VBS Leads Historic First-Ever Taro Export Shipment to Australia

Trade delegates and Marketplace Fresh team celebrating the historic shipment, 21 May 2026.

Port Vila, Vanuatu – The Vanuatu Bureau of Standards (VBS), as the leading agency, has successfully overseen the first-ever commercial taro shipment from Vanuatu to Australia Market Fresh Place – marking a new export era for the nation.

The Santo National Standard Packhouse – outside view, featuring the CMA CGM eco container with sustainable bamboo flooring, ready for the first taro export.

The taro is grown in the lush, tropical climate of Santo, Vanuatu, and is known for its sweet, starchy flavor. This shipment will help boost the local economy and provide fresh, healthy food to people in Australia and beyond.

The historic first container – marked "VANUATU TARO FIRST SHIPMENT" – ready for departure from Santo to Australia.

The shipment, which has now arrived, received full biosecurity clearance, and launched into the Australian retail market in Melbourne, was made possible through the Santo National Standard Packhouse System. This system, built under VBS technical leadership, ensures farm traceability, compliance with international standards, biosecurity protocols, customs coordination, and cold-chain logistics.

"This achievement proves that Vanuatu can now deliver high-quality agricultural products through a fully coordinated international export system," said CEO of Vanuatu Bureau of Standards. "As the national standards body, VBS will continue to lead the transformation toward sustainable trade, higher farmer incomes, and long-term economic growth."

Dedicated packhouse workers in Santo – sorting, grading, and packing premium taro for the first export shipment to Australia.

The taro export shipment is just one example of how VBS is helping to support small farmers and businesses in Vanuatu. By connecting buyers and sellers across the Pacific, we are creating jobs and improving lives. We are proud to be a part of this important initiative.

This shipment is also a testament to the power of international trade. It shows that it is possible to build strong relationships between nations and to create economic opportunities for everyone involved. The VBS team was excited to be part of this historic first-ever shipment of fresh taro from Vanuatu to Australia.

The successful export reflects close collaboration with national partners, including the Department of Industry Vanuatu, Vanuatu Cooperative Movement, Vanuatu Bureau of Standards (leading agency), Vanuatu Department of Agriculture & Rural Development, Vanuatu Customs and Inland Revenue, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Forestry & Biosecurity, and Biosecurity Vanuatu Department. VBS reaffirms its primary role as the lead agency driving the standards and quality assurance framework behind this historic milestone.

This initiative is aligned with the NSDP Economic Pillar and the national commitment to promoting sustainable and inclusive trade.

Thank you for your support of VBS! We look forward to continuing our work together.

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