Malaysian conglomerate Sime Darby has indicated it will expand processing operations through its takeover of New Britain Palm Oil, following its final purchase of Papua New Guinea’s largest agribusiness.
Agribusiness
The board of Papua New Guinea’s biggest employer, New Britain Palm Oil, has recommended shareholders accept a K5.09 billion (UK 1.07 billion pound) takeover bid from Malaysia’s Syme Darby.
Papua New Guinea’s largest cocoa grower, trader and exporter, Agmark, says cocoa yields in East New Britain could double, as a result of new technology arising from the battle to recover from the impact of the cocoa pod borer.
Grown almost entirely without pesticides in small village gardens, PNG coffee is cherished by aficionados around the world for its delicate fruity ‘winey’ and smooth caramel aftertaste. Ian Neubauer looks at how the coffee bean is processed for its major markets in Australia and Europe.
A new player is preparing to enter Papua New Guinea’s palm oil industry, after Malaysian conglomerate Sime Darby was selected as the preferred bidder for Kulim Malaysia’s shares in PNG’s largest agribusiness, New Britain Palm Oil (NBPOL). What do analysts think of the move?
Two respected trade and industry leaders have urged the government to boost investment in agriculture and non-mining sectors, warning a failure to act soon could induce ‘the dreaded Dutch Disease’.
Papua New Guinea’s largest sugar grower, Ramu Agri Industries, is adding value to its sugar harvest with new products. Business Advantage PNG spoke to General Manager Jamie Graham about its production of spirits and ethanol.
Last August, the O’Neill government announced a policy to create an agricultural ‘hub’ around Mount Hagen in Papua New Guinea’s Western Highlands Province. Business Advantage PNG asked business leaders and analysts what was needed for the region to achieve its potential.
Coffee farmers in the Papua New Guinea’s Western Highlands and Jiwaka provinces are planning to capitalise on the growing global demand for sustainable Arabica coffee. With the help of a young entrepreneur who grew up on plantations in the region, they have an ambitious plan to double annual production within two years.
An Israeli-backed and developed fruit and vegetable farm is delivering international standard produce for the domestic market in Papua New Guinea.