Papua New Guinea's coffee industry has strengthened its export prospects, with local exporters securing an estimated K9.7 million (AUD3.2 million) in projected sales after participating in Australia's largest coffee trade exhibition.
Twelve PNG coffee exporters took part in the Melbourne International Coffee Expo (MICE) in March, using the event to showcase the country's premium coffee to international buyers and reinforce PNG's position in the competitive global specialty coffee market.
As the largest annual coffee trade event in Australia and one of the biggest in the Asia-Pacific region, MICE attracts thousands of coffee professionals, including producers, exporters, roasters, café operators and green bean buyers. The expo provides a platform to showcase products, exchange industry knowledge and establish new commercial partnerships.
For PNG exporters, the event offered direct access to Australian and international roasters, green bean buyers and café operators, enabling them to promote the quality and diversity of PNG coffee while gaining insights into changing consumer preferences and specialty coffee trends.
Participation also allowed exporters to build new commercial relationships, gather market feedback and better understand buyer expectations, strengthening their competitiveness in international markets.
Gabiga Coffee representative Aida Igaso said the expo had revealed opportunities beyond exporting green beans.
"Coming here helped me see another aspect that I can venture into for Gabiga Coffee – that's roasting," Igaso said. "So hopefully in a few years' time, Gabiga Coffee will be into roasting. So, I am happy about that."
Her comments underscore the potential for PNG coffee businesses to expand into higher value-added activities such as roasting, generating greater returns from the country's coffee industry.
Janet Gioven of Togoba Kofi said the international expo had broadened her understanding of the global coffee value chain.
"Representing coffee and Papua New Guinea as a whole and as a country has broadened my knowledge," she said. "I have learned a lot in terms of connecting with consumers and getting feedback on what happens to the coffee when it leaves PNG. It is just a revelation, and it is a privilege to be here and be taking part in this."
In addition to the projected K9.7 million in potential sales, PNG exporters established 160 new contacts with international buyers, creating opportunities for future export agreements and long-term commercial partnerships.
The outcomes of the Melbourne International Coffee Expo have further enhanced PNG's reputation as a producer of premium-quality coffee, strengthening its presence in international markets across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.
