Santo Water targets Chinese market after expo interest

December 1, 2025 10:12 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook

By Doddy Morris.

Vanuatu’s premium bottled water brand is preparing to expand into the Chinese market after attracting strong interest during the recent China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai.

The development marks a key step for Vanuatu’s growing export sector, particularly in the niche market for high-quality, eco-friendly products.

Billy Wen, Director of Santo Water, said the brand’s strength lies in its natural purity and unique geological origins. “Santo Water originates from Santo Island, the largest and one of the most pristine islands in Vanuatu. Our water comes from a true artesian spring, naturally filtered through layers of ancient coral rock,” he said.

“This geological formation gives Santo Water its signature characteristics, including rich strontium content (＞0.5 mg/L), high calcium levels, and an ideal pH of 7.47. Santo Water represents the purity of Vanuatu’s untouched environment.”

Wen confirmed that the company is exploring opportunities to expand into new international markets, including China.

“During the China International Import Expo in Shanghai, a buyer expressed preliminary interest after reviewing the Made in Vanuatu product catalogue.

“We are working with the Ministry of Industry to coordinate the next steps, including the possible provision of product samples for evaluation. In parallel, Santo Water is undergoing HACCP certification with the Ministry’s support to strengthen readiness for international market entry.”

He added that as discussions progress, the company remains committed to ensuring any partnership aligns with its brand values, quality standards, and long-term strategy. “Further updates will be provided as formal developments occur,” he said.

According to Enock Marsal, Senior Marketing Intelligence and Information Officer at the Department of Industry under the Ministry of Trade, the interested Chinese buyer showed strong enthusiasm for Santo Water after reviewing the Vanuatu-made catalogue at the Expo.

“We had an interested buyer, and we will work with Santo Water to send trial samples. The Vanuatu-made catalogue has caught the buyer’s attention, which is very positive,” Marsal said.

He added that while airfare for transporting samples is manageable, logistics for larger-scale shipping from Port Vila to China will be a challenge. Product labelling for the Chinese market will also require translation or bilingual packaging once export arrangements are secured. The Department of Industry is supporting Santo Water in obtaining HACCP certification and ensuring labelling meets Chinese market requirements.

“This is good news for Vanuatu,” Marsal said. “New doors are opening for our products. Slowly but surely, Vanuatu-made products are finding a niche market in China. China is a large market, and when it comes to niche trade, it selects products that suit its needs. Vanuatu offers unique organic products.”

Santo Water’s potential entry into China reflects a broader rise in demand for Vanuatu-made, premium, and organic products overseas. With government efforts to improve packaging and labelling standards and strengthen product compliance through research and development, Vanuatu-made goods are increasingly meeting international expectations.