A Brief Look at the Australian Coffee Industry

A Brief Look at the Australian Coffee Industry

Oct 18, 2023

How enchanting it is to delve into the intricacies of the Australian coffee industry, a vibrant scene that's gaining international attention for its innovative approach.
In the early days, circa 1880, Australia was introduced to coffee plantations in Queensland and New South Wales.


However, with the gold rush and urban development, coffee growing faded into obscurity until the 1980s when pioneers reignited an interest in locally grown beans.


Fast forward to today, and you'll find a bustling industry that's distinctly Australian in character - built on an obsession for quality over quantity. The country produces around 10,000 tonnes of beans annually - a humble amount by global standards yet infused with exceptional quality.


The domestic market is marked by an infatuation with 'specialty coffee'. As Australians grew accustomed to high-quality espresso drinks – whether sipping flat whites in Melbourne or piccolos in Sydney – their expectations soared. Coffee is no longer just a beverage; it's become part of the cultural fabric.


However, don't be fooled into thinking this homegrown treasure stays on local shores alone. With an increasing number of Australian roasters securing accolades at international competitions, the demand for these award-winning beans has propelled exports upwards.


Japan and Korea top the list of eager importers but it doesn't stop there – even discerning European palates are being won over!


So here we have it: an industry rooted in history yet ever-evolving. A domestic market defined by discerning consumers who appreciate every nuanced flavor profile. And an export market showcasing Australia's finest to a world ready to embrace its distinctive tastes.


From humble beginnings to world-class recognition.


Australia, a veritable oasis of coffee production, boasts regions that have crafted their unique identities through careful cultivation of those magical beans. Let's embark on an aromatic journey through these havens.


Queensland


Dominating Australia’s coffee production, the Atherton Tablelands’ rich soils and tropical climate contribute to its well-rounded flavor profile. Nearby Mareeba, often considered Australia's coffee capital, is home to over 70% of Australia’s coffee crop - a testament to its thriving conditions.


As the heartland of Australia's coffee production, Queensland is truly a tropical paradise that these cherished beans call home.


The burgeoning industry primarily flourishes in the Atherton Tablelands - an elevated paradise with a unique microclimate and rich volcanic soils that nurture what many connoisseurs consider 'liquid gold'. The moderate rainfall coupled with warm temperatures and high altitude creates an ideal environment for Arabica beans to thrive.


But what truly sets Queensland apart is the commitment of its farmers. They cultivate their crops with meticulous care, managing each stage from planting to harvesting with an unwavering attention to detail. It’s not merely about growing beans - it’s about nurturing life, creating a product that carries within it the essence of their land and passion.


The city of Mareeba has claimed the title as Australia's Coffee Capital. With over 70% of Australia’s coffee produced here, it's a bustling hub where you'll find farms both large-scale and boutique coexisting harmoniously - reflecting the diversity of this vibrant industry.


Queensland’s beans are often lauded for their full-bodied flavor profile – smooth and well-rounded with low acidity – resulting in a cup that’s deeply satisfying without any sharp edges.


What makes this region even more fascinating is how it has embraced innovation while maintaining respect for traditional methods. From organic farming practices to cutting-edge processing techniques, Queensland continuously strives to improve its crop quality while minimizing environmental impact.


Some notable brands are:


  1. Skybury Tropical Plantation – Skybury Coffees
  2. Green Cauldron Farm - Green Cauldron
  3. Merlo - Merlo coffee


New South Wales


Here, the subtropical climate and volcanic soil of the Northern Rivers region nurture some of the finest Arabica beans. The high rainfall and altitude work in harmony to produce a mellow cup with low acidity and robust body.


Imagine a place where the Pacific Ocean's salty breeze intermingles with the scent of blossoming coffee flowers, and where the fertile soil carries within it centuries of volcanic history. Welcome to New South Wales (NSW), an unassuming hero in Australia’s vibrant coffee scene.


In NSW, coffee cultivation is primarily concentrated in the Northern Rivers region. Here, the subtropical climate plays a symphony of warm summer days and cool winter nights, while rich volcanic soils lend themselves to nurturing some of the finest Arabica beans.


While NSW may not hold the title for being Australia’s largest coffee producer – that crown rests with Queensland – it has carved a niche for itself through its emphasis on quality over quantity. Every bean grown here is a labour of love, nurtured meticulously from sapling to harvest.


What sets NSW apart is its adherence to sustainable farming practices. This commitment to environmental stewardship doesn't just resonate with consumers but also enriches each cup with a sense of wholesomeness – a testament to the region's harmony with nature.


The beans harvested here often possess a mellow taste profile - low acidity and full-bodied flavor - making them ideal for those who prefer their brew smooth and well-rounded. They are as distinctive as they are delightful – capturing in every sip an essence of this unique region.


