Banz Kofi Fektori, a company based in Mount Hagen, in the Western Highlands Province, is the first coffee producer in Papua New Guinea to achieve the internationally recognised Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) accreditation.
Banz Kofi began in 1990 initially as a coffee cherry parchment company producing green beans.
It was founded by coffee lover and enthusiast Patrick Killoran who, later in 2007, turned his knowledge and expertise of coffee cherries and green beans to roasting as well.
“Roaster to perfection”
Banz Kofi is a premium coffee product that combines a special blend of the best PNG grown Arabicas beans roasted to perfection, says the company in its web site. In fact, the beans are grown 100% naturally and farmed without the use of chemicals.
The unique feature is that raw coffee beans are purchased directly from remote villages rather than plantations. These villagers still practice traditional methods of growing coffee, without the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides or fungicides.
Community focused
Banz Kofi is highly community focused and produces a solid product though engagement with the local community. 98% of Banz Kofi staff are local Papua New Guineans.
About the HACCP
HACCP is an internationally recognised way of managing food safety and protecting consumers. This accreditation means Banz Kofi products can be exported to Australia and other countries where HACCP accreditation is a requirement before accepting imports.
Patrick Killoran said this was a significant achievement for Banz Kofi.
He said without the support of PHAMA, they would not have achieved their ambition of gaining HACCP accreditation.
PNG coffee sector
PNG exports approximately 43,000 tonnes of coffee per year, with over 300,000 households involved in the value chain.
The Australian and New Zealand-funded Pacific Horticultural and agricultural market access (PHAMA) Program has been instrumental in assisting Banz Kofi achieve HACCP accreditation.
PHAMA works with private sectors and government agencies to help manage and improve exports.
PHAMA PNG country manager Sidney Suma commended Banz Kofi following their accreditation.
“We are happy Banz Kofi has got its HACCP accreditation. PHAMA is also very appreciative of the collective efforts put in by Banz Kofi, the Coffee Industry Corporation, HACCP Australia and also the support of the coffee industry working group in this achievement,” Mr Suma said.
