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Fidan Aliu

REINVESTMENT LLC holds the exclusive right to sell Papua New Guinea (PNG) coffee, produced by SEL GROUP of companies, in the European market.

Papua New Guinea (PNG) is an island country celebrated for its stunning natural landscapes, vibrant cultural heritage, and, more recently, its distinctive specialty coffee. Located just off the northeastern coast of Australia, PNG occupies the eastern portion of the island of New Guinea, with the western part belonging to Indonesia. Although the nation grapples with various economic and logistical challenges, coffee has become a vital contributor to its economy, providing essential income for many rural communities. As global demand and appreciation for premium coffee continue to rise, Papua New Guinea’s coffee industry is gaining recognition for producing beans that are both unique and highly valued by coffee lovers and experts worldwide. This comprehensive guide will take you through the history of coffee in PNG, its key growing regions, coffee varieties, and the reasons behind its growing international acclaim.

Papua New Guinea’s Coffee Industry: A Snapshot

Coffee has played a vital role in Papua New Guinea’s agriculture for over a century, though only in recent years has its coffee begun receiving global recognition for its exceptional quality and distinctive flavor profiles. The industry is predominantly rural, with approximately 87% of the population residing in remote areas, many of which can be reached only by foot or small aircraft. Coffee is cultivated in 18 out of PNG’s 22 provinces, engaging more than 450,000 households — representing around 3.3 million people. Despite logistical difficulties, coffee remains a key source of income for these communities, with production exceeding 752,000 bags in 2019. Arabica is the primary coffee species grown across the country, while smaller quantities of Robusta are also produced, mainly in certain coastal regions.

Papua New Guinea’s Geography and Climate: Shaping Its Coffee Identity

The diverse landscape of Papua New Guinea plays a vital role in shaping the unique characteristics of its coffee. The country’s rugged mountains, fertile valleys, and lush rainforests create optimal conditions for coffee cultivation — particularly for Arabica, which flourishes at higher altitudes. Coffee is typically grown at elevations between 700 and 2,050 meters above sea level (m.a.s.l.), with the wide range of microclimates contributing to the rich and varied flavor profiles of PNG coffee. Highland coffee farms benefit from tropical rainfall and natural shade provided by some of the most biodiverse forests in the world. These forests not only protect coffee trees but also support a healthy, balanced ecosystem. In contrast, Robusta coffee is mainly grown at lower elevations, below 550 m.a.s.l., in coastal regions such as Sepik, Milne Bay, and East New Britain.

Key Coffee Growing Regions of Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea boasts several distinct coffee-producing areas, each offering flavors and qualities shaped by its environment:

  1. Highlands Region — The provinces of Western Highlands, Eastern Highlands, Chimbu, and Jiwaka form the core of PNG’s coffee production. These areas, known for their volcanic soils and favorable climates, produce Arabica coffee celebrated for its clean, balanced taste, bright acidity, and complex fruit notes. Many of the country’s top specialty coffees originate here.
  2. Sepik and East New Britain — These coastal zones are best suited for Robusta coffee, grown at lower altitudes with humid conditions. Robusta from these regions is typically stronger and more bitter, used mainly in blends or instant coffee due to its higher caffeine content.
  3. Milne Bay — Located at PNG’s southeastern tip, Milne Bay produces both Arabica and Robusta. The unique mix of climate and soil here yields coffee with distinctive and highly prized flavors.

    4. Coffee Varieties in Papua New Guinea

    Papua New Guinea primarily cultivates two coffee species — Arabica and Robusta — each serving a distinct role in the industry:

    Arabica Coffee

    Arabica dominates PNG’s coffee production, especially in the Highlands and high-altitude regions. It is known for its smooth, refined taste and lower caffeine content. Depending on where it’s grown, PNG Arabica often features:

    • Bright acidity
    • Fruity undertones (such as berry, citrus, or tropical fruit)
    • Floral notes (like jasmine or lavender)
    • A mild body and clean finish

    This complexity makes PNG Arabica a favorite for specialty roasters and coffee enthusiasts, often featured in single-origin offerings.

    With cup scores consistently above 83 and growing demand for ethical, unique origins, PNG coffee is a smart choice for European roasters who value quality and transparency.

    Robusta Coffee

    Though less prominent, Robusta is grown mainly in coastal regions like Sepik, Milne Bay, and East New Britain. Robusta plants are hardier, better suited to lower altitudes and humid climates. Robusta beans tend to deliver a stronger, more bitter cup, with earthy or woody notes and higher caffeine levels. While often used in blends and instant coffee, efforts are growing to improve Robusta quality through enhanced farming and processing techniques.

    The Coffee Production Process in Papua New Guinea

    Coffee production in PNG is a hands-on, labor-intensive process, especially in the country’s remote highland areas. The journey from cherry to bean typically involves:

    1. Harvesting — Coffee cherries are handpicked when ripe, as mechanized harvesting is impractical in many isolated regions.
    2. Processing — The cherries are usually processed using the washed (wet) method, where the outer layers are removed, and the beans are fermented before drying. In some cases, the dry method is used.
    3. Drying — Beans are sun-dried to reduce moisture content, preparing them for storage and transport.
    4. Milling and Sorting — After drying, beans are milled to remove any remaining parchment, then sorted by size and quality.
    5. Exporting — Coffee from Papua New Guinea is shipped around the world, with Japan, the United States, and Australia among its key markets. Smallholder farmers often work with cooperatives, exporters, or specialty buyers to bring their coffee to international consumers.