By 1900, 50-60 farmers were cooperatively producing 40% of Australia’s coffee supply. Many early pioneers won international recognition in Europe for the Australian bean. Unfortunately, this early industry fell into decline and until the 1980’s only small plantings had survived.

In 1981, 2 major plantings were established in the Mareeba region. The new pioneers reduced labor overheads by inventing a mechanical harvester.

Irrigation and mechanization have been the primary factors in establishing this new industry. Within the Australian coffee industry there are different methods of harvesting, processing and grading coffee beans.