Factory recognised internationally for managing food safety

BANZ Kofi Fektori has become the first local coffee producer to achieve the internationally-recognised Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) accreditation.
HACCP is an internationally-recognised way of managing food safety and protecting consumers.
This accreditation means Banz Kofi products can be exported to Australia and other countries where HACCP accreditation is a requirement before accepting imports.
The company has been operating since 1990 from Mt Hagen in the Western Highlands, with coffee grown and harvested from the Waghi Valley of Jiwaka.
Banz Kofi Fektori owner Patrick Killoran said this was achieved through the support of Pacific Horticultural and Agricultural Market Access Programme (PHAMA).
PHAMA PNG country manager Sidney Suma commended Banz Kofi following their accreditation.
“We are happy that Banz Kofi has got its HACCP accreditation,” he said.
“PHAMA is also very appreciative of the collective efforts put in by Banz Kofi, the Coffee Industry Corporation (CIC), HACCP Australia and also the support of the Coffee Industry Working Group (IWG) in this achievement.”
PHAMA works with private sector and Government agencies to help manage and improve exports.
Coffee Industry Corporation general-manager for industry operations Steven Tumae praised Banz Kofi for its achievement.
He said CIC had been rolling out its strategic plans and focusing on helping industries achieve international accreditation.
“Banz Kofi has set the pace for other roasters to also get their facilities certified,” he said.
“The upcoming Apec meetings in PNG will put Banz Kofi in a good position to market their products as more people are food safety-conscious.”
Tumae said CIC management was keen to have all coffee manufacturers as well as other players in the coffee value chain HACCP-accredited.