This coffee has a unique story from other offerings from PNG: It is the initiative of Moses Venapo, an entrepreneurial producer in the Eastern Highlands, who wanted to offer local smallholders better access to higher market prices as well as a higher-traceability option. While most coffee in Kabiufa is delivered in parchment in small quantities to roadside delivery points, Moses established a cherry-buying facility as well as installed a wet mill in his back yard in order to have more control over the purchasing and processing. The coffee is bought in cherry at a significant premium to the general market, and sorted carefully, providing farmers with feedback about best practices in picking.
This is a new, small project that so far serves around 50 smallholders within Moses' village and the neighboring villages, but we see a lot of promise based on the cup quality and ingenuity of the venture.