How has Papua New Guinea become so renowned in the coffee industry?

Did you know that over 2.5 million people (almost half the population) are involved in the coffee industry in PNG? This has led to it ranking 17th worldwide for coffee exports, sending out around 787,000 sacks annually, each containing 60kg of coffee! It’s fascinating how coffee has become such a significant part of Papua New Guinea’s culture and economy, considering that coffee isn’t even native to the country. So how did this happen? Let’s dive right in!

 

Papua New Guinea Map

How was coffee introduced to PNG?

The introduction of coffee to PNG is a tale of one remarkable woman’s vision. In the 19th century, Emma Forsayth, a businesswoman fondly referred to as Queen Emma by German colonists, planted the first coffee plant. With her American and Samoan heritage, Emma had already established large cocoa and coconut plantations in the Kokopo district. Here, she nurtured the first coffee plants, marking the beginning of a new era for PNG.

It’s believed that Emma’s brother-in-law, Richard Parkinson, a German botanist, played a crucial role in organising this important event. With his expertise, they were able to help coffee plants thrive in this new environment, thanks to the fertile soil, high altitudes and good farming practices.

From its modest beginnings, the cultivation of coffee quickly gained momentum across the country. By 1897, the coffee industry was in full swing, with 20,000 Arabica plants thriving on a single plantation, Variarata, located just outside of Port Moresby.

The expansion of the coffee industry

The coffee industry witnessed significant growth, but it wasn’t until the 1920s that it truly garnered recognition. An experimental Arabica plot in 1928 marked a turning point. Originally cultivated by the Colonial Government’s Department of Agriculture station at Wau, it was later bought by the German entrepreneur Carl Wilde in 1931.

Wilde rebranded the plantation as Blue Mountain Coffee, and through increased production and refined harvesting techniques, the coffee was distributed both nationally and internationally after being roasted and ground. Even though this was primarily used on a domesticated level, it was the first step into international exports.

In the post-war period of 1951-1965, the coffee industry experienced remarkable commercial growth, expanding by an impressive 3000%. This growth was not limited to large-scale plantations but also included small-scale plots. Presently, these smallholders or coffee gardens represent 85% of the coffee production, with a significant portion cultivated at altitudes of 1,500 meters or higher, contributing to the development of exceptional flavour profiles.

However, there were some challenges to overcome. The coffee industry in Papua New Guinea faced limitations due to poor infrastructure. The lack of accessible roads to the farms, insufficient training, and outdated technology were holding back the industry’s potential. It was clear that changes were needed to help improve the situation.

The development of the CIC

To enable PNG to reach its full potential, The Coffee Industry Corporation Limited (CIC) was founded in 1964 to enhance quality control, export processes, processing facilities, and sustainability. The corporation’s headquarters was established in Goroka, allowing them to set prices and oversee the export of coffee under its Industry Operations Division. This has led to steady improvements in the coffee industry, enhancing its position in the speciality market

In 2021, a fantastic UK Trade Partnership Program was introduced to support speciality coffee producers in expanding their market reach. This initiative has earned these producers well-deserved global recognition for their exceptional coffee.

What does coffee from PNG taste like?

The flavours of coffee can vary based on the region, type of coffee bean, processing method, and altitude at which it’s grown. Generally, Papua New Guinea coffee has a bright floral aroma, fruity sweetness, and acidity. However, it’s also possible to find more earthy-tasting brews with rich chocolatey notes.

After that fascinating read, I know what we all need…a cup of coffee!

Our best-selling coffee!

Charlotte Dibble

Meet the chimp behind this article!
Charlotte joined Two Chimps after completing her BA Hons in Graphic Communication and Illustration at Loughborough University. She also earned two diplomas: Art and Design Foundation and Professional Studies.

What Charlotte does outside of the treehouse:
In her spare time, Charlotte is a keen baker and loves to bring delicious treats for the team to enjoy during their Monday tea break. Charlotte likes to practice her drawing and painting skills to relax, usually with one of her cats sitting on her lap to keep her company!

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