The Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA) officially announces Indonesia as the Portrait Country for the 28th SCAA 2016. Indonesia’s 3,200-mile archipelago with 17,000 islands, 120 active volcanoes, ample rainfall, fertile soil, and ideal temperatures have led to the existence of a variety of coffees.
It is no surprise that Indonesia was placed as the fourth largest producer of coffee in the world in 2014, according to the International Coffee Organization.
Annually, Indonesia is estimated to produce 540 thousand metric tons of coffee. Of this total, an estimated 154 thousand metric tons is required for domestic consumption – 25% are Arabica beans, and the remaining Robusta.
Specialty Arabica coffee is Indonesia’s most popularly exported product and has gained worldwide acknowledgment.
This has positioned Indonesia as the 2nd largest specialty Arabica exporter in the world, with 150,000 tons of export per year.
Nearly 100 genetic varieties of Arabica coffee have been created since 1699 – some of these include Sumatera Lintong, Sumatera Koerinci, Sumatera Solok Minang, Java Preanger, Java Ijen Raung, Java Estate, Sulawesi Toraja, Papua Wamena and much more. Currently, Indonesia is sustainably cultivating Arabica coffee and will be showcasing this at the SCAA Event this year.
In addition, most of Indonesia’s Robusta is used in instant coffee and other manufactured products. The Indonesian island of Sumatra is the largest producer of Robusta coffee, with the provinces of Lampung, South Sumatra, and Bengkulu accounting for 50% of total national coffee production and up to 75% of Robusta production.
Thanks to an increase in modern post-harvest facilities and improved yield techniques, Indonesian growers have been able to master the production of a wide range of cupping profiles, such as Giling Basah and Wet Hulled.
Many Indonesian farming cooperatives and exporters are obtaining certifications and growing in sophistication to satisfy the demands of discerning buyers all over the world.
All Arabica and Robusta coffees produced in Indonesia are measured and graded to meet SCAA specialty standards and protocols.
A specialty coffee adventure full of rich history and flavor awaits buyers and visitors wishing to engage with Indonesian specialty coffee growers and exporters.
The 2016 SCAA Expo is taking place April 14-17 at the Georgia World Congress Center, in Atlanta, Georgia.
