Exhibiting at Melbourne International COFFEE EXPO (MICE) 2025

The Nepal Coffee Producers Association (NCPA) is a national-level, non-profit umbrella organization representing coffee producers, cooperatives, and other stakeholders across Nepal. Established in 1994, NCPA plays a pivotal role in organizing and promoting sustainable coffee production and export from Nepal’s hilly and mountainous regions.

Based in Kathmandu, the association has grown to become a vital platform for Nepal’s coffee value chain, working towards improving quality, productivity, and market access for thousands of smallholder coffee farmers.

Core Objectives and Activities

NCPA focuses on advocacy, training, networking, and quality improvement to support the entire coffee ecosystem in Nepal. The key areas of operation include:

• Capacity Building: Offering training programs for farmers on organic farming, pest management, and post-harvest processing.
• Market Linkage: Facilitating access to both domestic and international buyers for member cooperatives and producers.
• Standardization: Promoting organic certification, quality grading, and traceability to enhance the export readiness of Nepali coffee.
• Advocacy and Policy Support: Collaborating with the government and international bodies to strengthen policy frameworks for the coffee sector.

Membership and Reach

As of the latest available data, NCPA has:

• Over 200 registered cooperatives and farmer groups under its network.
• Presence in more than 40 coffee-growing districts across Nepal, including Gulmi, Palpa, Syangja, Kavre, and Sindhupalchok.
• A farmer base exceeding 30,000 smallholders, many of whom grow coffee on less than one hectare of land.

Coffee Production and Quality

Nepal is renowned for producing Arabica coffee at altitudes ranging from 800 to 1,600 meters. Under NCPA’s guidance, much of the production is organic, shade-grown, and handpicked. Key varietals include Typica and Bourbon.

• Nepal’s total green coffee production is estimated to be around 500 metric tons annually, with a significant portion exported.
• According to government and trade sources, approximately 65–70% of Nepal’s coffee is exported, primarily to Japan, South Korea, the United States, and the European Union.
• Coffee under NCPA often undergoes wet processing, enhancing its mild acidity, floral aroma, and balanced cup profile—highly appreciated in specialty coffee markets.

Export and Shipment Insights

According to trade data from Volza and ImportYeti:

• Nepal’s total coffee export value exceeds USD 1.2 million annually, with NCPA-affiliated cooperatives contributing significantly.
• Export quantities vary, but the association collectively supports the shipment of 100–150 metric tons per year, especially premium-grade green beans.
• Major international buyers include specialty roasters and ethical sourcing platforms.

Certifications and Compliance

NCPA actively promotes and facilitates:

• Organic Certification (EU, JAS, NOP) for member producers.
• Fairtrade Certification for select cooperatives.
• Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) training programs.
• Collaboration with bodies like the National Tea and Coffee Development Board (NTCDB), Helvetas, and ICIMOD for technical support and compliance.

Target Market

The association primarily focuses on:

• Specialty Coffee Importers
• Ethical Trade Buyers
• International Roasters and Distributors
• NGOs and Government Agencies supporting rural livelihoods and organic farming

The U.S., Germany, Japan, South Korea, and the Netherlands are among the core target export destinations.

Capabilities

• Traceability System: Batch-level traceability from farm to export, ensuring quality and transparency.
• Post-Harvest Infrastructure: Support for pulping units, drying beds, and centralized hulling stations across producing districts.
• Market Development: Participation in global coffee expos and trade fairs including SCA and World of Coffee.

Testimonials and Global Recognition

NCPA’s work has been acknowledged by international development partners for empowering rural communities. Testimonials from buyers often highlight the superior taste and ethical sourcing of Nepali coffee.

“Nepal’s Arabica beans offer a rare, elegant profile that stands out in our single-origin lineup. Working with NCPA ensures transparency, consistency, and impact.” – Specialty Coffee Roaster, Germany

Achievements

• Successfully lobbied for Coffee Policy 2075 (2018), enhancing incentives for organic production and exports.
• Facilitated organic certification for over 2,500 hectares of land across member districts.
• Recognized by international organizations for empowering women and marginalized groups in coffee farming.

The Nepal Coffee Producers Association continues to be a cornerstone of Nepal’s sustainable coffee movement, promoting premium Arabica on the global stage while uplifting the livelihoods of thousands of smallholder farmers across the Himalayan foothills.