Fijian export company, Lami Kava Pte Ltd, is developing a more advanced kava wash bay and grading facility following a partnership with the Pacific Horticultural and Agricultural Market Access Plus (PHAMA Plus) Program.

Supported by Australia and New Zealand, PHAMA Plus is working with Lami Kava to establish this facility to strengthen the quality of their kava and kava-based products for export markets.

This partnership includes the construction of a modern wash bay structure installed with water treatment facilities and machinery as well as a new product manufacturing line.

Lami Kava managing director Donny Yee said the new facility would ensure kava production is consistent with international market standards and requirements across all processing stages. 

“We’ve committed an investment into this facility with support from PHAMA Plus to ensure that quality is not compromised at any stage of production, from harvest through to washing, drying, pounding, and packaging,” Mr Yee said.

“To ensure full control of all post harvesting practices from the farm gate to the factory, Lami Kava has now ventured into green kava processing, which allows all proper quality assurance processes to be strictly followed and the freshness and quality of kava are maintained throughout the production process.”

PHAMA Plus National Export Market Systems Facilitator (Fiji) Navitalai Tuivuniwai (left) and Lami Kava Managing Director Donny Yee seal the deal for the development of Lami Kava’s new modern wash-bay and grading facility.

The partnership will also see the establishment of a new manufacturing line for Lami Kava’s value-added products.

PHAMA Plus will support Lami Kava to review and update its workplace policies, including those related to gender equality and explore the development of a workplace family violence policy.

PHAMA Plus National Export Market Systems Facilitator (Fiji), Navitalai Tuivuniwai, said the new facility would benefit the company’s supply network of over 3000 local kava growing households.

“Improving the quality of kava is a priority for PHAMA Plus and by partnering with an established company in the Fijian kava industry, we are able to more effectively progress the significant export opportunities that exist across international markets for higher volumes of noble kava to benefit both exporters and local growers,” Mr Tuivuniwai said.                                                                                                                                                                            

PHAMA Plus supports the Fiji kava industry through the Fiji Kava Taskforce and Fiji’s Ministry of Agriculture to improve quality assurance systems and standards to ensure market access and a sustainable and profitable export industry.

*For more information, please contact PHAMA Plus National Export Market Systems Facilitator (Fiji) Mr Navitalai Tuivuniwai on n.tuivuniwai@phamaplus.com.au