CIC, Kumuls promote PNG coffee at World Cup

THE Papua New Guinea Coffee Industry Corporation (CIC) with the support of the United Kingdom Trade Partnerships (UKTP) programme and the United Nations’ International Trade Centre (ITC) hosted a coffee cupping event with roasters from across the UK, taking advantage of the PN Kumuls’ participation in the Rugby League World Cup.
Coffee roasters across England had the chance to taste PNG coffee at the cupping event on the eve of Kumuls’ first match.
CIC, with the support of UKTP and the ITC, hosted the coffeecupping event in St Helen’s to tie in with the Kumuls opening match against Tonga.
CIC chief operations officer Steven Tumae said the roasters, who were joined by Sports Minister Don Poyle, tasted nine different coffees from PNG, ranging from a couple of really excellent Y grades, a couple of Fair Trade Organic certified coffees, some fantastic estate coffees and some superb A grades.
“Whilst some of the roasters were familiar with PNG coffees others were not, but all were impressed with the range of coffees tasted,” he said.
Tumae said most roasters indicated that they would re-evaluate their coffee menus to include either a greater use of PNG coffee or in the case of two roasters who had not used PNG coffee before to launch a single origin PNG coffee in time for Christmas.
“The highlight of the event for all involved was meeting members of the Kumuls’ squad who wholeheartedly supported the initiative posing for selfies with the roasters and a group photo,”he said.
This personal touch enhanced the connection between the roasters, PNG and its coffee and made the cheering on of the team on the pitch even louder.
“The only downside being the disallowed try, which was hotly disputed by all present.
“It was a great event that has boosted the image of PNG coffee in the UK and the corporation would like to thank UKTP, ITC, Polye and the Kumuls for their excellent support.”
Tumae said another cupping event would be repeated next week to coincide with the game against the Cook Islands at which more than a dozen UK-based roasters would be present.
UKTP is funded by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and implemented by the ITC.
ITC is a joint agency of the United Nations and the World Trade Organisation.
It is the only multilateral agency that was fully dedicated to supporting the internationalisation of small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs).
Its joint mandate combines a focus on expanding trade opportunities with the aim of fostering sustainable development.