Grown in some of the most ideal conditions in the world - high-altitude farms, rich volcanic soils, and plenty of tropical rain - PNG coffee offers a diverse range of flavours and qualities, with a fascinating backstory. Here are six things you might not know about PNG coffee.
1. Coffee has been a big deal in PNG for over a century
Coffee was first grown in PNG in the 1920s, and has been a major earner of export income for the country ever since. Today, over 2 million people are involved in coffee farming—most of them smallholder farmers who grow coffee on tiny plots, often alongside other crops. These aren’t big industrial farms; this is hands-on, traditional coffee growing at its best.
2. The coffee has serious pedigree
A lot of coffee grown in PNG comes from the Jamaican Blue Mountain “Typica” varietal, which is famous for its smooth body and refined flavour. This has helped PNG develop a reputation for high-quality beans with complex notes of dark chocolate, caramel, and raisin. When grown well and processed properly, PNG coffee can be absolutely top-notch.
3. Getting the coffee to market is no easy task
Growing great coffee is one thing, but getting it from the highlands to port is another challenge entirely. Law and order issues, infrastructure problems, and even coffee theft have made production more difficult in recent years. Despite these challenges, PNG continues to produce some incredible coffees, and the farmers who stick with it are dedicated to keeping their industry alive.
4. Big estates vs. smallholders
PNG coffee comes from two very different sources - big estates and tiny family farms. There are a few big farms in the Western and Eastern Highlands. The famous ones are Sigri and Kimel, with some big mills around Goroka. Smallholder farmers might only have a few hundred trees, growing coffee as part of a mixed crop operation. These small farms often sell their coffee to mills, where it gets blended together before export.
5. Ever had a smoky cup of PNG coffee?
Some PNG coffees have a slightly smoky taste, and there are a couple of theories about why. One is that the raw coffee beans are stored in villages where campfires are always burning, and the smoke subtly infuses the beans. Another theory is that, because PNG gets a lot of rain, much of the coffee is mechanically dried at mills, and sometimes the smoke from this process adds a little extra “character” to the beans. Either way, it’s one of those unique quirks that make PNG coffee stand out.
6. Australia’s Connection to PNG Coffee
Australia has played a big role in PNG’s coffee industry. Before gaining independence in 1975, PNG was an Australian-administered territory, and many of the country’s largest coffee estates were originally set up by Australian growers. One of the most famous examples is the Carpenter Estates, which are still operating today and produce some of PNG’s highest-quality coffee today.
PNG coffee has been a staple in our espresso blend for years. If you haven’t tried PNG coffee before, now’s your chance to see what makes it so special!
