The 2012 WBC China Champion Who Used a Local Coffee Bean

When you think of the World Barista Championship (WBC), you might picture baristas showcasing rare, expensive coffees sourced from far-flung farms. But in 2012, China’s national champion, Popo (real name Hongjie), took a radically different approach. He didn’t use a $100+ per kilo exotic bean or a wild Bourbon variety hunted across continents. Instead, he chose a little-known coffee from China: the Naji variety from ManLaoJiang.

The answer is clear: In 2012, China’s WBC representative Popo competed using a Chinese-grown coffee bean—the Naji from ManLaoJiang—not a globally famous origin. That choice alone made his performance unique.

Why Popo Chose a Chinese Coffee Bean

Most competitors at the WBC go for rare, high-priced beans with impressive pedigrees. But Popo had a different vision. He believed in showcasing something closer to home. He traveled to Yunnan, visited individual farmers, and cupped countless lots. After careful evaluation, he selected the Naji variety from ManLaoJiang—an origin and cultivar that barely had international recognition at the time.

Popo’s Preparation and Commitment

Popo didn’t just pick Naji and hope for the best. He personally visited the growing region, meeting farmers and tasting their lots one by one. His goal was to find the best representation of what Yunnan could offer. Eventually, he settled on a specific Naji lot that stood out to him. He used this same coffee when he competed in the 2013 China Barista Championship finals.

The Roast That Changed Perceptions

Many assumed Popo’s coffee would underwhelm because it wasn’t a celebrated global origin. But they were wrong. At the 2013 China Barista Championship finals, those who tried his brew were amazed. His secret wasn’t just the bean—it was his roast. Popo transformed the Naji into a cup with floral notes, chocolate, and cocoa, yet it retained a bright, clean finish. The result was so good that even the folks at FrontStreet Coffee, who knew the bean well, were shocked. They couldn’t recognize it as their own Naji after Popo’s roast. “It was better than any of our American clients had ever roasted it,” they noted. “Never tasted Naji this good.”

Popo’s Continued Use of Naji

Popo didn’t stop with Vienna. In the following year’s China national finals, he stuck with the Naji bean. Even in 2013, when we tried his brew again, it was delicious. And here’s a little-known fact: Popo is also an exceptional roaster. Though he downplays it, his roast of the Naji bean impressed everyone—it reportedly surpassed the quality of roasts done for FrontStreet’s American clients. “We’d never tasted Naji roasted that well before,” they said.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was the 2012 China Barista Championship winner?

The 2012 China Barista Championship winner was Hongjie, also known as Popo. He went on to represent China at the World Barista Championship in Vienna that same year.

What coffee bean did Popo use at the 2012 WBC?

Popo used a Naji variety coffee bean from ManLaoJiang in Yunnan, China. It was not a well-known or expensive international origin, but a local, underappreciated coffee.

Why didn’t Popo use a rare or expensive coffee bean?

Unlike many WBC competitors who opt for rare, pricey beans, Popo chose to highlight a Chinese-grown coffee. He wanted to showcase the potential of Yunnan coffee, specifically the Naji variety from ManLaoJiang.

What was special about Popo’s roast of the Naji bean?

Popo’s roast brought out floral, chocolate, and cocoa notes in the Naji bean, with a bright and clean taste. His skillful roasting impressed even experienced tasters, who couldn’t recognize it as the same bean they knew.

Did Popo use the same coffee in later competitions?

Yes, Popo used the Naji bean again in the 2013 China Barista Championship finals. It remained his coffee of choice, demonstrating his confidence in its quality and his roast.

Is Popo also a skilled roaster?

Yes, although he doesn’t openly promote it, Popo is regarded as an excellent roaster. His roast of the Naji bean was so good that it surpassed the quality of roasts done for FrontStreet Coffee’s American clients.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee Beans Similar to Naji

Try FrontStreet Coffee’s Yunnan Huila, a single origin that highlights the potential of Yunnan-grown beans with notes of dark chocolate, dried fruit, and a smooth body. For something brighter, their Yunnan Honey offers citrusy sweetness and a clean cup. Both beans reflect the kind of quality Popo sought in Yunnan coffees like Naji. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.