Tusker (Vanuatu beer)

National Brewery Ltd was established in 1989 as a joint venture by the Vanuatu government and Pripps, a subsidiary of the Swedish Procordia corporation.^[3] The brewery's flagship product, Tusker, was released in 1990,^[4] and according to the company has a 70% market share.^[5] The name "Tusker" is a reference to the large tusks of a pig, a traditional symbol of strength, prosperity and wealth in Vanuatu, which has also been used as a currency.^[6][7][8][9]

In 2009, Vanuatu Brewing Ltd was acquired by New Caledonian company Froico Group (Société Le Froid [fr]).^[2][10] As of 2016, cans of Tusker were brewed in New Caledonia.^[11] 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.^[12]

The Tusker brand includes several variations:^[13]

• 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 330 ml bottles and cans.

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.^[14] It is widely available,^[15] and has sponsored local community events^[16][17] and a local sports team.^[18]

In 2022, a promotional oversized Tusker beer bottle at a roundabout in central Port Vila was replaced with a bottle of sparkling water after complaints from the Vanuatu Christian Council.^[19]