Tusker (Vanuatu beer)
 | |
| Type | Beer |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Vanuatu Brewing Ltd. |
| Country of origin | Port Vila, Vanuatu |
| Introduced | 1990 |
| Alcohol by volume | 5.0% |
| Style | Lager |
| Website | https://vanuatubrewing.com/ |
Tusker is a lager produced in Port Vila, Vanuatu by Vanuatu Brewing Ltd. It is one of the most popular beers in the country and is often considered the national beer of Vanuatu.[1][2]
History
[edit]Vanuatu Brewing Ltd was established in 1989 by a Swedish brewmaster. The brewery's flagship product, Tusker, was released the following year,[3] and according to the company has a 70% market share.[4] The name "Tusker" is a reference to the large tusks of a pig, a traditional Vanuatuan symbol of wealth.[5]
In 2009, Vanuatu Brewing Ltd was acquired by New Caledonian company Froico Group (Société Le Froid).[2][6] As of 2016, cans of Tusker were brewed in New Caledonia.[7] Bottled Tusker has been brewed in Port Vila since the founding of the brewery[2], and a large brewery expansion was taking place in 2024.[8]
Products
[edit]The Tusker brand includes several variations:[9]
- Tusker Premium: The original beer, a standard lager with a 5.0% alcohol by volume (ABV).
- Tusker Bitter: An English-style bitter (pale ale) with 5.5% ABV.
- Tusker Lemon: A radler-style beer combining Tusker lager with lemon juice.
- Tusker OP: A stronger beer with 7% ABV.
Tusker beer is sold in 330ml bottles and cans.
Marketing and culture
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Tusker is often considered the national beer of Vanuatu.[1][2] The brand has been marketed with the phrase Bia Blong Yumi, meaning "Our Beer" in Bislama.[10] It is widely available[11] and has sponsored local community events[12][13] and a local sports team.[14]
In 2022, a promotional oversized Tusker beer bottle at a roundabout in downtown Port Vila was replaced with a bottle of sparkling water after complaints from the Vanuatu Christian Council.[15]
References
[edit]- ^ a b Chai, Paul (February 3, 2017). "Things to do in Port Vila, Vanuatu: Three-minute guide". Stuff. Archived from the original on July 27, 2025. Retrieved July 27, 2025.
- ^ a b c d "For the Love of Vanuatu! The Vanuatu Brewery Ltd. Story". Vanuatu Daily Post. November 9, 2019.
- ^ "About Us". Vanuatu Brewing Ltd. Retrieved July 25, 2025.
- ^ "Vanuatu Brewing Limited | LinkedIn". LinkedIn. Archived from the original on July 30, 2025. Retrieved July 30, 2025.
- ^ Cohen, Lindsay (September 21, 2001). "Diving into Vanuatu". Travelmag. Archived from the original on October 18, 2021. Retrieved July 30, 2025.
- ^ "Le Froid" (PDF). New Caledonia Trade & Invest. Archived (PDF) from the original on July 30, 2025. Retrieved July 30, 2025.
- ^ "Fiscal instability". Fiji Times. March 29, 2016. Archived from the original on July 27, 2025. Retrieved July 27, 2025.
- ^ Toara, Ezra (August 21, 2024). "Vanuatu Brewing Ltd to relocate to a state-of-the-art facility". Vanuatu Daily Post.
- ^ "Our Beers". Vanuatu Brewing Ltd. Retrieved 24 July 2025.
- ^ "Other Englishes: The Case of Bislama | Strathy Language Unit". www.queensu.ca.
- ^ "Local Tastes". Tourism Vanuatu. Retrieved 25 July 2025.
- ^ "Tusker 1km swim a success". Vanuatu Daily Post. January 29, 2015.
- ^ "Tusker Major Beverage Sponsor for Vanuatu Golf Open 2019". Vanuatu Daily Post. July 13, 2019.
- ^ Abel, Jason (July 2, 2022). "VBL proud to support Galaxy FC". Vanuatu Daily Post.
- ^ Hakwa, Charles (January 12, 2021). "Tusker Bottle Replaced with Cascade Bottle". Vanuatu Daily Post.