Kava Industry Working Group Chair calls for strengthening supply chain as 2026 agenda is set

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 an opportunity for our Kava in the USA Market.

“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. The USA will still ask for more.

“So as the Working Group for Kava what we want is to work on our farm level or our supplies. The Solomon Islands need to work on our supplies. Coordinate everyone so we can meet the demands of potential markets, such as the USA, Europe or even Asia,” Mr. Lazarus stated.

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,” Mr. Lazarus said.

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.

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SICCI statement