The Ministry of Trade and Commerce, through the Department of Industry (DoI), has highlighted the remarkable growth of Mt Kava Limited, a locally owned agribusiness that continues to expand its export footprint while creating employment opportunities and generating income for rural communities across Vanuatu.
During a recent visit to the company's processing facility, the Department of Industry reviewed the impact of Government assistance provided through the Industry Development Fund (IDF) and the Value Addition Fund. The support has enabled the company to modernise its operations, improve processing efficiency, and significantly expand its production capacity.
With this assistance, MT Kava Limited invested in modern processing equipment that expanded its operations from two production lines, kava and sandalwood, to three value-added processing lines, now including kava, sandalwood and cacao.
Previously exporting mainly to Australia and the United States, the company has successfully diversified its export markets and now supplies products to Fiji, New Caledonia, Spain, India, China, Australia, New Zealand and the United States.
The company's expansion is generating significant economic benefits for rural communities. Every week, MT Kava Limited purchases between VT20 million and VT25 million worth of kava and cacao directly from farmers, creating reliable market access and injecting substantial income into rural economies.
In 2025, MT Kava Limited exported 103 tonnes of kava. As of June, this year, the company had already exported 87 tonnes, placing it on track to surpass last year's export performance. This remarkable growth reflects the positive impact of the Government's strategic investment in Ni-Vanuatu entrepreneurs demonstrating how targeted support can strengthen local industries, increase export capacity, and drive sustainable economic growth.
The company sources kava from farmers across Gaua, Maewo, Santo, Ambae, Pentecost, Malekula, Ambrym, Epi and Efate, creating sustainable income opportunities for producers throughout the islands.
This year, MT Kava Limited also entered the cacao export industry and expects to export between 100 and 200 tonnes as production expands. The company's first shipment of approximately one tonne is expected to be exported to New Zealand, with export volumes projected to increase by around 20 percent.
Business growth has also strengthened the company's logistics network. Through Government support and reinvestment of business revenue, MT Kava Limited has purchased two Toyota Land Cruisers for operations in Malekula and Pentecost, together with a banana boat servicing Ambae. These investments now enable weekly transportation of kava and cacao from farming communities to shipping ports, significantly improving supply chain efficiency.
Director of Industry, Mr. Noel Kalo, said the success of MT Kava Limited demonstrates the positive impact of Government investment in productive sectors.
"The Government is committed to building a resilient economy by investing in productive sectors that create employment, increase exports and generate income for Ni-Vanuatu. MT Kava Limited is an excellent example of how Government support can help local businesses expand, diversify and create lasting economic benefits for rural communities."
Mr. Kalo encouraged more Ni-Vanuatu entrepreneurs to participate in agro-processing and value-added industries.
"The Department of Industry will continue to support businesses that are committed to innovation, value addition and export growth. When Government invests in local enterprises, businesses must also commit to growing sustainably and contributing to national economic development."
The continued growth of MT Kava Limited reflects the Department of Industry's commitment to developing competitive, value-added industries, strengthening local manufacturing and agro-processing, improving market access, and supporting export-led economic growth. The company's success also contributes directly to the Ministry of Trade and Commerce Corporate Plan, which prioritises private sector development, industrial growth, investment, value addition, employment creation and rural economic empowerment.
Furthermore, the initiative supports Vanuatu 2030 – The People's Plan (National Sustainable Development Plan), particularly the Economy Pillar, by promoting sustainable economic growth, increasing exports, strengthening productive sectors, enhancing resilience, and creating inclusive economic opportunities that improve the livelihoods of Ni-Vanuatu people across the country.