The Tanna Coffee Story
The Tanna Coffee Development Company (TCDC) was first established in 1982, to assist in the development of the newly independent South Pacific nation of Vanuatu. Tanna Island was specifically selected for a Coffee Development Program (CDP), as there was a history of Arabica Coffee production dating back as far as 1852. A Large-scale plantation in conjunction with a ‘Smallholder’ program was established and it was in operation until the mid 1990’s, until a combination of severe climatic conditions and coffee leaf rust disease caused its demise. The Vanuatu Government, who owned TCDC at the time, decided to sell the ailing Company to private investors, who set about re-developing the potentially lucrative business. New, rust resistant, varieties of Arabica Coffee were introduced and planted out under the Smallholder Program, which has now resulted in very encouraging production levels for the last 10 years - this year’s production is anticipated to be over 50 tonne.
The ‘Tanna Coffee’ plantation is located in beautiful Vanuatu at 400m above sea level. With an average annual rainfall of 2500mm, it is perfectly suited for growing only the purest Arabica Coffee Semi-Dwarf Catimor varieties which are hybrids developed from some of the worlds finest coffee stock. The deep rich volcanic soils of Tanna Island are both highly fertile and free draining and provide a pest-free environment which ensures that Tanna Island is ideal for growing the purest organic coffee in a sustainable, non-harmful manner.
A new Coffee Development Program was launched some 7 years ago to increase the quality, quantity and productivity of the smallholder farmers and to provide maximum value-addition to their income. To date through the CDP, there have been around 500,000 trees planted on Tanna alone and a further 100,000 planted on other adjoining islands. This has culminated in a dramatic increase in production, and with technical training programs implemented, we have ensured that an optimal quality and freshness is maintained throughout the entire process, from the plantation to the cup.
Tanna Coffee is 100% Organically Grown & is currently undertaking certification through Certenz (New Zealand), as well as Fair Trade labelling through FLO.
Our objective is to not only provide the coffee consumer a truly unique and natural product that is guaranteed to be 100% free of any harmful sprays or chemical fertilizers, but to also ensure that the smallholder local farmers receive the maximum benefit for their efforts, yet still grow their product in a truly sustainable manner. We aim to do this and still maintain our unique flavour, superb aromatic qualities and absolute satisfaction.