Coffee production in the country dates back to 1926 when the first Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee seeds were planted. However, the Coffee Research Institute claims that coffee was introduced in 1890, although it is widely accepted that commercial production only took off in the country in the late 1920s. In Sangara, the foothills in the southeast of the country, 18 commercial coffee plantations were established in 1926.
Nowadays, an estimated 87,000 hectares (210,000 acres) is under coffee cultivation in Papua New Guinea. The majority of the coffee is grown in the highlands, where 70% of the population are dependent upon agriculture.
In Papua New Guinea there are approximately 2.5 million people employed in the industry, with 280,000 smallholder coffee growers, 660 larger farmers cultivating areas of 1–30 hectares (2.5–74 acres), 65 large plantations, 18 registered exporters, 51 registered processors and over 6,000 roadside buyers. However, although 12 provinces are active in the coffee industry, the bulk of coffee (approximately 90%) is produced in the five highlands provinces, Western Highlands (45%), Eastern Highlands (37%), Simbu (6%), Morobe (5%) and East Sepik (5%).
An outstanding bean from a premium geographic location, superbly suited to coffee production. The region's altitude, soil and climate are perfect for bean growing. A big, bold bean that produced such an even and good looking roast. A fun bean to roast with great results in the cup. Ideal as a straight, single origin cup or in quality espresso blends.