PORT VILA, VANUATU (7 April 2025): The Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Secretariat participated at the renowned 2025 Melbourne International Coffee Expo (MICE) which attracted more than 10,000 participants, including speakers and exhibitors, last month, for the second time in a row.
Manager Trade, Investment & Economic Development, Joshua Kaile, arranged for samples of Tanna Coffee to be exhibited while representing the #MSG.
He observed that the event offered an invaluable platform for the# MSG Coffee industry to gain exposure, expand network, and learn about emerging market trends, consumer behaviours and cutting-edge technology that is defining the global coffee market.
“We took the opportunity to observe and build network to inform plans for potential future collaborations with partners to maximise similar events for the benefit of our local industries across the sub-region,” he said.
According to Mr Kaile, the parallel discussion sessions at the Coffee Expo provided invaluable insights into the experiences of leading industry players and their strategies for navigating various challenges.
The sessions covered a wide range of topics, including market trends, sustainability practices, and innovative business models.
“Discussions were particularly beneficial for the growing cafe operators across MSG markets, offering a wealth of knowledge that can be learned from and replicated to foster growth and development,” he added.
The exhibitors he said, showcased the latest technological innovations in coffee roasting and equipment manufacturing, providing an excellent opportunity to connect directly with suppliers, hence reducing the reliance on intermediaries and potentially lowering costs in the supply chain for machinery and equipment.
“The direct interactions with these suppliers not only facilitated better understanding of the products but also opened avenues for establishing long-term business relationships, which could be advantageous for the industry in the MSG region,” he said.
As a way forward, the TIED program will take a proactive approach, to collaborate with industry actors and arrange an exhibition booth and exploring strategic partnerships with development partners to support industry participation.
The #MSG Secretariat’s participation in the 2025 MICE event followed the earlier iteration in 2024, on the invitation of the Indonesian Government as the Associate Member of MSG. The Indonesian Embassy in Canberra organised a Pavilion for exhibition and offered space for #MSG Coffee Corner. The Indonesian Embassy also extended their support through funding the Secretariat’s participation including access to the conference, travel and accommodation.
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