Pacific Islanders in Canada have long contended with not being able to purchase kava commercially within the country due to a ban and strict policy put in place by Health

by etu’s kava -canada

Etu’s Kava co-owners from left: Malcolm Scott, Seruwaia Sanday and Edward Sanday.

Pacific Islanders in Canada have long contended with not being able to purchase kava commercially within the country due to a ban and strict policy put in place by Health Canada.

But all of that is about to change as a new player in kava providers has emerged in the North American market.

Nawai Imports has recently been granted an approved licence to manufacture and sell traditionally pounded kava in Canada as a Natural Health Product by Health Canada under the product name Etu’s Kava.

Company owner Edward Sanday, his business partners Seruwaia Sanday and Malcolm Scott have been anticipating this licence.

It was a project that was born two years ago.

There is a strong need for this type of product here in Canada.

Many consumers of kava have either been forced to bring in their own kava from overseas which has a strict adherence for personal use.

Black market kava is unsafe and has been known to be mixed with other unknown substances by the dealers causing varying degrees of illness.

Etu’s Kava will be looking to Fiji and Tonga to get the best quality roots in for processing.

“Our people are on the ground now speaking with farmers to help bring their product to market,” Mr Sanday said.

“It is important that we provide a product that consumers know and trust as safe and of high quality.

“All of our manufacturing and labelling is done in accordance with Health Canada’s Good manufacturing practices and guidelines in a licenced facility.”

Etu’s Kava says it aims to deal directly with farmers and give them the best value for their crop.

“We know how hard these farmers work to yield their harvest and believe they should benefit greatly from their efforts,” Mr Sanday said.

“This in turn will help their families and their Vanuas.”

Feedback: maraia.vula@fijisun.com.fj