PNG Harvest Update 2024

Here’s a quick run- down of what we’re seeing with this year’s harvest:

• The harvest is looking good and is expected to be on time for April and May shipments.
• Good rainfall at just the right times has led to multiple rounds of flowering that look positive.
• After two years of a volume up cycle, we’re likely to see around a 5-10% drop in volume this harvest.
• Quality is expected to be high, thanks in large part to the hard work done by Sucafina in PNG’s extension team, partner suppliers, and farmers over the past 3 years.

“Coffee will start getting picked in late March or early April. We’ll see it start first in the far ends of the Western Highlands and move its way into the Eastern Highlands shortly after,” Alex says. “The harvest will likely last into September.”

The exact size of the crop is yet to be seen, Alex says, because it’s dependent on the direction of the NY C market and that price’s effect on the local price. “PNG is mostly smallholders. We’ve seen record high local pricing the last 2 years in relation to a high NY market. If we see a dip in the NY market coming into this season, it will likely directly impact local pricing.” If the price drop is sharp in comparison to the end of the previous season, this can create less incentive for farmers to harvest cherry. “When there is a change in price this can cause farmers to reduce their time and energy invested in coffee production,” Alex says.  

Right now, Sucafina in PNG is in the process of establishing an IMPACT-verified supply chain in PNG. They are working with supply chain partners to meet the standard’s guidelines and prepare for their audits.

Coffees from PNG will begin shipping in April and May. Now is the time to speak with your trader to prebook PNG coffees to meet your needs. Get in touch and start booking PNG coffees today.