The History of Coffee Cultivation in Taiwan

Ever wondered where Taiwan’s coffee farms come from, or why certain regions like Antong and Hsusun still grow coffee today? The story isn’t just about beans—it’s rooted in 19th-century colonial experiments, wartime disruptions, and a surprising golden age long before third-wave coffee arrived.

Taiwan’s modern coffee cultivation began in 1884 when the British introduced coffee to Taipei’s Sanxia District. It took off under Japanese rule in the early 1900s, with successful trials in the north leading to large-scale planting in Zhiben and Ruisui. By 1941, Taiwan’s coffee production hit its peak—high yield and excellent cup quality—but collapsed soon after due to WWII and post-war shifts to rice farming.

The Origins: 1884–1900s

Coffee first came to Taiwan in 1884 (during the 10th year of the Guangxu Emperor’s reign) when the British planted trial crops in Taipei’s Sanxia area. Later, during Japanese colonization, the Japanese recognized Taiwan’s favorable climate and soil for coffee. They imported Arabica varieties from abroad, tested them successfully in the north, and then invested heavily in expanding plantations in Zhiben and Ruisui, achieving strong yields.

The Golden Age: 1941

By 1941, Taiwan’s coffee industry reached its zenith. Production was abundant, and the cup quality was highly regarded—marking the high point of coffee’s popularity in Taiwan. However, this success was short-lived. The outbreak of the Pacific War disrupted sales and farming efforts, and with no one to maintain the crops, many farmers switched to more reliable food crops like rice. After Japan’s defeat and withdrawal, coffee farming was largely abandoned.

Post-War Developments and Current Farms

Following the war, coffee faded from Taiwan’s agricultural focus. Today, only a few farms maintain significant cultivation, most notably Antong and Hsusun. These farms represent the remnants of Taiwan’s once-thriving coffee cultivation. Other historical milestones include Japanese company Kimura Cafe planting coffee around Chiayi and Ruisui around 1931, the introduction of instant coffee to Taiwan in 1950 via US military presence (starting with Nestlé), and the rise of honey cafés and European-style coffee shops through the 1960s and beyond.

Coffee in Taiwanese Culture: Key Historical Moments

• 1931: Japanese Kimura Cafe plants coffee in Chiayi and later Ruisui
• 1941: Peak production year for Taiwanese coffee in terms of both volume and quality
• 1950: Introduction of instant coffee (initially Nestlé) through US military presence
• 1960: The “honey café” era; Wuchang Street’s Mingxing Café becomes a literary hub
• 1962: Founding of the International Coffee Organization
• 1963: Antong Farm begins coffee cultivation
• 1980s: Rise of bookstore cafés, garden cafés, and eventually modern coffee chains

Frequently Asked Questions

When did coffee first arrive in Taiwan?

Coffee was first introduced to Taiwan in 1884 (Guangxu 10) when the British planted trial crops in Taipei’s Sanxia District.

Did coffee ever become popular in Taiwan?

Yes, coffee reached its peak in Taiwan in 1941 with high production and excellent cup quality, but it declined rapidly due to World War II and the post-war shift to growing rice.

Where are the main coffee-growing areas in Taiwan today?

Today, the most notable coffee farms in Taiwan are Antong and Hsusun, which continue cultivation despite the industry’s decline after the mid-20th century.

What happened to Taiwan’s coffee farms after WWII?

After WWII, many farmers abandoned coffee for more profitable and stable crops like rice, leading to the collapse of the domestic coffee industry.

What role did the Japanese play in Taiwan’s coffee history?

The Japanese colonial government identified Taiwan’s potential for coffee growing, introduced Arabica varieties, and established major plantations in the north and later in Zhiben and Ruisui during the early 1900s.

When was instant coffee introduced in Taiwan?

Instant coffee was first brought to Taiwan in 1950 during the US military’s presence, initially only Nestlé products being available.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Taiwanese Coffee Fans

If you’re exploring Taiwan’s coffee history, try brewing FrontStreet’s BrazilBourbon for its smooth, nutty profile with gentle acidity—ideal for appreciating balanced single origins. For brighter complexity, the ColombiaSidra offers tropical fruit layers with a juicy body thanks to its double anaerobic processing. Or dive into Indonesian character with the Lintong Mandheling, a classic heavy-bodied, low-acid option with classic Sumatran spice and toast notes. All three showcase the kind of nuanced, high-quality single origins that reflect the potential of Taiwan-grown beans. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.