Second Yunnan Coffee Competition Names Top 18 Beans

Last month, seventy-two green coffee samples from multiple growing regions around Pu'er City in Yunnan were put to the test. These weren’t just any beans—they were entered into the second Pu'er Raw Coffee Bean Competition, a major event aimed at identifying the region’s highest-quality lots. With dozens of submissions vying for recognition, only the very best would rise to the top under expert scrutiny.

Eighteen of the 72 coffees scored 80 points or higher, earning them a place among the competition’s official ranked results. One coffee took the championship, another the runner-up spot, and a third earned third place. All 18 also qualified for official Q Grader certificates issued directly by the SCAA.

How the Competition Worked

The 2nd Pu'er Coffee Bean Competition was jointly organized by the Pu'er Coffee Industry Development Office and the Pu'er Coffee Association. Ten certified Q Graders—professionals from the United States, South Korea, mainland China, and Taiwan—evaluated the entries. Their role was crucial: these experts used standardized protocols to ensure fair and objective judging.

Before scoring, judges screened each sample against the Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA) green bean standards. Only those meeting the threshold for “specialty grade” proceeded to the roasting and cupping phases. Each qualifying coffee was then meticulously evaluated over three intense days of blind tasting and scoring.

What Makes a Coffee ‘Specialty Grade’?

To qualify as specialty grade under SCAA rules, green coffee must meet strict criteria: zero primary defects, no more than five full secondary defects, and a maximum of 5% quakers. Moisture content must fall within a defined range, and the beans should show no signs of fermentation, mildew, or insect damage. Most importantly, the cup quality—taste, aroma, acidity, body, and aftertaste—must reach a defined sensory threshold, typically reflected in a cupping score of 80 or above.

In Pu'er, the rigorous screening meant only the top-scoring beans advanced. Those that did were then roasted and cupped to determine the final rankings. The 18 coffees that hit the 80-point benchmark demonstrated clear potential, with balanced flavors and clean profiles indicative of high-altitude growing conditions and careful processing.

Why This Competition Matters

Pu'er Municipal Party Committee Standing Committee member and Vice Mayor Peng Yuanguo emphasized the broader goals of the competition. “This contest helps us understand what we’re really producing,” he said. “It shows farmers the strengths and weaknesses of their beans, and guides them toward improving overall quality.” The event isn’t just about crowning winners—it’s about building a stronger, more informed coffee industry in Pu'er.

The hope is that better understanding will lead to better farming practices, more consistent processing, and ultimately, more competitive Yunnan coffees on the global stage.

Expert Insights on Raising Standards

International specialty coffee expert Ted Lingle delivered a training session during the event, focusing on what it takes for a coffee to earn worldwide recognition as specialty. “You need established industry standards, reliable supply chains, and strong branding to make a coffee truly global,” he explained. He also recommended that Pu'er establish a dedicated cupping training lab and invest in training more local Q Graders.

Lingle’s insights reflect a broader push within China’s coffee sector to professionalize quality assessment and build local expertise. More trained cuppers mean more consistent evaluation, better feedback loops for farmers, and stronger market signals for high-quality production.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many coffees competed in the 2nd Pu'er Coffee Bean Competition?

Seventy-two green coffee samples from various regions of Pu'er City were entered into the competition.

How many coffees scored 80 points or higher?

Eighteen of the 72 coffees scored 80 points or above and were officially ranked in the competition.

Who judged the competition?

Ten Q Graders from the United States, South Korea, mainland China, and Taiwan evaluated the coffees using SCAA standards.

What happens to coffees that score 80 or above?

Coffees that score 80 or above are recognized as specialty grade and, in this case, also received official Q Grader certificates from the SCAA.

What did Pu'er officials say about the competition’s purpose?

Vice Mayor Peng Yuanguo said the competition helps identify the strengths and weaknesses of local coffees to guide quality improvements across the region’s coffee industry.

What recommendation did international expert Ted Lingle make?

Ted Lingle suggested Pu'er build a standard cupping training lab and train more local Q Graders to improve quality assessment capabilities.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Exploring Yunnan Flavors

Start with FrontStreet Coffee’s entry-level Yunnan Arabica for classic notes of soft almond, dark chocolate, and light plum acidity, balanced with a subtle red sugar sweetness and a tea-like finish. For a more nuanced cup, try their washed Catimor variety—bright yet smooth, with notes of berry, nut, and cocoa. Both are best brewed via pour-over or cold brew to highlight their clean, balanced profiles. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.