Nepal Infrastructure 
KATHMANDU: A cohort of twenty-four coffee roasting entrepreneurs and workers has successfully attained international-level coffee roasting expertise. The EU-Nepal Trade and Investment Programme (TIP), funded by the European Union, in partnership with the International Trade Centre, provided technical guidance for this initiative. The training collaboration included the National Tea and Coffee Development Board, along with the Nepal Coffee Producers Federation. The comprehensive training sessions took place from July 17 to August 4 in Kathmandu, conducted in three distinct groups.
The primary objective of this training endeavor was to enhance the quality of Nepali coffee through the application of contemporary coffee roasting technology. Participants underwent instruction aligned with the standards set by the Specialty Coffee Association—a governing body that assesses coffee quality based on distinct flavors and attributes worldwide.
Encompassing coffee roasters from diverse regions including Kathmandu, Chitwan, Pokhara, Kavre, and Dhankuta, among others, this program targeted both entrepreneurs and workers engaged in the coffee roasting industry.
The Nepali coffee roasting sector currently grapples with a shortage of technical skills requisite for producing high-quality coffee. This initiative aspires to alleviate this shortfall by empowering the newly trained coffee roasters to contribute to the advancement of coffee quality. Notably, around 20-25 coffee roasting firms are operational in Nepal.
“Coffee roasting is an intricate and technically demanding discipline. The caliber of coffee hinges on the precision of roasting techniques applied to coffee beans. This workshop was designed to expose trainees to the technical intricacies of roasting through experiential learning, fostering proficiency and familiarity. Given the participation of professionals already working in this field, adherence to international roasting standards is poised to significantly enhance coffee quality,” elucidated Nima Sherpa, the workshop’s Master Trainer.
Participants were immersed in both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experiences within a state-of-the-art laboratory setting, gaining insight into the roasting process. Sherpa, an internationally recognized trainer, expounded on topics ranging from the roasting cycle’s nuances to discerning transformations in coffee beans during roasting, and the meticulous management of the roasting environment.
Stakeholders are optimistic that this initiative will positively impact the Nepali coffee value chain. “Coffee enterprises equipped with top-tier roasting capabilities are poised to attract discerning consumers and realize substantial profits. We firmly believe that adept roasters of this caliber will enhance the reputation of cafes and roasting establishments, underscoring their commitment to quality control,” affirmed Santosh Pokharel, Secretary General of the Nepal Coffee Producers’ Federation.
Reflecting on the training, Gho Maya Gurung, a participant from Chitwan, remarked, “I found this workshop to be highly enlightening and productive. I am confident that by employing quality promotion techniques in coffee roasting, we, as trained professionals, can elevate coffee quality.”
Mim Hamal, Senior Program Manager of the European Union, highlighted the EU’s role in strengthening the Nepali coffee value chain. “By equipping this sector with highly skilled personnel and delivering premium products, we can attract conscientious customers who appreciate the value of high-grade Nepali coffee.”
