By Staff Writer
There are 50 Samoan workers left without jobs as the production of the Vailima beer relocates to Fiji where the majority owner of Samoa Breweries is set up.
Paradise Beverages Limited is making the move to take advantage of new ‘state-of-the-art ‘ brewing facilities.
Samoa Breweries Country Manager Ms. Moira Simi is promising to place the main priority to the workers affected and to work tirelessly to find the best way to support them.
“Our primary focus now and in the coming months will be to look after the wellbeing of our people,” Simi assured.
“We will be looking to relocate and find new roles for as many of those affected as possible, as well as redundancy packages.”
“We remain committed to the Samoan people and market.”
A company statement to officially announce the production switch to Fiji stated that local operations at the Samoa Breweries will concentrate on sales and distribution.
“The evolution of Samoa Breweries Limited into a sales and distribution business will help the commercial viability and continuation of the much loved Vailima brand,” declared the statement.
Paradise Beverages Limited General Manager Mike Spencer said it had not taken this decision lightly.
He confided that Samoa Breweries’ commercial viability has steadily declined over the past five years due to a combination of factors including aging machinery, the impact of the measles outbreak in 2019, followed by the disruption caused by COVID-19.
“We have explored every avenue to continue brewing in Samoa, including further investment into our aging brewery, working with a third party to develop a new brewery, and working with a third party to brew our brands. Unfortunately, none of the options were commercially viable,” said Spencer.
Country Manager Moira Simi confirmed the Vailima brand and heritage will continue to live on.
“The Vailima brand is loved both in Samoa and overseas and we want to continue that legacy, so it can be enjoyed into the future.
“We want to thank our people for their continuous efforts to improve the business, especially after such a tough few years.
“We know what the brewery represents in Samoa, and its role and history here is something we’re proud of.
“This has been a difficult decision to make.”