Kava exports to US expected to earn Fiji USD$15M in 3 years

Fijian Kava exports to America is expected to generate around USD$15 million in earnings in the next three years.

Ministry of Agriculture Acting Permanent Secretary, Uraia Waibuta, who is heading a Fijian‑led US Market Scoping Delegation says the current demand for Kava in the US alone is around 10 tonnes per year and has the potential to easily grow to 20 tonnes, as other market segments are explored.

This was highlighted after the delegation met with key Kava importers in California.

Waibuta says one of their highlights was the visit to a modernised Kava Bar in Sacramento called the ‘Root of Happiness Kava Bar’.

He says this is Northern California’s first Kava bar which opened its doors in March 2013 and has been frequented by the diverse American consumers.

The owner of the bar, Tyler Blythe says 90 percent of his customers were Russians who were interested in the serene atmosphere and more importantly the soothing effect of kava drinks.

Blythe mentioned that they opened 30 Kava Bars around America and they are planning to have a total of 60 Kava bars by the end of 2016.

The current production for Kava in Fiji is around 4000 tonnes from a total area of 1,300 hectares.

He says the Ministry of Agriculture will increase its efforts to support the Kava Industry.

Meanwhile, Fiji earned $20.9 million between 2012 to 2014 through kava exports.