How Liu Minghui Brought Yunnan Coffee to the World

When people think about the global coffee trade, few immediately picture Yunnan province. Yet over the past two decades, this southwestern region has quietly grown into China’s—and increasingly the world’s—coffee powerhouse. Most of that transformation is thanks to one man: Liu Minghui.

Liu Minghui, wearing his signature cowboy hat, is the former chairman of Starbucks China and founder of AiNi Coffee. He introduced Starbucks to Yunnan in 2009, opened the company’s first Asia-based coffee farming support center in Pu’er in 2012, and helped establish Yunnan as the source of 98% of China’s coffee production.

From Cowboy Hat to Coffee Baron

Liu Minghui wasn’t always in the coffee business. Growing up in an Aini ethnic village, he herded cattle and ate coffee cherries like fruit. His journey into coffee began during his university years in 1982, when he studied tropical crop cultivation. By 1988, he had travelled to Italy to learn the full coffee production process—from growing and processing to the culture around the beverage.

His passion didn’t stop there. In 1996, Liu took locally grown Yunnan coffee beans from his family’s AiNi Estate and established a coffee roasting and processing facility in New York. Over the next 12 years, he expanded distribution to Canada, the European Union, Japan, and South Korea. That effort earned him recognition as the first person to bring Yunnan coffee to the global market.

The Starbucks Partnership

In 2009, Liu’s company, AiNi Coffee, became Starbucks’ sole partner in China for its coffee farming initiatives. This collaboration culminated in the opening of Starbucks’ first coffee farming support center in Asia on December 12, 2012, located in Pu’er, Yunnan. The center was designed to improve coffee quality, support local farmers, and strengthen the region’s role in the global supply chain.

Liu’s leadership made AiNi Coffee the bridge between Yunnan’s growing conditions and Starbucks’ global standards. Under his guidance, the center focused on sustainable farming practices, farmer training, and improving coffee bean quality to meet international roast profiles.

Building a Multi-Industry Empire

Beyond coffee, Liu Minghui built a business conglomerate spanning four industries: coffee, livestock, dining, and wine. At one point, his enterprises were generating annual sales of 500 million RMB. His entrepreneurial spirit also shone in the food industry—within just two years, he opened 17 steakhouse and hotpot restaurants, all of which quickly became popular local destinations.

Despite his diverse ventures, coffee remained at the heart of his legacy. His early vision and persistent efforts laid the groundwork for Yunnan’s current status as a recognised origin in the specialty coffee world.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Liu Minghui?

Liu Minghui is a Chinese entrepreneur best known as the former chairman of Starbucks China and the founder of AiNi Coffee. He played a central role in introducing Starbucks to Yunnan and establishing the region’s coffee industry on the global stage.

What is AiNi Coffee?

AiNi Coffee is a Yunnan-based coffee company founded by Liu Minghui. It partnered exclusively with Starbucks to support coffee farming in China and helped launch Starbucks’ first coffee farming support center in Pu’er, Yunnan in 2012.

When did Starbucks open its first farming support center in Asia?

Starbucks opened its first coffee farming support center in Asia on December 12, 2012, in Pu’er, Yunnan. The center was established in partnership with AiNi Coffee under Liu Minghui’s leadership.

What role did Liu Minghui play in Yunnan’s coffee industry?

Liu Minghui introduced Starbucks to Yunnan, helped build the region’s coffee export infrastructure, and developed international markets for Yunnan-grown beans. He is credited with bringing Yunnan coffee to the world and making it 98% of China’s total coffee production.

What other businesses has Liu Minghui been involved in?

In addition to coffee, Liu Minghui has built businesses in dining, livestock, and wine. He once opened 17 steakhouse and hotpot restaurants in just two years, and his companies collectively achieved 500 million RMB in annual sales.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans from Yunnan

For coffee lovers interested in Yunnan’s specialty beans, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Yunnan Arabica offerings. These beans are grown in high-altitude regions similar to those developed with Liu Minghui’s support. Expect balanced profiles with notes of citrus, caramel, and soft stone fruit, depending on processing. FrontStreet’s single-origin Yunnan lots showcase the region’s terroir and progress in specialty coffee. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.