Make money from land, do not be a ‘slave’: Peanut seller

January 12, 2026 10:08 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook

By Anita Roberts.

Lui Joseph, who sells cooked peanuts on the streets around Port Vila, earns VT20,000 a day if he sells all 100 packets in a bag. On cruise ship days, he increases his stock up to 150 packets and earns up to VT30,000.

Mr. Joseph said he has been selling peanuts to cover his children’s school fees and is now supporting his grandchildren at the age of 73.

He grows his own peanuts and also buys from Epi to sell. A bag of peanuts from Epi costs around VT23,000, and he said he makes more profit after selling them. He said if he buys two bags from Epi, he can make back that money in less than three days.

While he walks the streets selling peanuts, his wife Rebecca sells flower plants at Manples Market a few days a week and also runs a small shop at Teouma on Efate, where they reside. They also grow and sell other crops, like pineapple.

Mr. Joseph and his wife are from Green Hill on Tanna and currently live at Teouma. One of his children, whom he supported by selling peanuts, is now a teacher, two are in the transport business, and another is abroad doing seasonal work.

He said there is money in street business and farming, and challenged others, especially unemployed youth, to consider getting into it.

He urged others to consider making money from their own land, rather than being a slave to working for someone else. He said being your own boss and enjoying the fruits of your hard work is the best feeling.

“Create your own money by planting peanuts or pineapple. Do not go work for someone else and become a slave,” he said.

He said men should be able to provide for their families, and farming is a valuable skill, as it allows them to be independent and support those they care about. He encouraged others to take charge of their own futures by getting involved in farming or starting their own businesses.