Tonga’s kava industry is set for growth following a partnership between the Pacific Horticultural and Agricultural Market Access Plus (PHAMA Plus) Program and Fakatoumafi Kava Trading & Finance Services.
The partnership, funded by Australia and New Zealand, will enhance Fakatoumafi Kava’s processing capacity and food safety standards, targeting international commercial markets and boosting economic opportunities for local kava farmers.
At the signing event, PHAMA Plus Tonga Country Manager, Mr. Tevita Lautaha, joined Fakatoumafi representatives Mrs. ‘Elisiva Fakatoumafi and Ms. ‘Ilaisaane Fakatoumafi to formalize the agreement.
Ms. Ilaisaane Fakatoumafi said the partnership would help improve product quality to meet global standards. “We thought, if Fiji can do it, then we can do it too,” she told Tonga Broadcasting, reflecting on a 2023 visit to a Fijian kava plant that inspired their plans to scale production.
She added, “A collaboration between [Tongan] growers, producers, and sellers will help improve kava production and marketing at the international level.”
The Fakatoumafi kava plant, located in Vavaʻu, is set to be fully equipped and operational by June, paving the way for higher-quality exports and increased market access for Tongan kava products.