Innovation too finds its home here. Local growers continually experiment with various processing methods, aiming at unlocking new flavors and aromas within their beans. It’s this spirit of innovation that keeps NSW at the forefront of Australia’s specialty coffee industry.


Notable brands:


  1. Skybury Tropical Plantation – Skybury Coffees
  2. Green Cauldron Farm - Green Cauldron
  3. Merlo - Merlo coffee


Victoria


In this cooler state, boutique growers are transforming small patches into micro-climates suitable for coffee cultivation. Yields might be smaller here but what it lacks in quantity it compensates for in quality - with some truly exquisite single origin offerings.Tasmania


Though relatively new to the scene, Tasmania’s mild summers and cold winters provide a slow maturation process that enhances complex flavor development - capturing intrigue in every cup.


When you think of Victoria, it might be the artistic laneways of Melbourne or the scenic Great Ocean Road that come to mind. But nestled within this dynamic state is a vibrant coffee industry - small yet significant, growing steadily in the shadows of its more prolific counterparts.


In Victoria, coffee cultivation is largely the realm of boutique growers. They've found pockets of land where microclimates replicate conditions akin to traditional coffee-growing regions - providing ideal temperature ranges, rainfall patterns and soil types that lovingly nurture these precious beans.


What these Victorian growers lack in volume, they make up for in quality and innovation. Every bean harvested is treated like a prized jewel – handled with meticulous care right from planting through to processing. It's this commitment to excellence that results in some truly distinctive single origin offerings.


The cooler climate of Victoria also adds a unique twist to the coffee cultivation process. The slow maturation brought about by longer winters contributes to complex flavor development - offering taste profiles marked by bright acidity and nuanced flavors.


A sustainable approach towards farming practices is another defining characteristic here. Many growers are increasingly turning towards organic methods – creating not just superior tasting beans but also contributing positively towards environmental preservation.


Victoria's proximity to Melbourne - Australia's coffee capital - plays a vital role too. The thriving café culture serves as both an inspiration and a ready market for these homegrown beans – ensuring they find their way into countless cups across the city each day.


But perhaps what’s most admirable about Victoria’s coffee industry is its resilience and adaptability. Despite challenges posed by climate and limited scale, these growers persist with undeterred passion – constantly experimenting, innovating, refining – all in pursuit of that perfect cup.


So next time you indulge in your beloved brew, remember that each sip carries echoes from Victoria's undulating landscapes - tales spun from resilience and innovation underpinned by an unwavering commitment to quality.


Notable Brands:


  1. Monk Bodhi Dharma – Monk Bodhi Dharma Roastery
  2. St Ali - St Ali Roasting House
  3. Rumble Coffee Roasters – Rumble


Western Australia


The southern region of this vast state has embraced coffee cultivation in recent years with increasing success - testament to the industry’s innovation and adaptability.


Western Australia, often known for its pristine beaches and rugged outback landscapes, has been steadily carving out a name for itself in the realm of coffee cultivation. This vast state, where the Indian Ocean meets sun-baked earth, offers a unique proposition for the thriving Australian coffee industry.


While not traditionally associated with coffee production, southern regions of Western Australia have embraced the challenge with open arms. Here, you'll find pioneering growers turning land once considered unsuitable into flourishing coffee plantations. It's an innovative spirit that exemplifies this industry's bold attitude towards redefining norms.


The combination of warm summers and mild winters creates an environment conducive to growing coffee – allowing beans to mature slowly, developing deep and nuanced flavors along the way. The result is a brew that captures Western Australia's vibrant essence in every sip - full-bodied yet delicately balanced.


An exciting feature of this region's industry is its focus on sustainable farming practices. Growers here are deeply committed to minimizing their environmental footprint - utilizing organic methods and exploring water-efficient techniques. This conscious approach does more than just produce superior beans; it also ensures harmony with nature.


Western Australia’s relative isolation also adds a fascinating dimension to its coffee industry. Local growers and roasters have cultivated an intimate relationship where feedback is immediate and innovation happens at lightning speed – making it an incubator for new ideas and taste profiles.


Despite being relative newcomers to the scene, Western Australian growers are making waves in national competitions – a testament to their dedication towards quality cultivation. They might be smaller in scale compared to counterparts on the east coast but they pack a punch when it comes to taste!


So next time you're savoring your morning brew or indulging in an afternoon pick-me-up, let your thoughts drift to those flourishing fields nestled amidst Western Australia's diverse landscapes - remembering that each cup carries tales spun from innovation, sustainability, and relentless pursuit of perfection.


Notable brands:


  1. Yahava KoffeeWorks - Yahava Coffee
  2. Margaret River Roasting Co – Margaret River Premium Coffee
  3. Five Senses Coffee - Five Senses


South Australia


Home primarily to small-scale growers who are pushing boundaries by utilizing unique fermentation processes - exploring new dimensions of taste and texture.


