PNG coffee to be promoted at all airports

Coffee Industry Corporation and National Airports Corporation have entered into a deal to promote Papua New Guinea coffee at all major airports in the country.

The deal was signed by acting CIC chief executive Anton Benjamin and NAC CEO Joseph Tupiri at the awards night of the inaugural PNG Coffee Growers’ Cupping Competition in Port Moresby on Friday.

Acting CIC chief executive Anton Benjamin and NAC CEO Joseph Tupiri  are all smiles after signing the agreement at the awards night of the inaugural PNG Coffee Growers’ Cupping Competition in Port Moresby on Friday.

The winner of the competition, Kanite Kirapim Association of  remote Okapa in Eastern Highlands, will have exclusive rights to sell coffee at all of NAC’s 23 airports including Jackson International Airport in Port Moresby.

Benjamin said CIC would work together with NAC to promote PNG coffee both locally and internationally.

“What’s an airport guy doing here at a coffee cupping competition?” Tupiri said.

“I had an idea to promote PNG coffee at our airports throughout Papua New Guinea.

“The winner of tonight will have exclusive rights to sell at NAC’s 23 airports in PNG.

“Extending the (Jackson) Airport terminal building at the moment, we are creating a coffee house, which will be opened next July.

“The winner of tonight will have exclusive rights to sell coffee at the airport.

“We are partnering with CIC to promote coffee where National Airports Corporation goes in the world.

“In 10 years time, that story might lead to something greater.

“We might have people buying coffee big time from Papua New Guinea.”