Yunnan Coffee Output Fell 40% in 2013-2014 Season

In late March 2014, as the 2013-2014 coffee harvest wound down in Yunnan, the damage was already clear: despite more land under cultivation, the province’s farmers brought in drastically less coffee. Natural disasters and wild market swings had shattered yields, leaving many growers to abandon their trees—and their livelihoods—mid-season.

The 2013-2014 Yunnan coffee harvest fell by over 40%, producing less than 60,000 tonnes despite an expanded planted area of around 700,000 mu (about 115,000 acres). That’s far below the earlier projection of 100,000 tonnes.

What Went Wrong in the 2013-2014 Season?

According to Hu Lu, deputy secretary-general of the Yunnan Coffee Association, the 2013-2014 season saw Yunnan’s coffee-growing area reach approximately 700,000 mu—roughly 100,000 mu more than the previous year. Yet the final harvest came in at under 60,000 tonnes, a drop of more than 40%. The expected 100,000-tonne target was never met.

The steep decline was driven by two major factors. First, the coffee plants flowered during a drought, weakening their development. Then, freezing temperatures and cold snaps hit in late 2013 and early 2014, causing widespread crop damage. On top of that, global coffee prices collapsed between October and December 2013, falling below the cost of production. Faced with losses, some farmers simply stopped harvesting altogether.

How Did Global Prices Affect Farmers?

In February 2014, international coffee prices began to rebound, surging from 110 cents per pound to over 200 cents. This temporary rally briefly restored farmer confidence. But by March 23, prices had fallen back to 170.93 cents per pound as Brazil’s drought eased. While the rebound left some room for profit, the extreme volatility—prices swinging from ruinous lows to fleeting highs—left farmers shaken. "It was like a rollercoaster," Hu Lu said. "Overall, the farmers weren’t happy."

Lessons from the Crash

Hu Lu called the 2013-2014 season a stark lesson for the industry. "Farmers shouldn’t give up during low-price periods," he urged. "Abandoning harvests—or even cutting down trees—means they won’t have beans to sell when prices recover." He also stressed the need for government patience in guiding the sector, and for companies to move beyond speculation. Instead, he argued, businesses should invest in deep processing, extend the coffee value chain, build strong brands, and promote scientific industry growth.

Yunnan’s Coffee Legacy

Yunnan has long been China’s coffee powerhouse. Before the 2013-2014 crash, the province had hit a high point in 2011 when farmgate prices reached 41 yuan per kilogram (around $6.30/kg). At that time, some farmers in Pu’er even tore out tea bushes to plant coffee. Today, Yunnan remains China’s largest coffee-growing region, accounting for over 98% of the country’s total planting area and production. Its output—spread across more than 1.4 million mu—feeds export markets in the U.S., Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asia, and beyond, making up over 95% of China’s total coffee exports.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much did Yunnan’s coffee production drop in the 2013-2014 season?

Yunnan’s coffee production fell by more than 40% in the 2013-2014 season, with the final harvest coming in at under 60,000 tonnes despite an expanded planted area of around 700,000 mu.

What caused the drop in Yunnan coffee yields?

The yield drop was caused by drought during the flowering period, followed by freezing temperatures and cold snaps in late 2013 and early 2014, which damaged crops. Additionally, global coffee prices fell below production costs between October and December 2013, leading some farmers to abandon harvesting.

Did coffee prices recover during the 2013-2014 season?

Yes, prices rebounded in February 2014, rising from 110 cents per pound to over 200 cents, but then fell back to 170.93 cents per pound by March 23 as Brazil’s drought eased. The volatility left farmers uncertain despite some short-term profit potential.

How much coffee does Yunnan produce today?

Yunnan now has over 1.4 million mu of coffee plantings and accounts for over 98% of China’s coffee production and planting area. Its output feeds export markets in over 40 countries, making up more than 95% of China’s total coffee exports.

What lessons did farmers and experts take from the 2013-2014 crash?

Experts like Hu Lu emphasized that farmers should avoid abandoning harvests during low-price periods and not cut down trees, as doing so leaves them with no product to sell when prices recover. The industry also needs better government guidance, less speculative behavior from companies, and more investment in processing and branding.

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