NZ-based kava exporter merges with Mana Kava to cater for the Australian market

A New Zealand-based Kava export company BiloVinaka has merged with Mana Kava to form BiloVinaka Mana Kava to cater for the Australian market.

BiloVinaka’s Business Development Manager Anish Deo says this concept not only allows international customers to enjoy high-quality, refreshing and relaxing kava but it also supports the local kava farmers to distribute their products worldwide.

Deo says they faced a few minor operational challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic however Investment Fiji’s support and guidance allowed them to maintain access to key markets and helped them broaden their reach in the Australian market.

The Business Development Manager was recently in Fiji where he met Investment Fiji’s Acting Chief Executive Officer Kamal Chetty and his team to discuss the way forward.

BiloVinaka Managing Director Praveena Prasad-Deo

Deo says the visit to Fiji also enabled him to reconnect with his suppliers post COVID-19.

BiloVinaka was launched in 2018 and the company sources Kava from local Fijian growers to supply customers in New Zealand and the US.

Investment Fiji Acting CEO Kamal Chetty says kava has been one of the top export commodities in recent years and the demand has surged both nationally and internationally.

Chetty says they are passionate about assisting new businesses and connecting them to the right market.