Vinyl acetate is produced through reaction of ethylene, oxygen and acetic acid in vapor phase employing a catalyst which comprises 0.3 to 3.0 weight % of palladium metal, 0.0157 to 1.8 weight % of gold metal and 1 to 30 weight % of an alkali metal acetate, all based on the weight of the carrier or catalyst support therefor. These components are supported on said carrier or support under such conditions that (1) at least 90% by weight of each of the supported palladium and gold metals is distributed proximate the external surfaces of the carrier particles, extending to depths no greater than about 30% of the radius of each particle as measured from the external surface of each particle to the center of said particle, and (2) the proportion of gold to palladium ranges from about 5 to 60% by weight, based upon the total weight of the gold and palladium.