Company Hopes To Create Coffee Alternative From Native Plant – CoffeeTalk

New Zealand-based company Zoffee is aiming to create a coffee alternative using a native plant, the Coprosma. The idea was first sparked by an 1870s article about the plant’s economic potential and interesting properties. Initial funding from the Agricultural and Marketing Research and Development Trust three years ago helped develop a coffee-like drink, and now new funding from the Ministry of Primary Industries will help get the product to market. The company aims to create a product that tastes similar to coffee, has human stimulants, tastes good but is healthier, and has other medicinal properties.

Zoffee has planted 1000 plants and plans to plant another 3000 soon. They are working with Food Innovation New Zealand to refine and optimize the product. They are also working with AbacusBio to create a cultivar of the plant with high yielding fruit and a high concentration of bioactives.

Zoffee plans to partner with two farmers and iwi Ngāti Tamaterā to increase plantings. The company aims to see native Zoffee plantations throughout New Zealand as a diversification option for farmers, improving the environment and providing economic return. If everything goes to plan, Zoffee should be on the shelves within 18 to 24 months.

Read More @ RNZ