South Australia is famous for its wine regions and rugged outback, but is perhaps less known for its burgeoning coffee industry. Yet, nestled within this beautiful state lies an innovative and dedicated community of coffee growers who are challenging the norm.


South Australia's coffee cultivation is primarily a realm of small-scale growers – those who've chosen quality over quantity. These pioneers have seized upon the region's diverse microclimates to nurture Arabica beans with unique flavor profiles.
What sets South Australia apart is the creative experimentation seen in its approach to coffee production. Growers here have pushed boundaries by utilizing unique fermentation processes, in their quest to unlock new depths of flavor within each bean. It’s this daring spirit that ensures South Australian coffee continues to surprise and delight even the most discerning palates.


The state’s commitment to sustainability mirrors that of its wine industry - with a firm focus on organic farming practices that protect and enrich the land. It’s a conscious approach which not only results in superior beans but also contributes towards environmental preservation.


The cooler climate plays a crucial role too, facilitating slow maturation that enhances complexity in flavor development - creating beans that possess vibrant acidity and full-bodied richness.


Another defining characteristic is the close-knit nature of South Australia’s coffee community. It's this spirit of collaboration - where knowledge sharing becomes second nature - that propels their industry forward, encouraging innovation while maintaining respect for traditional methods.


So next time you enjoy your daily brew or savour an evening espresso, spare a thought for those dedicated growers from South Australia's fields - remembering that each cup carries within it stories spun from innovation, dedication and an unwavering love for those precious beans.


  1. Rio Coffee – Rio Coffee Roasters
  2. Monastery Coffee - Monastery Estate
  3. Dawn Patrol Coffee – Dawn Patrol


Australian Capital Territory (ACT)


Despite its diminutive size, ACT is not deterred from joining the fray with an enthusiastic approach to quality-driven production.


The Australian Capital Territory (ACT), renowned for its leafy suburbs and historic landmarks, may seem an unlikely place for a coffee industry to thrive. Yet within this compact region, you'll find a microcosm of passionate coffee growers determined to make their mark.


Coffee cultivation in the ACT is primarily undertaken by small-scale growers – those who have dared to challenge conventional wisdom. They've harnessed the region's unique climate, rich soils and pure water sources to nurture Arabica beans with distinct flavor profiles.


What sets ACT apart is its commitment to quality over quantity. Every bean harvested here is handled with meticulous care - from planting through to processing. It's this dedication that ensures each cup brewed from ACT’s beans offers a taste experience like no other.


A unique feature of the ACT’s industry is the embrace of sustainable farming practices. Many growers are consciously shifting towards organic methods - creating not just superior tasting beans but also ensuring harmony with nature.
The colder winters here slow down maturation - leading to complex flavor development that results in a brew with bright acidity and nuanced flavors. It's a delightful reflection of ACT’s vibrant essence in every sip.


Innovation too finds its home here. Local growers continuously experiment with different processing methods, aiming at unlocking new flavors and aromas within their beans. It’s this spirit of innovation that keeps the ACT at the forefront of Australia’s specialty coffee industry.


While the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) may be compact in size, it packs a punch when it comes to the coffee industry. Here, quality reigns supreme, and you'll find dedicated growers and roasters passionate about their craft.


One of the more prominent names is Ona Coffee. Founded by Sasa Sestic, a World Barista Champion, Ona Coffee has been committed to quality and innovation in the coffee industry for over a decade now. They are not growers themselves but work closely with farmers around the world - including those within Australia - ensuring that their beans are ethically sourced and of top-notch quality.


Another noteworthy mention is Two Before Ten. While primarily known for their cafes and roasting, they also run an experimental coffee farm where they're trialling growing coffee plants in Canberra’s climate.


Then there's Red Brick Espresso, whose dedication to sourcing high-quality specialty coffee sees them rotating their offerings according to seasonality and harvest times.


Lastly, Barrio Collective Coffee deserves a nod for their focus on traceability and sustainability in sourcing beans – fostering relationships with farmers both domestically and internationally.


Remember that while these brands might not grow their own coffee within ACT due to its challenging climate, they each play a significant role in shaping ACT’s vibrant coffee culture through their commitment to quality, sustainability and innovation.


A selection of Australian coffee growers:


NSW







QLD



Conclusion


These diverse regions collectively represent an industry deeply committed to sustainability and innovation – both on their farms and beyond – taking great pride in every bean nurtured from seedling right through to our steaming cups. Isn't it wonderful how each region tells its own story? I believe it is. It’s these stories that keep us captivated, sip after sip. After all, a great cup of coffee isn't merely about taste - it's about the journey that leads to its creation.