Skybury Coffee Harvest Underway

MAREEBA, Australia - July 22, 2014 - PRLog -- Skybury Tropical Plantation director Ian MacLaughlin said most of the coffee would be exported internationally, bound for key markets in Europe and Asia.

“The consumption in Europe varies very little from year to year and they are by large the largest consumers of Australian grown coffee.

“We have, however, over the last 18 months seen a growing demand for Australian coffee in Asian markets, and in particular Singapore.”

Mr MacLaughlin said driving this was a growing awareness of Australia’s “green” farming practices

“Australian produced goods have been flagged as better quality and have a cleaner, greener image,” he added.

Also on the increase is Australia’s domestic consumption of locally-grown coffee. “We have certainly seen a shift in recent years with greater interest in coffee grown here at home.”

Mr MacLaughlin said despite the late start to the wet season in North Queensland, which has caused havoc in other coffee growing countries such as Brazil, Skybury had managed to keep its normal production levels, on par with previous years’ harvests.

“The late wet season has certainly had an effect in Brazil, with production down around 20%. As a result of this, world prices have risen accordingly.”

Mr MacLaughlin said the Mareeba-based plantation was also enjoying a strong season for its bananas and papaya.

For interview requests, please contact Tanya Snelling on 0417 202 663.

ENDS

Issued by Tanya Snelling

Strategic PR

P 0417 202 663

E tanya@strategicpr.com.au