Papua New Guinea coffee industry… 

The Blue Mountain coffee plants are mostly grown in the Western Highlands of Papua New Guinea. In fact, to start the coffee industry in Papua New Guinea, seeds were from Jamaica. This variety was specifically brought from the Blue Mountain district. Thus far, it was the inception of the Papua New Guinea coffee history. This coffee variety is regarded as one of the best coffee beans Papua New Guinea.   

Papua New Guinea highlands has pristine conditions and fertile soil. So, the soil contributes to produce the finest coffee beans. It has a crisp citric acidity and rich chocolaty and tropical fruit flavours. Thus far, it has a distinct flavour profile. It has earthy and spicy flavours too.

Papua coffee history

Although Papua New Guinea shares the island of Papua with Indonesia, the coffee is literally distinct from the common Indonesian variety. Thus far, the story of the nation is different too. So, coffee beans from Papua New Guinea are so diverse from the coffees from neighbouring island

The Papua island was colonised by 1885. Nowadays it is called Papua New Guinea. The Germans occupied colonies in Northern Papua and the British established their own in the South. Thus far, the Robusta variety was widely found throughout Asia and the Pacific. So, instead of using Robusta plants the two powerful administration brought the Blue Mountain Arabica plants.

By 1920’s commercial scale exports from the coastal farms had commenced. In the 1930’s an Australian explorer identified that the land was much more fertile in the interior of the island. All this time it was perceived that it was too hilly for cultivation. Thus far, it was considered that interior was uninhabited too. However, it was populated.

Production expansion 

By the 1950’s the Papua government had a relationship with the inland tribes. Prior to this they were unknown to the administration. Thus far, it created family coffee gardens and the coffee production grew rapidly.

Papua New Guinea coffee production continued to develop during the 1960’s and 1970’s. So, the old estates were divided for the native community. Thus, a new infrastructure was established throughout the island. It became a major exporter and gigantic employer for Papua New Guinea.

Thus far, since 2000 with the falling coffee prices the growth was sluggish. So, Papua New Guinea coffee industry was in economic limits. It stalled the growth rate.

Coffee growing challenges

Papua New Guinea has seen many internal struggles. There has been many conflicts and encounters because of more than 800 languages spoken by various tribes. Thus far, it was causing turmoil in the coffee industry.

More than 90% of the producers are small farm holders. So, the coffee farm may be only a few hectares. These family farms may have other crops like legumes, papaya and bananas together with coffee. In recent times the infrastructure is starting to disintegrate. Hence, it makes coffee movement much more problematic. In fact, it becomes more expensive to operate small farms.

Thus far, approximately 55% of the population have telephones and only 10% have access to internet. So, the connectivity challenges force the farmers to grow naturally. They do not use agricultural chemicals or pesticides. Thus far, it’s quite a lot of organic coffee. While it may not be certified, mostly all coffee is grown organically. Papua New Guinea only produce 1% of world coffee because of the internal problems. It is still major source of income for almost 40% of the population

Final washout

Coffee production is an economic driver for Papua New Guinea. However, it is unfortunate that it is not growing as well as it should. Since the price plateaued for coffee beans, it has stunted the ability to grow the industry.