74 pages
Published: 10 Feb 2026
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DownloadAustralia’s coffee industry—though globally recognised for its high quality, specialty-grade beans and ‘clean and green’ production environment—remains a niche sector within the national agricultural landscape. In 2025, the Australian coffee market size stands at $3.6 billion, with domestic growers producing about 600 tonnes of coffee annually from around 900,000 trees, generating a gross value of production (GVP) of about $8 million per year. Over 99% of coffee consumed in Australia is imported; most local production is concentrated in the Queensland Atherton Tablelands and the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales.
The Australian coffee industry is confronted with several ongoing challenges that jeopardise its long term sustainability and potential for growth. Foremost among these issues are the industry’s narrow genetic base and continued dependence on legacy cultivars, such as K7 and Catuai. These outdated cultivars present several issues: excessive vegetative growth (especially K7) leading to high pruning costs and lower productivity; susceptibility to major diseases, such as coffee leaf rust (CLR) and coffee berry disease (CBD), posing significant biosecurity risks; incompatibility with mechanised harvesting, which is essential for cost-effective production in Australia’s high-wage environment; and limited capacity for industry expansion and resilience because these cultivars do not meet the evolving needs for yield, quality and disease resistance.
To address these constraints, a collaborative, multi-year research initiative involving Southern Cross University, the Australian Grown Coffee Association (AGCA), and World Coffee Research was undertaken. The project featured variety trials incorporating 21 distinct Arabica varieties from four major genetic groups, established in Northern NSW and Far North Queensland (FNQ) under replicated, randomised block designs to facilitate rigorous data acquisition. Comprehensive analyses of plant architecture, yield and quality parameters, including sensory evaluation (cupping) and metabolomic profiling, were conducted to identify superior varieties in agronomic and cup quality aspects.
The research led to the identification and validation of replacement cultivars such as Marsellesa, IPR107, Paraiso and Parainema, high performing, disease-resistant, semi-dwarf varieties compatible with mechanised harvesting and suited to local conditions.
By directly addressing core industry challenges, the project’s successful selection and initial deployment of these varieties, supported by robust genetic fingerprinting and a defined commercialisation strategy, equip the sector with tangible solutions to lower operational costs, enhance productivity, and improve market competitiveness. These advancements underpin a more resilient, sustainable and profitable Australian coffee industry poised to respond effectively to current and future demands.
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