ICSI Logistics Company Limited has reached a significant achievement by facilitating the first commercial airfreight shipment of dried kava roots and chips from the Solomon Islands to Fiji, set to depart on November 8, 2025. This export comes on the heels of Fiji’s recent decision to allow market access for kava from the Solomon Islands, a move that has been positively received by local producers and exporters.
To capitalize on this opportunity, ICSI Logistics partnered with farmers and intermediaries from Temotu and Malaita provinces to ensure timely action. The company previously made headlines with the first commercial shipment of dried kava to Australia, and this latest export to Fiji marks a crucial step in reinforcing the Solomon Islands’ burgeoning position in the kava market.
Laboratory analysis highlights that Solomon Islands kava has a high total kavalactone content of 11.8 percent, exceeding many other Pacific varieties. This quality enhances the country’s competitive edge both regionally and internationally, with the potential to elevate the incomes of rural farmers and boost foreign exchange earnings for the national economy.
Gerry Elbourne, a representative of ICSI Logistics, shared his pride in the role the company plays in promoting Solomon Islands kava. He remarked, “This export marks a new chapter for our local farmers and for the Solomon Islands as a whole. We’ve demonstrated that our kava is among the best in the Pacific, and we’re dedicated to fostering a transparent and sustainable industry that benefits everyone involved.”
While the outlook is promising, Elbourne pointed out several challenges that must be addressed. He noted that high domestic and international freight costs significantly impact the sector’s competitiveness. He encouraged Solomon Airlines and local shipping firms to reconsider their pricing to better support the export sector. Furthermore, the elevated costs of transporting goods from the provinces to Honiara pose additional hurdles for supply capabilities.
Another issue arises from Fiji’s mandate that all kava exports undergo fumigation prior to shipment, a requirement not upheld by Australia, thereby inflating shipping costs. Elbourne called for proactive dialogue between the Solomon Islands government and Fijian authorities to reassess these regulations.
In a troubling turn of events, ICSI Logistics is in the process of filing a formal complaint against an intermediary who allegedly did not deliver kava after receiving payment over 100 days ago. This situation has also been echoed by other buyers, including members of the Solomon Islands Kava Association. Elbourne stressed that such unscrupulous practices could erode international trust and mar the reputation of the Solomon Islands as a dependable supplier.
Looking to the future, Elbourne urged farmers to reinvest in their kava plantations, highlighting its potential as one of the Solomon Islands’ most lucrative cash crops. The cooperative efforts of local farmers and exporters present a hopeful perspective for the nation’s kava industry, with ongoing collaboration promising substantial economic advantages and the establishment of a robust export market.