New markets for Ambae mats and Maewo nangai

August 11, 2026 11:31 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook

By Doddy Morris.

Many small, local businesses successfully participated in the National Agriculture Expo (NAE) in Maewo last week to promote locally made products, connect with new customers and explore opportunities to expand their markets.

Among the businesses participating in the expo were Mahalo Handicraft Hub from Ambae, which produces traditional, creative handicrafts, including mats, and Green Forest Oils from Port Vila, which processes locally sourced nuts, including nangai, and produces Tamanu oil.

Mrs. Trevina Tari of Mahalo Handicraft Hub told the Ministry of Trade and Commerce (MOTC) that the demand for Ambae mats remains high, particularly because the mats are widely used in custom practices.

“In terms of Ambae mats, I buy white mats and the demand is high because we use most of them in our customs,” Mrs. Tari said.

She said she has already sold several products through the Handicraft Hub and is planning to open a sales window in Port Vila to meet the growing demand for its mats.

Mrs. Tari said she was satisfied with the sales achieved during the NAE and that participating in the event has helped build her confidence as a new vendor.

“Since I am a new vendor, this Agriculture Expo helps me to be confident and also to find other people and share ideas together,” she said, adding that other vendors also shared advice on how to manage and develop the business.

Meanwhile, Green Forest Oils is working with farmers by purchasing locally sourced nuts and processing them into oil.

Mrs. Esmie Jimmy of Green Forest Oils told the MOTC that purchasing nuts from farmers helps support their livelihoods by providing income for their produce.

After the nuts are brought to Port Vila, the company provides employment for people to break the nuts and process them.

The oil is supplied to the local market and exported overseas for the cosmetic market, helping put the name of Vanuatu into international markets.

With new supplies expected from Maewo, Mrs. Jimmy said the business will continue working with farmers to source raw materials while creating economic opportunities through local processing.

The participation of both businesses at the NAE highlighted the growing opportunities for locally produced goods, from traditional Ambae mats to natural products such as Tamanu oil.

The expo effectively provided small businesses with an opportunity to meet other vendors, exchange ideas, promote their products and identify new markets.