Fruit Fest – laden with potential

By Terence Malapa.

The second edition of Fruit Fest 2026 is set to expand its focus on local fruit farmers, value-added businesses and agricultural entrepreneurship.

Organisers are calling on serious farmers and businesses to secure exhibition spaces early.

The festival will be held at Tagabe Green Park, about a five-minute walk from Bauerfield International Airport, with the official dates to be announced later.

Festival initiator Milroy Cainton said the event is created not only to promote healthy fruit-based products but also to recognise the farmers behind the fruits.

Cainton said his experience buying fruit from local farmers for smoothies at Pikinini Bar highlighted the need to promote the entire chain—from the farmer growing the fruit, to the business processing it, and finally to the customer.

“From the garden to Pikinini Bar and then to the customer, everyone in the chain must be recognised,” he said.

For the 2026 edition, organisers are allocating 10 dedicated booths for serious fruit farmers to showcase their produce and products.

Farmers are being encouraged to participate with products including pineapple, watermelon, Hawaiian pawpaw, raspberry, cucumber, lime, banana, ginger, turmeric, herbs, coffee and cocoa, among other locally grown produce.

The festival is also calling for 10 businesses and individuals involved in fruit-based value addition, including food processors, restaurants, cafés, entrepreneurs and small businesses.

Applicants for the value-added booths are asked to provide a description of their products and a brief background of their business, including their experience in fruit processing or value addition.

Fruit Fest 2026 will also feature a stronger entertainment program.

Regional artist Onetox will return for the second edition, while four additional regional artists are expected to be announced.

Organisers have also confirmed that one international band will feature at this year’s festival.

The festival will also build on the business opportunities introduced during its first edition in 2025.

During the inaugural Fruit Fest, a special Mitsubishi vehicle deal in partnership with Intraco – Mitsubishi Vanuatu included same-day loan service approval. Organisers said 24 vehicles were sold within two days.

For the 2026 edition, the vehicle promotion is expected to increase to up to 50 vehicles, with outboard motor engines also expected to be included in the special offers.

Organisers say the initiative is intended to support farmers and businesses looking to expand their operations, particularly those needing transport to move agricultural produce and equipment.

The second edition of Fruit Fest is therefore expected to combine agriculture, healthy living, local entrepreneurship, entertainment and business opportunities, while giving farmers greater visibility for their work and produce.

The official dates for Fruit Fest 2026 will be announced at a later stage.