Pu'er Hosts Second China Coffee Bean Competition

When you're trying to find truly great coffee from China, it’s not easy. Most global coffee markets still see Chinese beans as low-grade or industrial. But in one corner of Yunnan, a region better known for tea, a small group of producers and international experts have been working to prove that China can grow exceptional coffee. Pu'er, a city in southern Yunnan, has quietly become a hub for high-quality Arabica production—and in 2014, it took a major step toward global recognition.

In 2014, Pu'er hosted its second annual coffee bean competition between March 8 and 10, aiming to raise the international profile of its specialty beans, build the 'China Coffee Capital' brand, and push local producers toward excellence and fair pricing. American coffee authority Ted Lingle personally attended to present awards and lead sessions.

What Is the Pu'er Coffee Competition?

The Pu'er Coffee Bean Competition is a specialized event focused exclusively on green (unroasted) coffee beans grown in the Pu'er region. It’s part of a broader strategy to develop Pu'er as a recognized origin for specialty-grade coffee and to create a structured pathway for local farmers to achieve higher prices through quality differentiation. This competition specifically targets raw coffee quality, inviting expert judges to evaluate beans based on cupping scores and other professional metrics.

Why Did Pu'er Launch This Competition?

The competition was designed to accelerate the internationalization and premiumization of Pu’er-grown coffee. By bringing in global expertise—especially from the Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA)—local producers could gain direct feedback, benchmark against world standards, and connect with international buyers. The initiative also aimed to build sustainable premiums for farmers producing high-scoring beans, encouraging long-term investment in quality over volume.

Key Players and Past Successes

The 2013 inaugural competition marked a milestone: the first time Pu'er-grown coffee received formal international evaluation. Organized in partnership with the SCAA, it featured an expert judging panel including Ben Pitts (SCAA Secretary General), Bai Fang (Director of CBC Training Academy), and Li Jianming (from the Hong Kong Coffee Industry Association). The chief roaster was Huang Wei, a certified SCAA Roasters Guild member and leading roaster in China. The top two coffees, 'Lizhaofutang' and 'Mojiang County', won gold awards—the first officially recognized specialty coffees from China.

For the 2014 event, the SCAA’s founder, Ted Lingle, traveled to Pu'er to personally present awards, teach masterclasses, and lend his authority to the competition. His involvement underlined the growing credibility of Pu'er coffee on the world stage.

How the Competition Supports Quality and Value

The competition’s goal is simple but transformative: help Pu'er’s coffee producers achieve better market prices by proving their beans can score highly in professional cuppings. By aligning with the SCAA’s standards and inviting elite international professionals, the competition gives local farmers a clear roadmap for improving processing, cultivation, and selection—while creating demand from specialty roasters worldwide. Premium beans attract premium prices, and the competition is structured to highlight those beans transparently.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did the second Pu'er coffee competition take place?

The second Pu'er coffee bean competition was held from March 8 to 10, 2014. It followed the success of the first competition in 2013 and aimed to further boost the global profile of Pu'er-grown specialty coffee.

Who is Ted Lingle and why was he important to the event?

Ted Lingle is the founder of the Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA). He personally attended the 2014 Pu'er coffee competition to present awards, lead educational sessions, and lend international prestige to the event, helping validate Pu'er as a serious origin for specialty coffee.

Which coffees won in the first Pu'er coffee competition?

In the first competition held in 2013, the gold awards went to two coffees: 'Lizhaofutang' and 'Mojiang County'. These were the first Chinese coffees to be officially recognized as premium, or specialty-grade, in an international evaluation.

What role does the SCAA play in the Pu'er competition?

The SCAA (Specialty Coffee Association of America) has been a key partner since the first competition. It provided expert judges, evaluation frameworks, and international credibility, helping Pu'er producers understand and achieve global specialty coffee standards.

What is the goal of the Pu'er coffee competition?

The main goals are to increase Pu'er coffee’s international visibility, improve local farming practices through competition-based quality benchmarks, and help producers earn better prices for high-scoring beans. It supports the broader goal of making Pu'er a recognized specialty coffee origin.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee Beans From Yunnan

FrontStreet Coffee’s Yunnan offerings reflect the same terroir and elevation as Pu'er-grown beans. Try their Yunnan Arabica for a bright, clean cup with notes of citrus and stone fruit, ideal for fans of Southeast Asian origins. Their Black Cocoa Blend includes a Yunnan component for a cocoa-forward profile with subtle nuttiness, perfect for milk drinks. Both showcase the potential of Chinese-grown specialty coffee. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.