PEMA Set to Ship Second Gayo Arabica Batch to U.S.

BANDA ACEH — The upcoming shipment follows a 19-ton inaugural delivery earlier this month, signaling growing confidence from international buyers, company executives said on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.

The provincial firm is working with local farmers and its joint venture partner, Sumatera Noble Coffee KSO, to tighten supply chains and ensure export readiness. Executives say consistency — not just volume — will determine whether Aceh can sustain repeat orders.

“Export sustainability is not just about increasing volume, but maintaining quality consistency and reputation,” said PEMA President Director Mawardi Nur.

That shift marks a broader transition from trial shipments to long-term positioning in a competitive market dominated by strict quality benchmarks and traceability requirements.

The expansion is also expected to ripple through Aceh’s local economy. From highland growers to logistics operators, the export push is creating a wider income base tied to premium agricultural trade.

PEMA Commercial Director Faisal Ilyas said the company is moving beyond one-off transactions, aiming to anchor a more integrated ecosystem around Gayo coffee.

“We are not just exporting beans. We are building a system that creates sustainable value for the region,” he said.

Indonesia is already one of the world’s largest coffee producers, but much of its output is lower-value robusta. By contrast, Gayo Arabica — grown in Aceh’s highlands — commands higher prices in global specialty markets, particularly in the United States.

To maintain buyer trust, PEMA has tightened quality controls across its supply chain, from farm-level harvesting practices to export verification.

“We see strong potential to lift the entire value chain — from farmers to exporters,” said Naufal, the company’s business development director.