N. Sumatran coffee hits foreign markets

MEDAN, North Sumatra: Coffee exports from North Sumatra have penetrated 41 countries, mostly in Europe.

According to information from the North Sumatra industry and trade office in Medan, almost 47,000 tons of coffee -- 34,591 tons of arabica, 11,848 tons of robusta and 1,230 tons of instant coffee -- were exported to 41 countries from January to August 2003.

The export value of the coffee was US$32.547 million.

North Sumatra's coffee exports during this period increased nearly 20 percent from the same period in 2002.

An official from the foreign trade department in North Sumatra's industry and trade office predicted that the export value would continue to increase through the end of the year, despite recent fluctuations in prices on the international coffee market.

"Overseas market demand for Sumatran coffee is still high," said Suharil Latief.

The strength of the coffee market will help farmers in production centers located in the regencies of Dairi, South Tapanuli, Karo, Deli Serdang, Labuhan Batu and Mandailing Natal (Madina).

There are 62,708 hectares of coffee plantations in North Sumatra, 62,000 of which are privately owned. -- Antara