VCCI Leads Vanuatu Businesses to Global Success at Osaka World Expo 2025
The Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) proudly led the charge in showcasing Vanuatu’s private sector on the world stage at the Osaka World Expo 2025. As the key organisation coordinating the participation of “Vanuatu Made” companies, VCCI worked closely with the National Expo Committee (NEC) to ensure Vanuatu’s finest products reached global audiences and international buyers.
Through VCCI’s support and coordination, Vanuatu’s unique flavours, craftsmanship, and entrepreneurial spirit were highlighted at one of the largest global trade and cultural events—creating new pathways for trade, supply-chain expansion, and brand visibility.
Strong Commercial Outcomes for Vanuatu Businesses
The Japan Expo 2025 generated remarkable commercial wins for Vanuatu’s private sector, demonstrating the powerful impact of strategic support and international exposure.
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Tanna Coffee: Secured a distributor in Southern Japan, resulting in a confirmed export commitment of 500–800 kg of roasted beans. The partnership—finalised during the Expo—creates a consistent new sales channel in a high-growth market.
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Aelan Chocolate: Achieved exceptional on-site sales with over 2,000 chocolate bars sold at the Fiji Pavilion and prepared an additional 800-bar Christmas export shipment to Japan. Expo visibility strengthened Aelan’s presence in Asia and generated immediate commercial activity.
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83 Islands Rum: Entered procurement discussions with a major Osaka-based spirits distributor following successful tasting events. This marks a crucial step toward long-term, high-volume export opportunities and reinforces the brand’s position as an emerging premium rum producer.
These results underscore the commercial potential of Vanuatu’s high-quality, value-added products when backed by coordinated support and exposure to global markets.
Aelan Chocolate and 83 Islands Distillery Shine on the Global Stage
Aelan Chocolate, led by founder Sandrine Wallez, impressed Expo visitors through interactive tasting sessions and compelling storytelling about its collaboration with local cocoa farmers. Aelan also featured at Isetan Shinjuku, where World Chocolate Champion Chef Seiji Takishima crafted desserts using Vanuatu cocoa—drawing significant attention to the brand.
83 Islands Distillery captivated crowds with its premium rum offerings, visually striking displays, and direct engagement with international buyers. Their presence strengthened existing partnerships and generated new opportunities, including promising interest from the Japanese Rum Association.
Tanna Coffee’s Strong Presence: Terry’s Expo Experience
This year marked Terry’s seventh World Expo representing Tanna Coffee—and once again, his presence elevated Vanuatu’s coffee profile globally.
A major highlight was a visit to Windfarm Coffee in Fukuoka, arranged through Expo connections. The meeting resulted in a formal distribution agreement, with Windfarm Coffee also representing Tanna Coffee at the Vanuatu Pavilion.
Together, the team delivered large-scale tasting sessions—over 1,200 samples across three days—earning overwhelmingly positive responses. Windfarm Coffee continued sampling after the Expo, describing customer feedback as “a resounding success.”
