TALES OF ORIGIN: PAPUA NEW GUINEA

TALES OF ORIGIN: PAPUA NEW GUINEA

Coffee, Culture, and Community

Papua New Guinea is a land of contrasts and complexity, and its coffee reflects this diversity. While coffee accounts for 20% of the nation’s agricultural economy, it is cultivated in a way that is unlike most other major coffee-producing countries. Smallholder farmers, working on 1–2 hectare plots often referred to as “gardens,” grow coffee alongside subsistence crops. These gardens, nurtured by families across generations, are more than just farms—they are a way of life.

The cultural and logistical challenges of sourcing coffee here are immense. Papua New Guinea is home to hundreds of indigenous communities, each with unique languages and customs. Communication can be as intricate as the winding roads that connect these remote areas. Yet, it is within these challenges that some of the world’s most exquisite coffees, like the Kindeng Natural from the Western Highlands, are born.

 

The Western Highlands: Coffee’s Heartland

Nestled within the lush, mountainous terrain of the Western Highlands is the Kindeng Dry Mill. This region, known for its dramatic landscapes and cool climate, provides the perfect environment for cultivating specialty coffee. Generational farmers grow Arusha, Bourbon, and Typica varieties under shade, creating a balanced ecosystem where coffee thrives. The sandy loam and loamy clay soils impart distinctive characteristics to the beans, contributing to the intense, fruity notes and syrupy sweetness of this offering.

In 2016, Yahava KoffeeWorks embarked on an expedition to the Western Highlands, visiting the renowned Sigri Estate. This journey not only deepened our understanding of the region’s coffee but also fostered a personal connection to its growers. While Sigri Estate was our chosen base of exploration at the time, it is the smaller, community-driven initiatives, like those at Kindeng, that truly embody the contemporary spirit of Papua New Guinea’s coffee culture.

 

Challenges and Triumphs

The journey from FARM to cup is fraught with challenges. In Papua New Guinea, less than 10% of the population has internet access, and telecommunication is sparse. Farmers often rely on traditional knowledge and practices, making it crucial for exporters like Primrose Coffee to bridge the gap. Through initiatives like community select lots, smallholders band together to improve traceability and elevate the quality of their coffee.

The Kindeng Dry Mill exemplifies this collaboration. With supervision at every stage—from fermentation and drying to hulling and sorting—the mill ensures that only the finest beans make it to export. This attention to detail not only enhances the coffee’s flavour profile but also supports the livelihoods of the 1,500 farmers who contribute to this exceptional lot.

 

A Cup Worth Celebrating

The Kindeng Natural is more than just a coffee—it’s a testament to the resilience and dedication of Papua New Guinea’s coffee-growing communities. From the remote gardens of the Western Highlands to your cup, every sip tells a story of connection, culture, and craftsmanship.

 

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