Gibson Padstow Centre is proud to support local traders who are doing business differently. One of the most impactful stories within our community is that of Village Growers Coffee.
While many of us grab a morning coffee without a second thought, the economics behind that cup are often unbalanced. Mainstream coffee brands typically pay growers a meager 2-3% of retail prices – an amount that makes it difficult for farming families to survive, let alone thrive.
Village Growers Coffee, located right here at 3/2 Louise St, is changing that narrative.
A Better Deal for Growers
Founded by Pana Wiya, who grew up in the coffee-growing village of Baiyer River in the Western Highlands of Papua New Guinea, this business is built on a model of justice and transparency.
Unlike large plantations, over 85% of PNG coffee is grown by smallholder subsistence farmers on family plots. Village Growers Coffee cuts out the middleman to deal directly with these networks. The result is a staggering increase in grower earnings – raising their share to 15-20% of retail prices.
This represents a 600% increase in earnings compared to standard market rates, providing a life-changing income that helps families pay for school fees, basic goods and village development projects.
Premium Single-Origin Quality
The ethics of the business are matched by the quality of the beans. This is premium, single-origin Arabica coffee.
- Volcanic Soil – The beans are grown in the nutrient-rich volcanic soils of the PNG highlands.
- 100% Organic – Grown on small family plots without the use of pesticides.
- Roasted Locally – While the beans come from PNG, the coffee is roasted right here in Sydney to ensure freshness.
Local Business, Global Impact
Pana Wiya’s background (PNG Defence Force to engineering roles with BHP, and finally to retail in Sydney) has been driven by a desire to see fair treatment for resource owners. Village Growers Coffee is the realisation of that vision: a business where you don’t have to choose between a great product and ethical standards.
Next time you are at the Gibson Padstow Centre, we encourage you to stop by, meet the team, and try a cup of coffee that supports hard-working communities directly.
You can learn more about their mission and shop their range of roasts online at: Village Growers Coffee
