Third Mangshi International Coffee Festival Showcases Yunnan Growth

In a region where coffee was once an afterthought, Yunnan’s coffee farmers now export over 700 million yuan worth of beans annually—but global price drops and weak demand have clouded the future. How can one of China’s oldest coffee-growing areas turn the tide? The third Mangshi International Coffee Culture Festival offered more than just a taste of the local roast.

The 2023 event, held December 7–9 in Dehong Prefecture’s Mangshi , hosted global buyers, roasters, and experts for cuppings and strategy talks. New this year: international scholars from Portugal and Thailand joined panels on breeding new coffee varieties, parsing worldwide consumption trends, and forecasting China’s domestic coffee market.

Yunnan’s Coffee Expansion Reaches a Milestone

After nearly 60 years of cultivation, Yunnan has grown into China’s largest coffee bean production and export base. This year, the province’s coffee farms surpassed 1.3 million mu (about 86,667 hectares) for the first time—marking a major step in the region’s agricultural development, even as the industry remains in its early stages.

Mangshi’s Strategy: Going Global to Grow Local

As international coffee prices fall and global trade slows, Dehong—the most developed coffee-producing region in Yunnan—has adopted an “go out, bring in” strategy. The goal: transform Mangshi into a recognized “city of flowers and fruit, capital of coffee.” The festival was a key piece of that push, showcasing the area’s potential to both domestic and international players.

Economic Impact Across the Region

Yunnan’s coffee industry now covers more than 260,000 mu, generating over 1 billion yuan in total output value. Annual exports alone bring in more than 700 million yuan, directly benefiting 60,000 farming households and supporting roughly 300,000 people across the prefecture. The festival highlighted these numbers as proof of the crop’s growing role in local livelihoods.

What Went On at the Festival

Delegates from around the world attended the cupping competitions and engaged with local and international experts. Beyond the usual buyer-seller meetings, this year’s event placed extra emphasis on collaborative learning—especially through the newly internationalized Coffee Business Forum. Topics ranged from new coffee plant development to in-depth analyses of global and Chinese consumption patterns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where was the third Mangshi International Coffee Culture Festival held?

The third Mangshi International Coffee Culture Festival took place in Mangshi , Dehong Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China, from December 7 to 9, 2023.

How large is Yunnan’s coffee cultivation area?

Yunnan’s coffee cultivation area has exceeded 1.3 million mu (approximately 86,667 hectares) for the first time, marking a milestone in the province’s coffee industry development.

What is Mangshi’s goal for its coffee industry?

Mangshi aims to become known as a “city of flowers and fruit, capital of coffee” by adopting a strategy of “going out, bringing in” to attract global attention and investment.

How many people benefit from Yunnan’s coffee industry?

Yunnan’s coffee industry supports around 60,000 farming households and approximately 300,000 people, contributing significantly to the local economy.

Did international experts attend the 2023 festival?

Yes, the 2023 festival included experts and scholars from Portugal, Thailand, and other countries, particularly participating in the International Coffee Business Forum.

What were the main topics at the Coffee Business Forum?

The forum focused on new coffee variety cultivation, global coffee consumption analysis, and forecasts for China’s future coffee market trends.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Coffee Cupping

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