Mondulkiri – The Heart of Cambodia's Specialty Coffee Revolution

Introduction: Cambodia's Coffee Heartland

Nestled in the eastern highlands of Cambodia, Mondulkiri province is emerging as the nation's premier coffee-growing region. At dawn, the mist slowly lifts from the highlands, revealing rolling hills dotted with primary forests, sparse plantations, and Bunong villages. Long isolated, this province is now at the forefront of Cambodia's agricultural transformation.

Geographic Advantages

Mondulkiri's red soils and cool highland climate create ideal conditions for coffee cultivation. The province already attracts visitors for its waterfalls, elephants, and rolling landscapes – and is now positioning itself as a "coffee destination" that would boost rural and eco-tourism.

Cultivation Area and Expansion Plans

Mondulkiri currently has more than 580 hectares under coffee cultivation. The provincial Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries is actively encouraging and training farmers to expand their coffee cultivation.

Recent announcements include plans to expand coffee plantations by 2,000 hectares, creating economic opportunities for local farmers who can volunteer their labor in exchange for gaining hands-on experience and specialized knowledge in coffee farming.

The Fine Robusta Breakthrough

Mondulkiri's coffee gained international recognition when the province's Robusta beans were rated as "Fine Robusta" by the Coffee Quality Institute (CQI). This certification established Mondulkiri as a producer of luxury-grade coffee.

Bousra Coffee, produced by local company KOFI using Mondulkiri beans, scored 80.5 points in CQI evaluation. The blend combines Fine Robusta (50%) with South American Arabica (50%), roasted at a medium roast level.

Beyond CQI recognition, Bousra Coffee has also been certified both nationally and internationally, including GHPs, HACCP, and ISO 22000:2018.

KOFI: The Driving Force Behind Mondulkiri's Coffee Success

KOFI, a Cambodian company founded in 2009, has been instrumental in transforming Mondulkiri's coffee sector. The company:

• Works with over 400 farming families
• Has propagated more than 300,000 TRS1 coffee seedlings
• Distributed seedlings for cultivation across approximately 300 hectares in Mondulkiri
• Operates six branches across Cambodia, including two in Phnom Penh
• Runs a natural coffee processing facility in Mondulkiri Province

KOFI established a model coffee farm in 2023 to train farmers in cultivation, care, and harvesting techniques to ensure high quality. The company is also working with SNV through the Dutch Fund for Climate and Development, introducing agroforestry models, expanding farmer training, and investing in new processing and nursery facilities.

Coffee Varieties Grown in Mondulkiri

Mondulkiri farmers primarily cultivate Robusta varieties, including TR4, TR9, TR5, and the newer TRS1 variety. KOFI's objective is to find different types of coffee plants suitable for Mondulkiri's soil and climate.

Coffee Tourism: Experiencing Mondulkiri's Coffee Culture

Mondulkiri is developing a vibrant coffee tourism sector. Visitors can experience:

PIDA Coffee Farm – a unique eco-lodge and agritourism destination located in the scenic highlands near Sen Monorom. Set amid sprawling coffee plantations, it provides guests with an immersive farm stay experience. Guests can enjoy guided tours of the coffee farm and learn about coffee cultivation and processing.

Coffee plantation tours – located about 3 kilometers from Sen Monorom town, local coffee plantations invite visitors to discover the expertise of resident communities who have been cultivating and roasting these beans for generations.

The Challenge of Quality Production

Transforming Mondulkiri into a quality coffee region comes with challenges. Experts are already talking about "micro-terroirs" capable of attracting international roasters. However, local initiatives are still in their infancy.

The conditions are demanding: the size of the plants, the harvest seasons, and terrace drying must all be carefully controlled. Unlike pepper or cassava, coffee requires regular maintenance and a long-term vision – a difficult gamble for households vulnerable to market fluctuations.

A Unique Path Forward

At a time when Cambodia is seeking to diversify its rural economy, Mondulkiri coffee represents both a challenge and a horizon. The region's path forward lies not in copying the Vietnamese model but in inventing a unique approach: producing rare, high-quality coffee rooted in the land and culture.

A cooperative sector that promotes local identities and sustainable methods could put Mondulkiri on the map for specialty coffees while giving its inhabitants a new sense of pride.