CDP, Fiji Kava trial kava traffic

CDP Courier Services Limited is working with Fiji kava exporter, Fiji Kava Limited, to increase efficiency and supply of noble kava.

CDP will transport kava sourced directly from farms around Fiji, to deliver to the company’sprocessing facility on Ovalau.

Under the new arrangement, CDP and Fiji Kava are trialling a new weekly refrigerated agriculture logistics service to transport noble kava from Vanua Levu, Taveuni, Koro Island and Kadavu to Fiji Kava’s facility in Levuka, Ovalau.

Agriculture logistics service

“Right now, there is no dedicated agriculture logistics service in Fiji with tailored transport and pricing for agri-business, so we are delighted to partner with Fiji Kava to trial this new refrigerated transport service,” said CDP chief executive officer, Rajnil Singh.

“We recognise there is huge potential to expand our business in this area, and also scale up the movement of kava which is a win-for both the farmers from remote communities and for Fiji Kava.”

The initiative is supported by the Australian-funded Market Development Facility (MDF), which is funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT).

It addresses a major transportation and logistics challenge that has long existed within Fiji’s agricultural supply chain.

Drive efficiencies

Founder and chief executive officer of Fiji Kava, Zane Yoshida, said: “Fiji Kava support a large network of more than 200 local Fijian farmers who grow our unique noble kava varieties.

“This relationship with CDP will drive efficiencies across our supply chain given their reach across Fiji and ability to access remote locations from which we source our noble kava varieties.

“The kava transportation trial will continue until the end of July, 2020, and could open the door to efficient refrigerated transport and cold storage options for other high-value products such as seafood from remote and maritime regions around Fiji.”