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In almost all food preparations, a small amount of sugar is often added to balance the flavor of the food or beverage. For example, a pinch of sugar can balance the acidity of tomato sauce, adding sugar to chili sauce can reduce its spiciness, and adding sugar to toast can create a pleasant crunchy texture. In Southeast Asia, especially in Indonesia, palm sugar is very popular and is frequently used in various dishes. Below is more detailed info for palm sugar.

What is Palm Sugar?

Sugar can be divided into various types, including granulated sugar, rock sugar, caster sugar, and palm sugar. Palm sugar is quite popular in Southeast Asia, Africa, and Papua New Guinea. It provides a distinctive aroma and sweetness that differs from regular sugar. Therefore, palm sugar is often used in beverages like contemporary bubble tea or as an added flavor to enhance the taste of coffee.

Palm sugar is a sweetener made from nira, the sap extracted from the flowers of trees in the palm family, such as coconut, sugar palm, date palm, nipa palm, palmyra, and siwalan. It is a better source of vitamins and minerals compared to other sweeteners. It also has a lower glycemic index than many other sweeteners. Additionally, palm sugar can support digestive health, help restore body energy, contain high levels of antioxidants, prevent DNA damage, and potentially reduce the risk of cancer. By choosing palm sugar as a sweetener, you can enjoy the sweetness of your favorite foods and beverages while making a healthier choice.

Palm Sugar vs. Coconut Sugar

Many people confuse Palm Sugar with Coconut Sugar because their names sound similar. However, they come from different sources. Coconut Sugar is made from the nectar of coconut flowers, while Palm Sugar is derived from the sap of various types of palm trees. They also differ in flavor, with Coconut Sugar being sweeter and caramelized, while Palm Sugar has a more complex and smoky taste. Palm Sugar available in the market is often mixed with cane sugar, making it less healthy than pure Coconut Sugar.

Choosing the wrong sugar can impact both flavor quality and health benefits. However, pure Palm Sugar that isn’t blended with cane sugar provides rich nutritional benefits, such as a low glycemic index and essential minerals. It is a healthy option, being high in iron, magnesium, and antioxidants, and can help maintain stable blood sugar levels. Additionally, its rich, complex flavor makes it an excellent choice for dishes that require deep, robust flavors.

How to store palm sugar

Palm sugar can harden or lose its flavor if not stored properly after opening. Improper storage can make it difficult to use and diminish its quality. To maintain freshness, store palm sugar in a cool, dark place, sealed in an airtight container or a tightly zipped plastic bag. Be sure to press out as much air as possible to preserve its quality.

Which country is the world’s largest producer of palm sugar?

Indonesia is the largest producer of palm sugar in Southeast Asia and ranks among the top producers globally. Are you interested in partnering with the leading palm sugar producers from Indonesia? Contact ITPC Hamburg today! We are here to connect you with trusted partners who offer high-quality products at competitive prices. Don’t miss the opportunity to grow your business with Indonesia’s finest products.


Partner directly with an Indonesian Supplier, Send your email and contact us or ask for trade inquiries.


Indonesia is an island country that has more than 17 thousand islands and has a total area of approximately 1.9 million km². The largest islands in Indonesia are Sumatra, Java, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, and Papua. Each island of Indonesia has a different culture and language, as well as the coffee in Indonesia. Each coffee in Indonesia has a different flavors and different ways to enjoy the coffee.

How much is Indonesia producing coffee?

Based on a report by Indonesia’s Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS), Indonesia’s coffee production is expected to reach nearly 795 thousand tonnes in 2022, reflecting a 24.21% increase from 2015 when coffee production was nearly 640 thousand tonnes. In 2022, South Sumatra emerged as the largest coffee-producing province, contributing a total production of up to 212.4 thousand tonnes or 26.72% of the total national production

How many types of coffee are there in Indonesia?

Single origin is used for coffee cultivated from a particular region. The term single origin is used to recognize the coffee character of each region. Here are some single-origin coffee from Indonesia and sorted according to major islands in Indonesia (source: Indonesian Consulate General in Chicago):

Sumatra

  1. Aceh Gayo
  2. Sidikalang
  3. Samosir
  4. Smalungun
  5. Lintong
  6. Mandehling

Java

  1. Java Preanger
  2. Ciwidey
  3. Puntang
  4. Sindoro Sumbing
  5. Temanggung
  6. Jampit
  7. Ijen Raung

Bali & NTT

  1. Pupuan
  2. Kintamani
  3. Tambora
  4. Wae Rebo
  5. Bajawa
  6. Sokoria

Kalimantan

  1. Kubu Raya
  2. Kota Waringin

Sulawesi

  1. Pinogu
  2. Benteng Alla
  3. Toraja
  4. Enrekang

Papua

  1. Nabire
  2. Dogiyai
  3. Cartenz
  4. Baliem Valley (Wamena)s

How Indonesian served their coffee

Typically in Indonesia coffee can be enjoyed by brewing and usually coffee is enjoyed in the morning or afternoon. However, in Aceh and Yogyakarta, coffee is served in an unusual and unique method. The method of drinking makes a special attraction for coffee lovers who want to try enjoying coffee in a different way

  • Kopi Khop
    Coffee is brewed and poured into a cup, which is then inverted and placed on a large plate.  The coffee will be served with a straw, this straw is used to blow air slowly in the glass, so that the coffee can flow into the plate. Kopi Terbalik or Kopi Khop this way of drinking coffee originated in Aceh, Meulaboh City to be precise. Historically, Kopi Khop was deliberately served upside down because fishermen on the west coast of Aceh wanted their coffee to stay safe from the waves while at sea and allow the coffee to stay clean from dust and the coffee to stay warm.
  • Kopi Joss
    Kopi Joss originated in Yogyakarta. This coffee is served with charcoal added directly into the brewed coffee cup. The addition of charcoal is believed to have health benefits and can neutralize acidity and give a subtle caramel flavor to the drink. Reporting from the Visiting Jogja page managed by the DIY Tourism Office. This drink appeared in 1968 and was served by a local street food seller named Lik Man. The unique presentation makes this Jogja specialty coffee drink very famous in Indonesia.
Kopi Joss
Source: Wonderful Indonesia

How do we connect with Coffee exporters from Indonesia

ITPC Hamburg is the representative of the Indonesian Ministry of Trade in Germany. Our job is to promote Indonesian products in Germany and help you to work with Indonesian exporters and our services are free of charge. If you are Importer from Germany and interested in buying coffee or other products from Indonesia you can contact us and we will be happy to assist you.

Coffee as a bridge builder between Europe and Indonesia

The founder of SHI GmbH, Sascha Bayu Handojo was born in Germany, but his cultural roots lie in Indonesia. MYBALI is Indonesia’s culture of life and enjoyment of a cup of coffee that will spoil you with a unique taste experience. What is meant here by living culture and enjoyment is that MYBALI imports coffee exclusively from Indonesia. In addition, MYBALI’s coffee is traditionally hand-picked and roasted to achieve the perfect outcome. This method also serves as a blueprint for all other products, as MYBALI’s high quality standards are not only in cultivation, but also in further processing. MYBALI wants to deliver the best and create a unique experience of the product for customers.

Culture of life and enjoyment of Indonesia

Just like the tag line of MYBALI, ITPC Hamburg is eager to help introduce Indonesia’s culture and wealth of natural resources to the world. Besides coffee, Indonesia has a lot of potential to export, such as home furnishings, organic materials, retail and others. ITPC Hamburg wants to increase Indonesia’s market potential in Germany.