented Vanuatu at the ISO Annual Meeting 2025, a gathering of the world's leading standards bodies. Following this, he undertook a strategic visit to the headquarters of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in Geneva, Switzerland, for high-level discussions with ISO's Central Secretariat.

Strengthening Vanuatu's Future with ISO Strategy 2030

During his visit to ISO in Geneva, Mr. Pipite met with Mr. Steve Lowes, ISO's Regional Coordinator for Asia and the Pacific. The discussions focused on aligning Vanuatu's national development goals with the global ISO Strategy 2030.

"Our engagement in Geneva reaffirmed the importance of embedding international standards into the heart of our national planning," said Mr. Pipite. "For VBS, this means a clear roadmap to use standards for building resilience, promoting sustainability, and driving digital transformation."

Vanuatu Takes a Stand on Climate Change

A major highlight of the discussions was Vanuatu's active role in using standards to combat climate change. In a significant demonstration of this commitment, Mr. Pipite announced that a VBS representative will join Vanuatu's national delegation to the upcoming COP30 climate conference.

"This underscores our dedication to the global climate agenda," Mr. Pipite stated. "We are continuously working to ensure our national stakeholders can use ISO standards to support climate mitigation and green innovation."

Amplifying the Pacific Voice in Global Standards

A key outcome of these meetings was the emphasis on the unique contributions Pacific Island nations can make. Mr. Pipite advocated strongly for greater Pacific representation in ISO committees.

"Pacific Island countries have immense potential to contribute to international standards, particularly in areas like sustainable agriculture, circular economy, renewable energy, and our vital ocean-based industries," he explained.

Regional Collaboration for a Stronger Pacific

The visit also reinforced the importance of regional partnerships. Mr. Pipite highlighted the critical work of the Pacific Quality Infrastructure (PQI) network.

"Collaboration is our strength," he said. "Through initiatives like shared laboratory facilities and joint training programs under the PQI, we can achieve more together."

Port Vila, Vanuatu – October 23, 2025 – The Vanuatu Bureau of Standards (VBS) today announced a major new nationwide operation to safeguard the quality and safety of food products on store shelves across the nation. The "National Retail Shop Conformity-Assessment and Inspection Surveillance Exercise" is the first operation of its kind, combining rigorous on-the-ground inspections with advanced scientific laboratory testing.

Why is This Operation Necessary?

Vanuatu's food supply increasingly relies on imported goods. While this offers more choice, it also brings risks. Previous checks by various authorities have found expired products, misleading labels, and substandard packaging on sale to the public.

Acting on a direct mandate from the Council of Ministers, VBS is taking decisive action to protect consumers and ensure a fair marketplace for all.

"The health and safety of every ni-Vanuatu consumer is our top priority," stated the CEO of VBS. "This exercise is not just about removing bad products; it is about setting a new, higher benchmark for food quality and safety in our nation. We are sending a clear message that non-compliance will not be tolerated."

A Scientific Approach to Food Safety

This is not just a simple spot-check. This high-level operation integrates physical inspections with detailed laboratory analysis conducted by the VBS's own laboratory. This means the findings are based on scientific evidence, providing an accurate picture of the food environment in Vanuatu for the first time.

The key goals of the operation are to:

• Verify that all labelling is truthful and products are within their expiry dates.
• Ensure both imported and local products meet strict safety and hygiene standards.
• Build a baseline of data to guide future government policy on food safety.

What Will the Inspections Involve?

The exercise will be carried out in phases across major retail outlets in Port Vila, Luganville, and provincial centres.

The process is as follows:

1. Notification: Retailers are being formally notified of the exercise.
2. Inspection: VBS officers will physically inspect products, storage areas, and documentation.
3. Sampling: Samples of key items like dairy, canned goods, beverages, and snacks will be collected.
4. Lab Testing: Samples will be tested for microbiological and chemical contaminants to ensure they are safe for consumption.
5. Action: Products found to be non-compliant will face regulatory action, and findings will be reported to the government.

Protecting You and Our Market

The expected outcomes of this landmark initiative are:

• Enhanced Public Health: Removing unsafe and substandard food from circulation.
• Fair Competition: Creating a level playing field for honest businesses.
• Consumer Trust: Giving you the confidence that the food you buy is safe and accurately labelled.
• Stronger Regulations: Providing the data needed to build even better food safety laws for Vanuatu.

Operation Timeline

The exercise will be conducted according to the following schedule:

• Phase 1 (End of October): Official notices and stakeholder coordination.
• Phase 2 (November - December): Retail shop inspections in Port Vila and Luganville.
• Phase 3 (November - January): Laboratory testing and analysis of all collected samples.
• Phase 4 (February): Reporting of findings and recommendations to the Council of Ministers.

This exercise represents a major step forward in the Government of Vanuatu's commitment to public welfare. VBS, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Department of Biosecurity, and local authorities, is dedicated to ensuring that the food you feed your family meets the highest standards of safety and quality.

For more information, contact:
Vanuatu Bureau of Standards (VBS) | P.O Box 6532, Port Vila | +678 25978

Stay informed. Stay safe. VBS is committed to protecting the people of Vanuatu.