Deputy Australian Ambassador to the Lao PDR, Ms Benita Sommerville

(KPL) The Australian Embassy in Vientiane today hosted Coffee Connections: ASEAN and Australia, a special event celebrating the unifying power of coffee in fostering cultural and economic relationships across the region.

The event was attended by Deputy Australian Ambassador to the Lao PDR, Ms. Benita Sommerville, President of Aust Cham Lao Alistair Brown and Committee members of the Australia-Laos Friendship Association.

The event brought together café owners, baristas, and coffee enthusiasts, highlighting the role of coffee as a cultural bridge. “Coffee is one of the most beloved and unifying beverages worldwide. Coffee brings people together — to meet, to talk, to connect,” said Ms. Sommerville.

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As a key agricultural product, coffee binds Southeast Asia and Australia. Vietnam and Indonesia rank among the world's top coffee producers, while Laos' Bolaven Plateau contributes significantly to the nation's coffee output. With ideal growing conditions, areas like Paksong account for over 80% of Laos' coffee production, presenting valuable trade opportunities.

Australia, renowned for its vibrant café culture, consumes six billion cups of coffee annually. Cities like Melbourne, celebrated for their world-class café scenes, exemplify the nation's dedication to specialty coffee.

The event celebrated more than coffee; it underscored ASEAN-Australia cooperation. Reflecting on the Invested: Australia's Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040, Ms. Benita Sommerville highlighted shared ambitions for regional peace, stability, and prosperity. This year also marked 50 years of ASEAN-Australia dialogue relations, a testament to their enduring partnership.

Coffee Innovations on Display

Guests sampled an array of specialty blends, including: Vittoria Coffee from Australia, a pioneer in the Australian coffee industry, now available in Thailand and Village Blend by Old Quarter Coffee Merchants, a mix of beans from Laos, Indonesia, and Myanmar, showcasing the richness of Southeast Asian flavours.

Old Quarter Coffee Merchants exemplify Australia’s commitment to ethical sourcing, working directly with Southeast Asian farmers and supporting community initiatives like clean drinking water projects in Laos.

With the thriving café culture across ASEAN and Australia, coffee continues to symbolize connection and opportunity. "I hope there are more opportunities to link coffee farming communities in this region with coffee-loving Australians," concluded Ms. Sommerville.

The event celebrated the diversity of coffee, the strength of partnerships, and the shared vision for a prosperous and connected future between ASEAN and Australia.

KPL