Fiji Kava Ltd (ASX:FIJ) efforts to make kava a new alternative to prescription medication  has been validated by the Australian government.

This will help  ease kava importation regulations.

This is a significant breakthrough for the kava industry and aligns with Fiji Kava’s efforts to make Kava a new alternative to prescription medication, such as Valium and Xanax.

This is currently representing a US$15 billion (FJ$31.8b) global benzodiazepine market.

Aligns with effort to make Kava alternative prescription

On his trip to Vanuatu last week Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced the Australian government will be working towards putting a pilot programme in place “to ease some of the limitations on importation of kava into Australia.”

Mr Morrison said: “Kava is an important product which is produced here and has a great and successful market around the world.”

“Step in the right direction”

Fiji Kava managing director Zane Yoshida said: “We are encouraged by the announcement made by Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

“This is certainly a step in the right direction and Fiji Kava looks forward to the development of the pilot programme.”

Cultural practice

Kava is a depressant drug that is traditionally consumed by Pacific Islanders in drink form for ceremonies, cultural practices and socially.

According to the Australian Alcohol and Drug Foundation, many Pacific Islanders who have settled in Australia have continued drinking kava or using kava extracts.

Kava extracts are used in some herbal preparations and sold as over-the-counter tablets to treat insomnia, stress and anxiety.

About Fiji Kava

Fiji Kava is a kava company based in Australia and the first foreign company with approval from the Fijian Government to operate in the kava industry.

Fiji Kava Ltd is the first foreign company to be granted permission to operate in the Fiji Kava industry, an activity usually reserved for locals.

A key goal of the Company is to expand the distribution of kava within western markets and provide alternatives in the management of anxiety, insomnia and pain.

The high quality kava cultivars Fiji Kava grow, harvest and process, are among the most consistent and finest in the world.

Fiji Kava maintains a desirable chemotype profile and manufacturing process which includes cold water extraction processing of rhizomes, adhering to the traditional and safest method, to yield a dry powder.

Fiji Kava is focused on expanding the distribution of kava throughout western markets to provide a natural alternative to anti-anxiety prescription medicines such as Valium and Xanax.

Feedback:  maraia.vula@fijisun.com.fj