Kummul Coffee History

A Brief History of Kummul Coffee Company

Founding and Early Years:

Kummul Coffee, originally known as Growers Direct Coffee, was founded in 2010 by Mr. Simon McTupul Mek. The company was initially registered in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, with the vision of creating a direct tree-to-cup value chain business. This innovative model aimed to connect coffee growers in Papua New Guinea directly with coffee roasters and shops in Australia, ensuring higher quality and fairer prices for both producers and consumers.

Key Figures and Operations:

Mr. Simon McTupul Mek took charge of export and marketing efforts from Australia, leveraging his expertise and connections to introduce PNG coffee to the Australian market. On the ground in PNG, Mr. Mark Taima managed operations and production, ensuring the cultivation, harvesting, and initial processing of coffee met high standards. This dual approach helped establish a robust supply chain from the fertile Highlands of PNG to the coffee cups of Australian consumers.

Challenges and Stalling:

Despite a promising start, Growers Direct Coffee faced significant challenges, primarily due to a lack of operating capital. These financial constraints led to a stall in operations, preventing the company from scaling its business and fully realizing its potential. This period of inactivity lasted for several years, during which the company's vision and groundwork remained dormant.

Revival and Rebranding:

In 2024, the company was revived with renewed vigor and resources. Rebranded as Kurmul Coffee, the business resumed its mission to provide high-quality, ethically sourced coffee from PNG to the world. With a stronger financial foundation and lessons learned from past experiences, Kurmul Coffee is now poised to make a significant impact on the specialty coffee market.

Current Focus and Future Plans:

Kummul Coffee continues to prioritize direct relationships with coffee growers, ensuring fair practices and sustainable methods. The company's product line includes a variety of specialty and premium coffee beans, with plans to expand into certified organic, Fair Trade, and other ethically labelled coffees. As it re-establishes itself in the market, Kummul Coffee aims to uphold its commitment to quality, sustainability, and social responsibility, benefiting both PNG coffee farmers and global coffee enthusiasts.