Sausage prices spike, locals question increase
November 12, 2025 11:08 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook
By Nicholas Mwai.
Prices of beef sausages in Port Vila have surged sharply in recent weeks, raising questions among consumers and traders about what is driving the increase.
A survey by the Vanuatu Daily Post found that the price of beef sausages per kilogram now stands at VT1,500 at Store 1, compared to VT980 per kilogram earlier this year. Prices at other outlets remain slightly lower, with Store 2 selling at VT1,250 and Store 3 at VT1,100 per kilogram.
Based on general meat economics, good-quality beef sausages typically contain around 70 percent beef, with the remaining 30 percent made up of cereal, water, and seasoning. Cheaper varieties contain between 50–60 percent beef, usually made from No. 2 beef mince, which retails at about VT1,000 per kilogram.
According to data from the Vanuatu Bureau of Statistics (VBoS), a total of 2,364 cattle were slaughtered during the June quarter of 2025 — an increase of 4 percent, or 80 heads, compared to the previous quarter. However, this figure represents a 15 percent decline compared to the same period last year.
Local residents who spoke with the Daily Postshared mixed views on the issue.
Roselyn Tari, a Port Vila resident, believes the price increase may be linked to a shortage of cattle and growing domestic demand.
“The population is consuming a lot of meat — at marriages, funerals, and customary feasts. We use a lot of beef in the country, so if we don’t grow more, domestic consumption puts pressure on supply, and that’s why prices rise,” she said.
She added that while importing beef from Santo supports local farmers, demand in Port Vila keeps prices high.
“Even though beef in Santo costs around VT500 per kilo, when it reaches Vila the price still goes up because demand is higher here,” Tari said.
“Price Control officers should research the price differences and regularly check shops to make sure customers aren’t being overcharged.”
Another concerned resident, who preferred not to be named, echoed similar concerns and highlighted the link between production, transport costs, and market prices.
“We need more local cattle businesses to increase production so prices can go down. Right now, there’s high demand but limited supply,” she said.
“It also depends on the extra cost of shipping. In Santo, prices are cheaper, but once products are shipped to Port Vila, costs rise.
“If the authorities are doing their job and prices still go up, then who’s really at fault?”
The Daily Post reached out to the Vanuatu Bureau of Price Monitoring and Consumer Affairs for clarification.
The Bureau acknowledged receipt of the query, stating that sausages are not classified as an essential good, but are monitored during routine inspections.
As of press time, the Daily Post has also attempted to contact the Price Control Unit via email and through a visit to their office but has not yet received a formal response.
