Indonesian coffee producers are hoping to boost their coffee exports to middle east countries, especially Qatar where there is a proliferation of coffee shops and roasteries across the wealthy nation.
In addition, Qataris have a long history with coffee drinking, as it represents part of their cultural identity.
With favorable climate condition for coffee, Indonesia can offer a large variety of coffee to international customers from various provinces spread across the large archipelago, for example Gayo, Flores, Sidikalang, Toraja and Java. Each of this coffee variant has its own unique taste and aroma. Demand for specialty coffee especially the Arabica variety from Indonesia keeps growing.
Qatar imported US$19.2 million worth of coffee every year but very small amount came from Indonesia, as such the growth potential is huge. Presently, the US, Egypt, Malaysia, Japan, Italy, Belgium and UK are Indonesia’s largest coffee importers. The country exported US$843 million of coffee products in 2021.
Indonesia hopes that through the recent Indonesian Coffee O’Clock event held recently in Qatar will spearhead the growth of coffee exports.
Meanwhile, West Java provincial government had also showcased its flagship coffee products during the World of Coffee exhibition held in Milan, Italy in late June. The exhibition, which is a leading coffee event in Europe, aims to promote the world’s leading specialty coffee. Of the 166 samples of coffee products submitted, 10 coffee products of West Java’s local farmers were selected: 6 of arabica coffee, 3 of robusta coffee, and 1 of liberica coffee.
West Java province also aims to promote its coffee via ‘coffee tourism’ and at the same time wants its coffee prices to be competitive while also obtain certificates of geographical indication.
