With the coffee price steadily increasing, local growers and exporters like Dr Joel Waramboi are taking the chance to develop lucrative new markets for their quality beans. With support from Australia, Dr Waramboi, of Morobe-based Wia Trade, is part of a group of growers and exporters from across Papua New Guinea (PNG) who are attending the annual Melbourne International Coffee Expo - one of the biggest coffee shows in the southern hemisphere. Australian High Commission in Papua New Guinea stated that in the lead-up to the Expo, a dedicated event showcasing PNG coffee is being held at prominent local roastery Code Black Coffee today (18 March 2025), which will help Dr Waramboi and his fellow exporters make the most of the opportunity by presenting their unique product to an audience of high-powered coffee industry figures. “Just over a year ago, the family-owned business was awarded a concessional loan from the Australia-funded Revolving Fund Facility to help develop its export capacity. Wia Trade used the loan to expand its network of suppliers to cover 45 communities across remote areas of Morobe Province, providing a quality product that is uniquely Papua New Guinean. The Expo and accompanying showcase event are a chance to make the most of that investment,” The Commission said. The Commission added that using contacts made at the Expo two years ago, PNG coffee exporters entered four new markets, selling 441 tonnes of coffee in less than a year had sales of up to AUD10,970 (PGK27,190) a tonne.