The Kava Quality Standard is an important piece of work for the kava industry in Tonga. As a traditional and export commodity that has continued to gain popularity for its health and economic benefits, we need the quality standards to guide us through the process and principles of food safety. This will demonstrate to our markets that Tongan kava has been produced in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner, and manufactured and processed in accordance with international food safety rules.”

Australian High Commissioner to Tonga Mr Adrian Morrison said the Standard was a practical outcome of the collaboration between public and private stakeholders in Tonga to increase access to export markets. 

“The standard is a simple but well written document for every kava stakeholder to use, which provides clear guidelines of kava processes from the production stage right to manufacturing and to marketing through the food safety requirement and acts. Farmers and others who follow its guidance may be assured that the kava they produce is safe for human consumption which in turn will improve consumer confidence and expand domestic and international markets for Tongan kava,” the High Commissioner said.