In January 2025, ASNIKOM, a coffee farmers’ cooperative in Manggarai, Flores, welcomed a delegation of European buyers led by This Side Up Coffees (TSU Trade BV). Buyers from Wakuli, Special Roast, and Koepoort Koffie — along with PT Ontosoroh, TSU’s supply chain partner in Indonesia — joined the visit, engaging in discussions, farm visits, and cupping sessions to explore the potential for long-term trade partnerships. The visit underscored the growing interest in Indonesian specialty coffee while also highlighting the challenges cooperatives must address to remain competitive in the global market.
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For ASNIKOM, the visit was a crucial opportunity to showcase its progress in cooperative governance, financial transparency, and sustainable production practices. Since 2016, the cooperative has exported over 200 tons of specialty coffee to This Side Up, making it their largest international partner. However, sustaining and expanding this success requires more than just high-quality beans—it demands consistency in production, strong financial management, and the ability to negotiate effectively with buyers.
Recognizing these needs, Rikolto has played a key role in strengthening ASNIKOM’s capacity. Through targeted training and mentorship, the cooperative has enhanced its financial structuring, record-keeping, and governance systems—critical elements for building trust with international buyers. These improvements have helped ASNIKOM navigate pricing discussions, volume commitments, and long-term trade planning with greater confidence. Buyers noted this progress but encouraged ASNIKOM to take a more assertive role in shaping its future trade relationships, ensuring that cooperative members actively participate in discussions that define their growth.
During farm visits in the Colol Valley, buyers witnessed firsthand both the successes and ongoing challenges of ASNIKOM’s production. Farmers openly discussed their experiences, sharing insights into agronomic practices, climate adaptation, and cooperative management. While some farms still struggle with aging coffee trees and fluctuating yields, others have successfully implemented better pruning techniques, soil management, and diversified shade crops—practices that improve both quality and resilience. ASNIKOM’s commitment to sustainable farming aligns with buyers’ growing preference for ethical sourcing, and discussions during the visit explored ways to scale up these practices across all cooperative members.
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One of the key takeaways from the visit was the importance of ensuring supply stability while maintaining quality. Buyers acknowledged ASNIKOM’s dedication to strict quality control but emphasized the need to increase yields to sustain long-term trade. Discussions centered on how to balance growth with sustainability, particularly through rejuvenation programs for aging coffee trees, expanded use of organic fertilizers, and improved processing methods.
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“Seeing ASNIKOM’s progress firsthand was truly inspiring. The cooperative has built something strong—a well-structured organization, a clear focus on quality, and a willingness to innovate. Compared to my visit five years ago, it’s evident they are moving in the right direction, both in infrastructure and long-term sustainability.”
Beyond agronomic improvements, buyers highlighted the need for stronger financial transparency and professionalization within the cooperative. ASNIKOM’s leadership has made strides in these areas, but continued efforts are needed to enhance bookkeeping practices, track member contributions, and provide clearer financial reporting. Strengthening these systems will not only build credibility with buyers but also empower cooperative members to make informed decisions about their collective future.
As the visit concluded, ASNIKOM, its buyers, and Rikolto outlined key priorities to ensure the cooperative’s long-term success. The focus will be on scaling up production while maintaining quality, expanding sustainable farming practices, and improving financial transparency. Plans are also in motion to refine ASNIKOM’s buyer engagement strategy, positioning the cooperative as an equal partner in trade discussions rather than just a supplier.
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With a strong foundation and continued support, ASNIKOM is on track to becoming a more competitive player in the global coffee market. The visit reinforced the cooperative’s potential while also emphasizing that securing long-term trade partnerships requires continuous investment in governance, sustainability, and capacity building. Through strategic collaboration with Rikolto and its buyers, ASNIKOM is taking decisive steps toward a more resilient and profitable future for its farmers.
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