Wantrifu Village, Asaro Valley, Eastern Highlands | Thursday, 15 May 2025 – In a landmark development for Papua New Guinea’s coffee sector on Thursday, 15 May 2025, Hatavile Coffee Ltd of Wantrifu Village in the Asaro Valley of Eastern Highlands has been awarded a formal export licence by the Coffee Industry Corporation Ltd (CICL).
The presentation was made on behalf of CICL by PNG Agriculture Commercialization and Diversification (PACD) Project Manager Mr Potaisa Hombunaka and witnessed by representatives from the World Bank, PACD, CICL, relevant government departments, and an international coffee buyer from the Republic of Korea. The license was received by Hatavile Coffee’s founders, Philip and Wendy Timbie, who have led the company from humble beginnings to a nationally recognised exporter.
Hatavile Coffee was a beneficiary of the former CICL-Productive Partnerships in Agriculture Project (PPAP) and now under CICL-PACD Project Matching Grant Component. It is funded by the PNG Government with technical and financial support from the World Bank.
A Vision Fulfilled
Mr Hombunaka described the awarding of the license as the fulfillment of a decades-long dream to see coffee exported directly from village-based, nationally owned enterprises.
“This is a dream come true—to see coffee being exported from the hauslain, not just from towns or cities. This license is not just a document; it is a symbol of transformation,” Mr Hombunaka said. “We must take back the industry. The fire has started. Let us keep it burning.”
He challenged the status quo, noting that although 90 per cent of PNG coffee exporters are Papua New Guineans, they account for only 20 per cent of national exports—while 10 per cent of multinational exporters control 80 per cent of the market. He called for continued investment in infrastructure and marketing systems to empower local enterprises and asserted that the time for change is now.
A Family Dream Realised
Mr Philip Timbie, the founder of Hatavile Coffee, delivered a moving and reflective speech, describing the export licence as a culmination of years of hard work, setbacks, and unwavering faith.
“We are just a small family business with a big hope and a big God,” Mr Timbie said. “If others can do it, we can do it too. This licence is more than paper—it’s a calling. A sign that rural Papua New Guineans can rise and succeed in global markets.”
He acknowledged the support of the World Bank, CICL, PACD, and mentors like Mr Hombunaka and Mr Alphy Semy of the PACD Project for their belief in Hatavile Coffee’s journey.
“This connection is a lifetime one. What has started here will not stop here. The banner is up, the building is up, and now exports will begin. Coffee will carry the future of this country.”
Mr Timbie spoke with gratitude and pride, reinforcing that the export journey ahead was not just about commerce—it was about purpose, belief, and national transformation.
A Model for Inclusive Growth
Representing the World Bank, PACD Team Leader and Senior Agricultural Specialist Mr Allan Oliver commended Hatavile Coffee as a standout example of inclusive growth and rural transformation.
“This is a success story—not only for Hatavile Coffee but for the entire community,” Mr Oliver said. “With the right support, infrastructure, and vision, this model can be replicated in communities across PNG.”
He noted that this was one of the first projects under the PACD initiative, where a grassroots enterprise had successfully partnered with an international buyer to export coffee directly from the village. Mr Oliver also recognised Mr Biyung Joon Choi, the Korean partner of Hatavile Coffee, for his role in this cross-border partnership.
“To see a local enterprise grow into an exporter—supported by the community, the project, and international buyers—shows what is possible when the value chain is aligned. The World Bank is proud to support this partnership, and we will continue investing in coffee as a foundation of PNG’s rural economy.”
The presentation concluded with traditional celebrations, symbolising not just the birth of a new exporter but the beginning of a new chapter for PNG’s coffee industry—where local enterprises rise, partnerships flourish, and dreams are turned into reality.
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I am really proud Congratulate my tribes man Mr Philip Timbie and his wife,134 villages and warakalap for great initiative taken to rehabilitation of Hatavile coffee to next level for gaining the Export market License, I very much appreciated the assistance from cicl,Png Government, world bank and all stake holders,who made it possible, lastly the buyer from Korea, Congratulate, Ambo Laminaneve, Humani, Amos Ona,
Hi, I am interested to get in touch with the South Korean buyer Mr. Biyung Joon Choi.
If possible, please I need his contact details.
I have worked with him some years back when he was the Managing Director of PNG Halla Cement (now PNG Taiheiyo Cement) but I lost contact with him. And I would like to establish communication again with him.