Enviro News Asia, Washington, D.C — The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI) in Washington, D.C. presented the 2025 Primaduta Award to two strategic partners from the United States — McCormick & Company, Inc. and Mr. Izwandi Rusli, an Indonesian diaspora professional at Armenia Coffee Corporation — in a ceremony held at the Indonesian Embassy on November 6, 2025. The award ceremony was led by Indonesian Ambassador Indroyono Soesilo, accompanied by Trade Attaché Ranitya Kusumadewi.
During the 40th Trade Expo Indonesia (TEI), held from October 15–19, 2025, two U.S. importers nominated by KBRI Washington, D.C. were officially named recipients of the Primaduta Award in two categories: Outstanding Importer (McCormick & Company, Inc.) and Diaspora Export Champion (Izwandi Rusli, Armenia Coffee Corporation) for their significant roles in promoting and expanding Indonesian spice and coffee exports in the U.S. market.
Ambassador Indroyono emphasized that the Primaduta Award represents the Government of Indonesia’s appreciation for international partners who demonstrate loyalty, consistency, and tangible contributions to the growth of Indonesian exports.
“This award not only reflects trade performance but also symbolizes the trust and friendship that have been built between Indonesian and American business communities,” said Ambassador Indroyono.
He added that Indonesia–U.S. economic relations continue to strengthen, with growing American interest in Indonesia’s high-quality products such as spices, coffee, food and beverages, and other export commodities.
McCormick & Company, Inc., a global leader in spices, herbs, and seasonings, has maintained a strong partnership with Indonesia for over 40 years. The company regularly imports Indonesian commodities including cinnamon, candlenut, cloves, nutmeg, pepper, vanilla, and tobacco sourced from major spice-producing regions across the archipelago.
Beyond trade, McCormick actively supports local capacity-building through farmer training programs focused on sustainability, women’s empowerment, and product quality improvement to meet international standards.
“McCormick is not just a trading partner but also a development partner that helps Indonesian farmers enhance their productivity and competitiveness in the global market,” said Trade Attaché Ranitya Kusumadewi.
According to Kusumadewi, Indonesia’s spice exports to the U.S., including those through McCormick’s network, have shown steady growth in recent years, reinforcing Indonesia’s position as one of the key suppliers to the global spice industry.
The second recipient, Mr. Izwandi Rusli, an Indonesian diaspora professional and Lab Manager at Armenia Coffee Corporation, has been instrumental in promoting Indonesian coffee in the U.S. market for over two decades. Armenia Coffee Corporation is one of America’s largest coffee importers, and Izwandi’s expertise ensures consistent quality and reputation for Indonesian coffee among leading roasters and buyers.
“The U.S. is one of the world’s largest coffee markets — second only to soft drinks — and Indonesia’s coffee exports to the U.S. have continued to increase in recent years, largely through key importers like Armenia Coffee Corporation,” Izwandi explained.
Izwandi is also known for his close collaboration with Indonesian representatives across the United States, including KBRI Washington, D.C., and his active role in trade promotion events such as the Specialty Coffee Expo, regularly facilitated by Indonesia’s trade offices in the U.S.
Through the presentation of the Primaduta Award 2025, the Indonesian Embassy in Washington, D.C. aims to strengthen bilateral trade relations between Indonesia and the United States, fostering a mutually beneficial, sustainable, and long-term partnership. (*)
