Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Abdul Manaf bin Haji Metussin during the Second Meeting of the 21st Legislative Council (LegCo) Session yesterday highlighted, “It’s not impossible to have Brunei’s very own unique blend of coffee. However the limitation is the number of coffee farmers in the country. There is currently only one active coffee farmer in Brunei which is Labi Coffee and the coffee cafes in Brunei has its own blend but it’s from overseas and not from Brunei’s coffee.”

The question on establishing Brunei‘s very own unique blend of coffee was raised by LegCo member Yang Berhormat Chong Chin Yee.

The minister also outlined efforts by the ministry to further develop Brunei’s coffee culture such as the launch of the Brunei Coffee Trail in July last year, which introduced a unique tourism experience to both local and international visitors. This trail connects more than 100 local coffee shops – from pop-up cafes to modern cafes offering specialty coffee and barista expertise.

At the international level, the Brunei Coffee Trail was promoted through a mini-expo launch in Miri, Sarawak in February 2025, and in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah at the end of this month, with the goal of increasing demand for Brunei coffee and strengthening the country’s position in regional agro-tourism and culinary tourism.

Additionally, he mentioned, “Mukim Labi has great potential to be developed as a coffee-based agro-tourism destination, capable of offering visitors a comprehensive experience – from planting and harvesting activities to processing local coffee beans. This concept is not only unique but also able to attract tourists who appreciate authentic and community-based experiences.” Currently, efforts to open the plantation to visitors are being refined gradually, focusing on developing capabilities in terms of workforce and supporting infrastructure such as cafes and tourism services.

Although still in its early phase, he noted, “This initiative aligns with the ministry’s strategy to brand Brunei as an authentic and quality culinary and agro-tourism destination. It also contributes to local economic development and fosters appreciation for local products, particularly Brunei coffee, which has the potential to be highlighted in the regional market.”

(News & pic source: Borneo Bulletin)