Bousra Coffee – A Case Study in Cambodian Specialty Coffee Excellence

Introduction: A Historic Achievement for Cambodian Coffee

In September 2025, something remarkable happened in Cambodia's coffee industry. KOFI, a proudly Cambodian company, announced the launch of Bousra Coffee at the Khmer Products Exhibition "Khmer Can Do". The announcement was more than just a product launch—it was a milestone. The Coffee Quality Institute (CQI), a globally recognized coffee evaluation body, had classified Bousra Coffee as a Fine Robusta.

This was the first time in history that Cambodian coffee had received such recognition from an international institute.

How It Happened: The Path to 80.5 Points

To help Mondulkiri coffee reach the world stage, KOFI submitted farmers' coffee for CQI's review. CQI coffee experts carefully evaluated multiple factors, including aroma, taste, acidity, crust, and balance.

The result was impressive: Bousra Coffee scored 80.5 points. Under CQI's classification system, coffees scoring above 80 points are classified as specialty coffee. This score placed Bousra Coffee firmly in the specialty category and made Mondulkiri's Robusta beans internationally recognized as Fine Robusta.

The Blend: A Marriage of East and West

To create Bousra Coffee, KOFI combined Fine Robusta (50%) with Arabica from South America (50%), roasted at a medium level.

This blend is significant for several reasons:

• It showcases Cambodian Robusta: Rather than hiding the local beans in a blend, KOFI placed them front and center at 50% of the final product.
• It bridges East and West: The blend combines Cambodian Robusta's bold, rich character with South American Arabica's elegance and acidity.
• It targets international palates: A 50/50 blend offers a balanced cup that can appeal to both specialty coffee drinkers and those new to Fine Robusta.

Beyond CQI: A Portfolio of Certifications

Bousra Coffee's quality credentials extend beyond CQI recognition. The coffee produced by KOFI's roasting facility has also been certified both nationally and internationally, including:

• GHPs (Good Hygiene Practices)
• HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points)
• ISO 22000:2018 (food safety management systems)

These certifications demonstrate that Bousra Coffee meets rigorous international standards for food safety and quality—essential for accessing premium export markets.

The Foundation: KOFI's Investment in Quality

Bousra Coffee is not an accident. It is the result of deliberate, sustained investment in quality at every stage of the value chain.

• Model Coffee Farm (2023): KOFI established a model coffee farm in 2023 to train farmers in cultivation, care, and harvesting techniques to ensure high quality. This farm serves as a demonstration site where best practices can be observed and replicated.
• Farmer Partnerships: Today, KOFI works with over 400 farming families. These partnerships provide farmers with access to resources, training, and a reliable market for their beans.
• Seedling Distribution: KOFI has propagated more than 300,000 TRS1 coffee seedlings, which have been distributed for cultivation across approximately 300 hectares of land in Mondulkiri province.

The TRS1 Variety: A Robusta for Mondulkiri

The TRS1 coffee variety is specifically selected for Mondulkiri's soil and climate. By distributing over 300,000 seedlings of this variety, KOFI is helping ensure that Mondulkiri's coffee expansion is built on a foundation of quality genetics.

Company Background: KOFI's Journey

KOFI was founded in 2009 by Cambodian entrepreneurs. Today, the company operates six branches across Cambodia, including two in Phnom Penh (Mao Tse Tung Boulevard and Deum Thkov Roundabout), as well as branches in Siem Reap, Preah Sihanouk, Battambang, and Poipet. In addition, KOFI runs a natural coffee processing facility in Mondulkiri Province.

KOFI is the biggest supplier of coffee beans, machines, and coffee-related products in Cambodia, with the ambition to become an international company. Its vision focuses on professionalism and innovation.

What Bousra Coffee Means for Cambodia

The success of Bousra Coffee has implications that extend far beyond one product:

1. International Validation: CQI recognition proves that Cambodian coffee can compete at the highest levels. This validation matters for export markets where buyers look for quality credentials.
2. A Model for the Industry: Bousra Coffee demonstrates what is possible when investment in quality, training, and farmer partnerships come together. Other companies and cooperatives can learn from KOFI's approach.
3. Pride and Motivation: For Cambodian coffee farmers, Bousra Coffee is a source of pride. It shows that their work can achieve international recognition—a powerful motivator for maintaining quality.
4. Premium Pricing: Fine Robusta certification opens doors to premium pricing, which benefits farmers and processors throughout the value chain.

Lessons for the Cambodian Coffee Sector

The Bousra Coffee case study offers several lessons:

The Future: From Bousra to the World

Bousra Coffee is just the beginning. As Cambodia's coffee industry expands, more producers will seek CQI certification. More blends will be developed. More international buyers will discover what Cambodian coffee has to offer.

KOFI's website and showroom on Mao Tse Tung Boulevard in Phnom Penh serve as touchpoints for this growing movement. The company's ambition to become an international player reflects a broader ambition for Cambodian coffee as a whole.