The Kava Industry Working Group (KIWG) Chairman Max Lazarus says strengthening domestic supply chains to seize lucrative international market opportunities, is a must for Solomon Islands.
The Kava Industry Working Group met in Honiara on Wednesday. The meeting highlighted a number of issues across the kava value chain—producers, processors, and exporters.
Discussions focused on critical challenges, including production capacity, quality control, access to finance, compliance costs, and export logistics.
Chairman Max Lazarus emphasized that while significant export opportunities exist, particularly in the United States, current supply levels are insufficient.
“Yes, there is opportunity for our Kava in the USA Market,” stated Mr. Lazarus, “but even if we take all our kava, plus from Fiji, Vanuatu and other Pacific Islands Countries, it still won’t be enough to meet the demand from only one state. USA will still ask for more.”
He underscored the group’s primary focus: “So as the Working Group for Kava what we want is to work on our farm level or our supplies. Solomon Islands needs to work on our supplies. Coordinate everyone so we can meet the demands of potential markets, such as the USA, Europe or even Asia.”
Participants at the meeting detailed ongoing supply chain challenges, including stringent export market requirements, sanitary and phytosanitary standards, and the urgent need for a clearer domestic regulatory framework to enable growth.
The Working Group solidified its 2026 priorities, which include: Establishing a formal Kava Association to represent the entire industry, advocating for the finalization and implementation of the national Kava Policy, fostering coordinated private-sector engagement and evidence-based policy dialogue with government and development partners and instituting systematic structures and governance to strengthen the sector.
“This is the initial meeting and the Kava Working Group is planning on establishing a Kava Association that will represent the kava industry, farmers and players
“It is important, moving forward in this sector, that we have a systematic structure and good governance and continue to have round table discussions to push this industry forward,” said Mr. Lazarus.”
The KIWG reaffirmed its commitment to advancing a competitive, compliant, and sustainable kava industry, serving as the central platform for addressing challenges and promoting reforms that support all industry stakeholders.
– SICCI
