$32 million worth of kava exported last year - Shaheen Ali

The Permanent Secretary for Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport Shaheen Ali says last year Fiji exported $32 million worth of kava to countries like the United States, New Zealand and other Pacific Island Countries.

Ali says it is currently Fiji’s 7th largest export.

Ali further says kava has evolved significantly from a ceremonial drink to a niche product for Fiji, that has captured attention globally adding it is used as a social drink and is considered a better substitute for alcohol.

He adds that in Fiji, a 2017 kava value chain analysis identified that 10,400 rural Fijian households cultivate kava as their source of livelihood.

Ali says this means, 1 in 8 rural households in Islands and Provinces such as Kadavu, Ovalau, Cakaudrove and Gau, have kava as their principal source of income.