Fiji leads Australia’s commercial kava market

Fijian growers supplied more than 100,000 kilograms of kava to Australia in 2025, putting Fiji firmly at the front of the country’s commercial import market.

The expansion is opening new commercial opportunities for farmers, but Fiji’s government is also moving to impose stronger rules on the industry. Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica said proposed legislation would protect growers as demand rises.

“The last thing you want is an unregulated industry, particularly when it’s a significant contributor to the economy,” Kamikamica said. He described the bill as an effort to protect both the industry and the farmers who depend on it.

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Through MDF and Pharma Plus we’ve supported initiatives to strengthen quality assurance systems, standards, market access and industry capability and working with government and industry stakeholders to build consumer confidence to support the competitiveness of kava in international markets.

Australian High Commissioner Peter Roberts said Australian-backed programmes were helping Fiji meet international market requirements. Support through MDF and Pharma Plus has focused on quality assurance systems, standards, market access and industry capability, while government and industry groups work to build consumer confidence.

Roberts said Australia’s kava import pilot had helped create commercial opportunities for Fijian growers. Total commercial imports reached 170,000 kilograms in 2025, with Fiji accounting for more than 100,000 kilograms.

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The last thing you want is an unregulated industry, particularly when it’s a significant contributor to the economy.