Our Story

The History of Highlands Coffee in Papua New Guinea.

Hill Side Coffee is proudly rooted in the rich history of coffee in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea. Coffee first arrived in the Highlands during the 1930s through early missionaries and explorers who discovered that the cool climate, fertile volcanic soils, and high altitudes of our valleys were perfect for growing high-quality Arabica.

From those first small mission plots, coffee quickly spread across the Highlands. By the 1950s and 1960s, plantations flourished in regions like Goroka, Hagen, Jiwaka, Simbu, and Mendi, establishing coffee as the heartbeat of the local economy. As awareness grew, thousands of Highland families began planting coffee on their own land, turning smallholder farming into the backbone of PNG’s coffee industry.

Today, over 400,000 households across the Highlands depend on coffee—most still grown organically, hand-picked, and processed using traditional methods passed down through generations. Highlands Arabica is now internationally recognized for its bright acidity, rich flavor, and distinctive regional characteristics.

Hill Side Coffee continues this proud legacy. We partner directly with smallholder farmers, honoring their history, supporting sustainable practices, and bringing the true taste of Highland-grown Arabica to the world.

Hill Side Coffee — From Our Highlands to Your Cup.