The History of Coffee Growing in Taiwan

Taiwan’s coffee story begins far earlier than most people realize — back when the island was under Qing rule and foreign powers were just beginning to experiment with its agricultural potential. If you’ve ever wondered where Taiwan fits into the global coffee map, or how a place better known for tea ended up with a legacy of coffee farming, the answer lies in its colonial past and changing political fortunes.

The first coffee plants arrived in Taiwan in 1884, but the industry truly flourished during both Japanese colonization and the mid-20th century, peaking just before World War II before fading away—only to slowly re-emerge in select regions like Aton and Huisun.

The Beginning: 1884 and British-Introduced Coffee

Coffee first came to Taiwan in 1884 (the 10th year of the Guangxu Emperor’s reign), when the British introduced it near Taipei’s Sanxia District. Though those early efforts were limited, they marked the island’s first exposure to coffee cultivation. The tropical highland climate and volcanic soil showed potential, but large-scale development wouldn’t come until decades later.

The Japanese Era: Importing Arabica and Expanding Production

During Japan’s occupation of Taiwan (1895–1945), officials identified the island’s climate and soil as well suited for coffee. They imported Arabica varieties from abroad and trialed them successfully in the north. By the 1920s and 30s, coffee growing expanded significantly to areas like Zhiben and Ruisui . By 1941, Taiwan’s coffee production was both abundant and of notably good quality, marking the industry’s golden age on the island.

Japanese coffee company Kimoto Cafe planted coffee around Chiayi around 1931 and later in Ruisui, Hualien. These early efforts laid groundwork for what could have been a long-term specialty coffee presence. But everything changed with World War II.

War, Abandonment, and Decline

The outbreak of the Pacific War disrupted coffee markets, and with labor redirected and crops left untended, many farmers switched to more essential crops like rice. After Japan’s surrender in 1945, Taiwan’s coffee industry collapsed. Interest waned, infrastructure vanished, and the once-promising coffee regions were largely abandoned.

Resurgence in the 20th Century: Small Farms and Niche Revival

Coffee made a quiet comeback starting in the 1960s, though not as a major crop. In 1963, the Aton Farm began growing coffee again. Over time, small-scale coffee farming persisted in places like Aton and Huisun, which remain Taiwan’s most significant coffee-growing regions today. These areas, with elevation and favorable conditions, continue to produce limited but high-quality lots.

Coffee Culture in Taiwan: From Cafés to Chains

While commercial coffee farming never regained its pre-war scale, coffee culture flourished in other ways. During the 1960s “honey coffee shop era,” iconic spots like Star Café on Wuchang Street became literary gathering places. The arrival of instant coffee in the 1950s—starting with Nestlé—also helped shape modern habits. Over time, Taiwan saw the rise of bookstore cafés, European-style coffee shops, Japanese-inspired cafés, garden cafés, and eventually the ubiquitous coffee chains that dominate today.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was coffee first introduced to Taiwan?

Coffee was first introduced to Taiwan in 1884 (the 10th year of the Guangxu Emperor’s reign) by the British, who planted it near Taipei’s Sanxia District. This marked the earliest known attempt at coffee cultivation on the island.

Did coffee production boom under Japanese rule?

Yes. During Japan’s colonization of Taiwan (1895–1945), authorities imported Arabica coffee and found success in the northern regions. By the 1940s, production in areas like Zhiben and Ruisui was strong, and 1941 marked the peak of Taiwan’s coffee output in terms of both volume and quality.

Why did Taiwan’s coffee industry decline after World War II?

The Pacific War caused market disruptions and labor shortages. Many coffee farms were abandoned as farmers turned to planting rice. After Japan’s surrender in 1945, interest in coffee faded, and without maintenance, the industry collapsed entirely.

Where in Taiwan is coffee still grown today?

Today, coffee is still grown in small-scale operations primarily in Aton and Huisun . These regions have the right elevation and conditions to support limited but high-quality coffee production.

What role did coffee play in Taiwan’s 20th-century café culture?

Although not a major crop for most of the 20th century, coffee became culturally significant through cafés like Star Café on Wuchang Street, a hub for writers in the 1960s. Instant coffee also entered the market in the 1950s, and various café styles—from garden cafés to Japanese-inspired shops—became part of Taiwan’s urban life.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Taiwanese Coffee Fans

If you’re exploring Taiwan’s coffee history, try these classic FrontStreet coffees that highlight the heritage of quality Arabica. Start with the Jamaica Blue Mountain No.1 — a legendary Typica variety grown in Jamaica’s Blue Mountains, known for its balance of chocolate, almond, and cream with an elegant fragrance. For something more fruit-forward and vibrant, the Yirgacheffe washed coffee from the Gedeb cooperative delivers bright citrus and floral notes typical of high-quality Ethiopian Arabica. And don’t miss the Brazil Queen Manor Yellow Bourbon, a rare yellow-fruited Bourbon variety offering notes of caramel, peanut, and soft sweetness. All three reflect the kind of careful cultivation and distinct terroir that Taiwan once aspired to. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.