Fiji’s kava exports could soon increase by 18, 000 kilograms per month to the Unites States of America once final paper work is completed between the Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA) and an American company.
AMA sales and marketing officer, Alifereti Yaya says they are currently talking to an American investor who is arranging his company before finalising the deal.
“We have been talking to this US Company which wants to start importing Fijian kava for the US market,” Mr Yaya said.
“Currently, we are exporting kava to the States but should this deal follow through, we could see our kava exports to go up by 18,000kgs per month. That is kava which is not pounded.”
Fiji currently exports kava to Australia, USA, New Zealand, Kiribati and the United Kingdom (Fijian citizens) which earns the nation between $7 million to $8m annually.
Exported kava to these countries is for consumption while some use it as research for pharmaceutical needs.
"Right now, Fiji kava is being exported for drinking. Only two kilos are allowed by travellers or visitors to Australia per person because of the ban it placed earlier while British Army, Rugby players and other people in the United Kingdom take kava with them or have kava sent to them by friends and family members.”
-ENDS-