The History of Coffee in Taiwan

When did Taiwan start growing coffee—and why did it nearly disappear? The answer isn’t found in today’s café culture but in a century-old story of colonial trials, wartime collapse, and surprising regional comebacks. If you’ve ever wondered how a subtropical island once rivaled Japan in coffee production, the real history is more complex than you’d expect.

Taiwan’s coffee story began in 1884 when the British introduced the crop near Taipei’s Sanxia District. Later, during Japanese rule in the early 1900s, Arabica was planted successfully in northern regions before large-scale cultivation expanded to Zhiben and Ruisui. By 1941, Taiwan’s coffee reached peak production—rich in both yield and cup quality—until WWII disrupted everything.

The Early Introductions: British and Japanese Plantings

Coffee first arrived in Taiwan in 1884 (the 10th year of the Guangxu Emperor’s reign) when the British planted trial crops near Sanxia, Taipei. During Japanese colonization, authorities recognized Taiwan’s favorable climate and soil for coffee. They imported Arabica varieties from abroad, initially testing them in the north before expanding cultivation to larger sites such as Zhiben and Ruisui, achieving strong yields.

The Golden Age: 1941 Peak Production

By 1941, Taiwan’s coffee industry had entered its prime. Production volumes were high, and cup quality was widely praised—marking the island’s golden era of coffee. However, this success was short-lived. The outbreak of the Pacific War severely disrupted sales and cultivation. With no market and little maintenance, many farmers abandoned coffee in favor of more reliable crops like rice. After Japan’s defeat and withdrawal, the industry collapsed and faded from prominence.

Post-War Revival and Regional Resurgence

Although Taiwan’s coffee farming declined after WWII, some areas managed to persist. Notably, the Antong and Hsusun farms maintained relatively large-scale operations. Other key moments in Taiwan’s coffee timeline include the 1930s, when Japanese company Kimura Café planted coffee in Chiayi and later in Ruisui, Hualien; the 1950s, when instant coffee was introduced to Taiwan alongside American military presence, beginning with Nestlé; the 1960s, known as the “honey coffee shop era,” highlighted by the literary fame of Wuchang Street’s Celebrity Café; and the 1980s, when bookstore cafés, garden-style cafés, European-style shops, Japanese-style cafés, and eventually modern coffee chains became widespread.

Modern Era and Current Production Areas

Today, Taiwan’s commercial coffee cultivation remains limited but active. The most significant current growing regions are Antong and Hsusun. These areas continue the legacy of early 20th-century efforts, though on a much smaller scale compared to historical peaks. Though no longer a major global producer, Taiwan’s coffee history reflects its broader agricultural experimentation and colonial legacy.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was coffee first introduced to Taiwan?

Coffee was first introduced to Taiwan in 1884 (the 10th year of Guangxu Emperor’s reign) when the British planted trial crops near Sanxia in Taipei.

Did Japan play a role in Taiwan’s coffee history?

Yes. During Japanese colonization, authorities identified Taiwan’s climate and soil as suitable for coffee. They imported Arabica from abroad, tested it in northern Taiwan, and later expanded planting to regions like Zhiben and Ruisui, achieving strong early yields.

When did Taiwan’s coffee industry peak?

Taiwan’s coffee production reached its peak in 1941, with high volume and excellent cup quality, before being disrupted by World War II.

Why did Taiwan’s coffee industry decline after WWII?

The Pacific War caused sales and production to collapse. With no market and little care, farmers switched to staple crops like rice. After Japan’s defeat, interest in coffee vanished, leading to the industry’s decline.

Are there still coffee farms in Taiwan today?

Yes, though small in scale. The most notable current coffee-growing areas are Antong and Hsusun, which continue limited cultivation.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Taiwan Coffee Fans

If you’re exploring Taiwan’s coffee roots, try pairing your reading with FrontStreet’s Brazil Queen Manor (Yellow Bourbon, floral, sweet, creamy with intense fruit notes) or Jamaica Blue Mountain No.1 (clean, balanced, with chocolate and nuts). For something closer to classic Asian highland profiles, the PWN Golden Mandheling offers deep body, low acidity, and rich sweetness—echoing the bold, smooth styles once sought in Taiwan’s own plantations. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.