What began as a small business idea in Madang, Wagal Settlement to help rural coconut farmers earn an income has grown into one of the country's emerging skincare brands, with Kumul Organics now becoming the latest SME to secure retail space through CPL Group's WE PNG BUY PNG program.
Founded by 2020 PNG SME Award winner Tina Manamb, Kumul Organics officially launched its range of coconut oil infused skincare products at City Pharmacy's Waigani Central branch on Friday, marking a major milestone in a seven- year journey that started with training village communities to produce virgin coconut oil.
For Ms. Manamb, the achievement represents more than business success. It is the culmination of years spent working with rural coconut growers and building a value chain that connects village producers directly to urban consumers.
"Every bottle here tells a story," Ms. Manamb said.
"It is a story of hardworking coconut growers in rural communities where they have the resource and they have to make money. That is where Kumul Organics goes and buys the coconut oil."
She said every purchase helps support rural livelihoods while creating opportunities for families involved in coconut production.
"Your purchase creates income, supports livelihoods, encourages sustainable agriculture and gives hope to people in rural coconut-growing communities. I encourage everyone to buy a coconut oil from Kumul Organics and be part of us as we grow together."
Originally from Madang and East Sepik and married into a family from Gulf Province, Ms. Manamb said her business was inspired by the abundance of coconuts available in rural communities and the untapped potential of virgin coconut oil.
"We started from Madang. We used to buy coconut oil from communities," she told PNG Haus Bung.
"When I did research on coconut oil and virgin coconut oil, I saw that we could create body oils, shampoos and other cosmetic products. Madang has plenty of coconuts, so I started training communities on how to produce coconut oil."
She said the business first sold products at Madang's Market before securing shelf space with Madang Butchery, its first retail partners.
As demand grew, Ms. Manamb relocated to Port Moresby and temporarily paused operations to better understand the capital city's market.
"Last year I rested the business because I had to do market research and understand how to adapt to the Port Moresby lifestyle," she said.
The business resumed operations in March this year, sourcing virgin coconut oil from her husband's village in Gulf Province.
"I sourced the oil from my husband's village. The coconut oil travels by boat for about two hours and then by PMV for six hours to Port Moresby. We do the infusions, packaging and labelling here."
Ms. Manamb credits much of the company's recent growth to social media marketing, which helped attract the attention of CPL Group.
"I created content on my page and advertised our five infused oil products online. The advertisement reached many people and eventually CPL reached out to us."
She said discussions with CPL progressed quickly.
"We had our first meeting, then a second meeting, and after that they told us to come in and sign. This is a big opportunity for us because we're working with farmers and ultimately, we want our products to sell. CPL helps complete that supply chain."
Under the partnership, Kumul Organics products are now available through selected City Pharmacy outlets, giving customers easier access to the brand while expanding market opportunities for rural suppliers.
CPL Group Chief Executive Officer Ajay Patel said supporting local producers remains a key focus of the company's WE PNG BUY PNG initiative.
"We don't import coconuts. They are grown abundantly right here in Papua New Guinea," Mr. Patel said.
"Our supply comes from local farmers and growers, and we take pride in fostering long-term partnerships with local SMEs that strengthen communities and create shared value."
He said the partnership demonstrates how locally sourced products can successfully move from village production into mainstream retail markets.
The Kumul Organics range includes virgin coconut oil infused with noni, ginger, carrot, turmeric and lemongrass, all sourced and manufactured in Papua New Guinea.
For Ms. Manamb, the products represent something much bigger than skincare.
"Access to commercial markets is often the biggest challenge for local producers, so we are grateful to CPL for this partnership," she said.
"We believe it completes the value chain we have built, connecting rural farmers with commercial markets and enabling sustainable growth."
Today, Kumul Organics products are stocked at City Pharmacy Waigani Central, City Pharmacy Waigani Showroom and City Pharmacy Vision City, creating new opportunities not only for the business itself, but also for the rural coconut growers whose work continues to form the foundation of the brand's success.
