Haze Impact on Kepahiang Coffee Supply & Quality: October 2026 Field Report

Location: Kepahiang, Bengkulu | Date: October 24, 2026 As we enter late October 2026, the coffee-producing heartland of Bengkulu, specifically Kepahiang Regency, is once again facing significant challenges due to forest and land fires (karhutla). The thick haze blanketing the plantations is not merely an environmental issue; it poses direct implications for Arabica coffee bean quality and export supply stability.

As a trade partner committed to quality and transparency, Xaviera Export presents this latest field report outlining current conditions and our active mitigation strategies.

1. Field Conditions: Reduced Visibility, Increased Risks Based on our team’s on-site monitoring this week, the Air Pollutant Standard Index (ISPU) in several key coffee districts such as Ujan Mas and Tebat Karai has reached "Unhealthy" levels. Smoke from hotspots in dry peatlands is being carried by winds into agricultural zones, creating a fine particulate layer (PM2.5) that settles on vegetation, including coffee plants.

2. Direct Implications for Green Bean Quality For international importers and roasters, consistency in cup profile is paramount. The current haze threatens two vital aspects of Kepahiang coffee quality:

a. Disruption of the Drying Process: Sunlight intensity, blocked by thick smoke, slows down the reduction of moisture content in post-harvest beans. Failure to reach the ideal moisture level (10–12%) within the standard timeframe increases the risk of uncontrolled fermentation and mold growth. This can trigger unwanted earthy or musty defects in specialty coffee profiles.

b. Risk of Smoke Taint Contamination: Sun-dried coffee beans are hygroscopic and readily absorb volatile compounds from the air. Smoke particles from burning contain phenols and guaiacol that can permeate the pores of wet or drying beans. If contaminated, the authentic flavor profile of Kepahiang coffee—known for its bright acidity and floral/fruity notes—can be overshadowed by a dominant smoky defect. This is a critical quality risk that we must strictly anticipate before export.

3. Social Impact & Farmer Productivity Farmer health is a core asset of our supply chain. Prolonged smoke exposure reduces productivity during peak harvest and sorting periods. Many of our partner farmers are now required to wear N95 masks while working in the fields, which, while essential for health protection, adds operational burden and affects comfort. Additionally, stress on coffee plants caused by hindered photosynthesis may impact next season’s yield.

4. Mitigation Steps & Xaviera Export’s Commitment We understand that weather uncertainty is inherent in agriculture, but quality cannot be compromised. Here are the concrete steps we are currently implementing:

a. Protected Drying Implementation: We are encouraging and facilitating the use of greenhouse drying houses or mechanical dryers for our partner farmers to ensure beans dry perfectly without direct smoke exposure.

b. Strict Quality Control (QC): Our QC team has tightened cupping protocols and physical analysis. Every lot passing selection must be free of smoke taint defects. Lots showing signs of contamination will be rejected or downgraded to commercial grade, never specialty.

c. PPE Support & Education: We are distributing high-quality masks and educating farmers on post-harvest handling techniques under smoky conditions to minimize contamination risks.

d. Transparency with Buyers: We remain committed to honest communication with international buyers regarding seasonal conditions. Transparency is the cornerstone of long-term trust.

5. A Message to Global Coffee Stakeholders The situation in Kepahiang reminds us that climate change and environmental degradation are tangible business risks. Sourcing coffee from haze-affected regions at fair prices and supporting sustainable farming practices (regenerative agriculture) is not just CSR—it is an investment in securing the global coffee supply chain for the future.

Xaviera Export remains dedicated to delivering the finest coffee from Bengkulu, even amidst natural challenges. We believe that collaboration between exporters, farmers, and global buyers is the best solution to navigate this difficult season.

About Xaviera Export Xaviera Export is an Indonesian agricultural commodity export company focused on specialty coffee and flagship Nusantara products. We bridge local farmers with global markets through high-quality standards, ethical practices, and full transparency.