Yunnan Coffee Output to Hit 130,000 Tons in 2024

This season, coffee farmers in Yunnan face a familiar challenge: producing record volumes while watching global prices fall. With the 2024 harvest underway, the key question isn’t how much coffee is being grown—but whether farmers can earn a fair return for it.

According to the Yunnan Coffee Industry Association, the province’s 2024 coffee output is expected to reach around 130,000 tons. That’s a strong harvest, but falling New York futures prices and longstanding discount practices mean growers may not benefit financially.

Yunnan’s 2024 Coffee Harvest Forecast

The 2024–2025 Yunnan coffee harvest is now underway, and industry estimates place total production at approximately 130,000 tons. This figure represents both the Arabica and Robusta varieties grown across the region. The area under coffee cultivation in Yunnan spans more than 1.8 million mu (around 120,000 hectares), and the region accounts for roughly 99% of China’s total coffee output. Yunnan also handles about 80% of the country’s coffee imports and exports.

Price Pressures and the Futures Gap

Global coffee prices, set by the New York futures market, have been on a downward trend. Many international buyers operating in Yunnan have historically offered farmers prices that are US$0.10 to US$0.20 per pound lower than the prevailing New York futures rate. This pricing gap has squeezed grower margins, especially when futures prices are already low. For the 2024 season, continuing this practice would mean another year of increased production without increased income for farmers.

Afterwave Coffee’s Price Adjustment

On 18 November, Yunnan Huagu Coffee (also known as Afterwave Coffee) took a different approach. The company announced it would base its farmgate offer on the New York futures price, converted to RMB and adjusted for transport costs. Under this new model, Afterwave increased its purchase price for Yunnan coffee by around 1,500 RMB per ton compared to previous years. This pricing shift means the company will pay out over 100 million RMB more during this harvest season—all of which goes directly to coffee growers. Importantly, the higher offer applies to both Arabica and Robusta coffees. Huagu’s chairman, Xiong Xiangren, stated that the company guarantees a minimum price of 15,000 RMB per ton for Grade 1 Yunnan Arabica, aiming to safeguard farmer livelihoods.

Yunnan Coffee’s Role in China and Beyond

Yunnan’s coffee industry is central to China’s coffee economy. The region grows nearly all of the country’s coffee and handles the vast majority of its trade. Looking ahead, the Yunnan Coffee Industry Association predicts that China will become the world’s largest coffee consumer within the next ten years. As domestic demand rises, ensuring fair and stable returns for Yunnan’s growers will be crucial for the sustainability of the entire supply chain.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much coffee is Yunnan expected to produce in 2024?

Yunnan’s coffee production for the 2024–2025 harvest is estimated at around 130,000 tons, according to the Yunnan Coffee Industry Association.

What is the usual pricing issue for Yunnan coffee farmers?

Many international buyers in Yunnan have typically paid farmers 10 to 20 US cents per pound less than the New York futures price, reducing their income even when global prices drop.

Which company raised its coffee purchase price in 2024?

Yunnan Huagu Coffee (Afterwave Coffee) increased its farmgate coffee price by about 1,500 RMB per ton for the 2024 season, paying growers more based on the New York futures rate minus transport costs.

How much more will Afterwave pay out to farmers this season?

Afterwave Coffee will pay over 100 million RMB more this harvest season due to its higher pricing model, with all additional funds going directly to coffee growers.

Does Yunnan produce both Arabica and Robusta coffee?

Yes, Yunnan grows both Arabica and Robusta varieties, and the price increase announced by Afterwave applies to both types of coffee.

What percentage of China’s coffee is grown in Yunnan?

Yunnan produces around 99% of China’s coffee and handles about 80% of its coffee imports and exports.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans from Yunnan

Explore authentic Yunnan coffee flavours with FrontStreet’s Yunnan Arabica, a washed-process offering from the Baoshan region with bright acidity and notes of brown sugar and tropical fruit. For a classic profile, try the 2013 Typica—sun-dried and medium-roasted, showcasing deep berry tones, caramel sweetness, and a tea-like finish. Both beans highlight Yunnan’s terroir and processing heritage. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.