A Fijian-owned coffee company, the South Pacific Coffee Company, has been making strides since its inception during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Based in Nadi, the company is dedicated to boosting the Fijian coffee industry by sourcing 100% wild and organic coffee from various regions in Fiji.
Operations manager Maikeli Dennis highlighted the company’s effort to integrate local coffee into Fiji’s tourism sector, where currently, 95-98% of hotel and tourism businesses are reliant on imported coffee. He expressed a commitment to motivating local farmers to consider coffee as a viable crop alongside their existing agricultural practices. The aim is to enhance both the domestic market and potential exports.
In collaboration with the Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association, the South Pacific Coffee Company is actively engaging in training programs at the University of the South Pacific that focuses on educating future hospitality professionals about the value of coffee within Fiji’s agricultural and hospitality sectors. This educational push aims to cultivate a deeper appreciation of local coffee culture.
Additionally, the company is forging partnerships with rural women farmers in regions such as Navosa and Ra Province. By working with communities that have access to wild coffee plants, there is an opportunity for these farmers to benefit financially while creating sustainable practices. Dennis noted that coffee cultivation can provide income not just in the short-term but also for generations, making it a long-term investment for farmers and their families.
Parallel to these initiatives, the growing interest of investors and organizations like ONA Coffee in Fiji’s coffee potential marks a broader movement to revitalize the sector. ONA Coffee’s endeavors aim to enhance local production by supporting farmers and ensuring sustainable practices.
With increased global demand for ethically sourced coffee, Fiji stands at the precipice of becoming a notable player in the specialty coffee market. The collaborative efforts of local companies, community engagement, and educational outreach signal promising potential for economic growth and empowerment for Fijian farmers.
This blossoming coffee culture offers hope for a sustainable future, having the ability to transform local agricultural landscapes while benefiting communities economically. The initiatives from the South Pacific Coffee Company and broader partnerships within the industry suggest a vibrant future for Fiji’s coffee sector, bolstering both local resonance and international interest.
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