LIBERICA, The Differentiator – Make Your Coffee Stand Out

At the recently concluded Dubai World of Coffee (February 2025), something remarkable happened—Panama Gesha set a new record, selling for an eye-watering USD 10,020 per kilogram. While such auctions spark excitement in the coffee world, they also highlight a growing divide. On one end, rare, well-marketed, exclusive coffees fetch astronomical prices. On the other, most cafes and coffee drinkers are navigating a market where quality, cost, and sustainability must be carefully balanced.

For years, commodity Arabica, often unscored and mass-produced, has been the industry’s default. Today, it has reached its highest price ever—USD 9.37 per kilogram (RM 42). By the time it arrives in Malaysia, costs rise to RM 60 per kilogram for green beans and RM 120 per kilogram when roasted.

It’s a system that leaves little room for differentiation, making it harder for cafes to stand out and for consumers to experience something truly special.

For Malaysian cafe operators, the challenges are even greater—rising costs, dependence on imports, shrinking margins, and increasing competition from large chain stores pose serious threats to viability and sustainability.

But all is not lost. There’s another story waiting to be told—one that offers opportunities distinction, authenticity, and affordability.

Malaysia has a homegrown treasure—Liberica. This underappreciated yet extraordinary coffee offers a compelling alternative to the usual, allowing cafes to differentiate themselves while maintaining reasonable costs.

House of Kendal, an advocate and producer of premium and specialty Liberica, has led the way in reviving and elevating Malaysian Liberica. Among its signature offerings is LIBERICA Natural, marketed under the trade name NINGRAT. With an 85-point cupping score, this exceptional coffee is priced at USD 27 per kilogram (RM 120) for green beans and RM 180 per kilogram roasted wholesale. Across Europe, it commands €40 (RM 160 per 100g retail), proof of its growing reputation among those who appreciate depth and complexity in their cup.

For those seeking an accessible yet distinctive option, premium-grade Malaysian Liberica is available at RM 55 per kilogram, with a roasted price of RM 90 per kilogram—offering both character and value.

Liberica isn’t just another coffee—it’s a Malaysian heritage coffee with identity, depth, and a story to tell. Its bold, aromatic complexity makes it instantly recognizable, offering something refreshingly different from the familiarity of Arabica.

For cafe owners, this is a chance to break free from the ordinary—to serve something uncommon yet deeply rewarding, while ensuring sustainable margins.

For coffee lovers, it’s an invitation to explore a richer, more layered experience, full of nuance, intensity, and unmistakable character.

For Malaysians, choosing Liberica is about more than taste—it’s about heritage and pride. It’s about reconnecting with the country’s deep-rooted coffee culture and recognizing the resilience of farmers, processors, traders, cafe owners, baristas, and connoisseurs who bring this coffee to life. Every cup is a testament to hard work, craftsmanship, and a pursuit of excellence.

At its heart, coffee is about connection—to people, to places, to moments. Choosing Liberica means choosing authenticity. Choosing to stand out. Choosing to celebrate Malaysia’s place in the global coffee story.

Be discerning. Choose Liberica.

Make your coffee—and your café—stand out.