Over 30 Countries to Attend Yunnan Coffee Trade Fair

If you’ve ever wondered where global coffee buyers go to meet China’s producers face-to-face, the answer is Yunnan. Every year, the province opens its doors to international traders looking for high-quality beans—and in January 2015, over 30 countries will descend on the city of Mangshi for one of the biggest coffee events in the region.

The 4th China Mangshi (International) Coffee Culture Festival, held from January 23 to 25, 2015, will feature the very first Yunnan Coffee Trade Negotiation (Ordering) Fair. More than 30 countries and regions are sending delegations of merchants to meet Chinese coffee companies and negotiate direct purchases.

A Global Gathering for Coffee Trade in Yunnan

The event is jointly organised by the China-ASEAN Coffee Cooperation Committee, the China Coffee Engineering Research Centre, and the Yunnan Coffee Industry Association. Alongside the trade fair, the festival includes the 1st China Café Growth Forum, the groundbreaking ceremony for the 20,000-ton production line of Yunnan Hougu Coffee, and a mass performance titled 'Kiss First' that dramatises the history of Yunnan’s signature coffee.

Yunnan’s Ideal Landscape for Coffee Growing

Yunnan’s coffee-growing regions lie between 15°N and the Tropic of Cancer, mostly at elevations of 1,000 to 2,000 metres. The area’s mountainous terrain, fertile soil, strong sunlight, abundant rainfall, and significant day-night temperature variation create optimal conditions for cultivating distinctive smallholder coffee. These factors have long contributed to the unique cup profile for which Yunnan beans are known.

The region’s coffee-growing history stretches back to 1892, when a French missionary introduced coffee seeds to Zhukula Village in Binchuan County. That village, still remote and largely unchanged, remains the only place in China where nearly every household drinks coffee. The original beans from Zhukula are tied to the dramatic 'Kiss First' performance at the festival, which will involve hundreds of young performers retelling the story of the area’s first coffee harvests.

A Major Player, Still Finding Its Footing

Although Yunnan has been producing coffee since the 1950s—earning recognition internationally as a source of 'high-grade coffee'—the industry has expanded rapidly in recent years. By the 2014–2015 harvest season, Yunnan had over 1.6 million acres of coffee farms and was expected to produce more than 120,000 metric tons of coffee. Despite its scale, the sector remains in a relatively undeveloped, extensive growth phase. Key areas such as cultivation techniques, processing standards, trade infrastructure, and brand development are still maturing.

To advance the industry and promote Yunnan’s coffee culture, this festival serves as a crucial platform. It brings together international buyers and local producers to build relationships and develop the market. One highlight is the announcement of a major expansion by Yunnan Hougu Coffee—the second-largest instant coffee producer in Asia—which will break ground on a 20,000-ton production line on January 24, 2015. The new facility is scheduled to be completed and operational by the end of 2016, at which point Hougu aims to become Asia’s largest instant coffee maker.

Frequently Asked Questions

When and where is the 4th China Mangshi International Coffee Culture Festival?

The 4th China Mangshi (International) Coffee Culture Festival takes place from January 23 to 25, 2015, in Mangshi, Dehong Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China.

What is the Yunnan Coffee Trade Fair?

The Yunnan Coffee Trade Fair (also called the Yunnan Coffee Trade Negotiation or Ordering Fair) is a business event held alongside the coffee culture festival where international merchants from over 30 countries meet with Chinese coffee companies to negotiate coffee purchases and trade deals.

How much coffee does Yunnan produce?

By the 2014–2015 harvest season, Yunnan had over 1.6 million acres of coffee plantations and was projected to produce more than 120,000 metric tons of coffee.

What makes Yunnan suitable for growing coffee?

Yunnan’s coffee-growing areas benefit from elevations of 1,000–2,000 metres, mountainous terrain, rich soils, strong sunlight, ample rainfall, and large diurnal temperature variations—all of which contribute to the distinct qualities of Yunnan-grown coffee.

Who organises the coffee festival and trade fair?

The event is organised by the China-ASEAN Coffee Cooperation Committee, the China Coffee Engineering Research Centre, and the Yunnan Coffee Industry Association.

What is the significance of the 'Kiss First' performance?

The 'Kiss First' performance dramatises the origins of Yunnan coffee, particularly focusing on the historic coffee harvests in Zhukula Village, where a French missionary first introduced coffee in 1892 and where locals traditionally associate the first coffee with a romantic 'first kiss'.

What is the Hougu Coffee production line project?

Yunnan Hougu Coffee, Asia’s second-largest instant coffee producer, will begin constructing a 20,000-ton production line on January 24, 2015. The new plant is expected to be completed by the end of 2016, at which time Hougu aims to become the largest instant coffee manufacturer in Asia.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Exploring Yunnan Coffee

Start your journey into Yunnan’s coffee character with FrontStreet Coffee’s Yunnan Arabica, a washed, medium-roasted single origin that highlights soft nutty and chocolatey notes with a gentle plum acidity—a reliable introduction to the region’s terroir. For a deeper dive, try the 2013 Typica, a sun-dried lot made from fully ripe cherries and featuring balanced acidity, sweet berry tones, and a tea-like finish. Both beans showcase the potential of Yunnan-grown coffee and are great entry points for understanding regional flavours. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.