A Niche Industry Facing Growth Challenges Amidst Rising Global Prices and Domestic Demand

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A Niche Industry Facing Growth Challenges Amidst Rising Global Prices and Domestic Demand

A Growing Niche

Australia boasts a passionate coffee culture, yet less than 0.5% of the coffee consumed domestically is grown within the country. While recent global coffee bean price surges due to adverse weather in major producing regions like Brazil and Vietnam have sparked curiosity about a potential boom in Australian coffee production, industry experts remain cautious.

Richard Gibson, a small-scale coffee plantation owner in Teven, NSW, highlights the limited surplus available for new entrants. Denise Whitney, another grower based in Nimbin, acknowledges the expansion efforts but emphasizes the time required to significantly increase Australian coffee production.

Coffee roaster Charelle Harkins, while exploring Australian suppliers, agrees that the current domestic production falls short of the demand. Robert Jacques, a grower in Far North Queensland, identifies land prices as a major obstacle, citing the high cost of acquiring suitable land with proper drainage, soil type, water access, and accessibility for mechanical harvesting.

Rebecca Zentveld, president of the Australian Grown Coffee Association, emphasizes the higher cost of Australian coffee due to labor expenses. She stresses that Australian coffee competes on quality, specialty, and ethical production values rather than price.

Zentveld believes consumer willingness to pay a premium for Australian coffee will be crucial for the industry's growth. She envisions a future where Australians, faced with potential import disruptions, turn to domestic production and appreciate its unique qualities.

The distinct taste profiles of Australian coffee, influenced by micro-climates, soil types, and rainfall, offer another compelling reason for its potential growth. From the chocolate and berry notes of subtropical NSW and southeast Queensland to the chocolate, nutty, and biscuit flavors of Far North Queensland, Australian coffee presents a diverse and exciting landscape for coffee enthusiasts.