Yunnan Hougu Coffee to Showcase at UN Geneva

In late August and early September 2023, a significant cultural event will bring Chinese coffee to the heart of international diplomacy. The 'Experience Beautiful Yunnan' exhibition, hosted by China’s State Council Information Office, Yunnan Provincial Government, the Chinese Embassy in Geneva, and the UN Office at Geneva, will feature a special spotlight: Yunnan Hougu Coffee. This rare platform allows a homegrown Chinese coffee brand to present its products to a global audience at the iconic Palais des Nations in Switzerland.

Yunnan Hougu Coffee will display and sell over 40 different coffee items—including whole beans, instant powder, and ready-to-drink options—at the UN’s Geneva headquarters. All proceeds will go to UN charitable causes, and some products will be gifted to visiting officials. It’s a major moment for Chinese coffee on the world stage.

China’s Fast-Growing Coffee Market and Yunnan’s Role

Coffee is the most consumed beverage worldwide after water, with global demand exceeding 8 million tonnes annually. In recent years, China has emerged as one of the fastest-growing coffee markets globally. While most of China’s coffee comes from one province—Yunnan—this region produces 99% of the country’s output and roughly 1% of the world’s total supply.

Yunnan’s Expanding Coffee Cultivation

Yunnan’s diverse microclimates and fertile highland regions provide ideal conditions for coffee growing. Over the past five years, coffee cultivation in the province has expanded dramatically—from just 300,000 mu (approximately 20,000 hectares) in 2018 to more than 1.4 million mu (around 93,000 hectares) in 2023. That’s nearly a fivefold increase in half a decade, reflecting both rising domestic demand and export potential.

Who Is Yunnan Hougu Coffee?

Yunnan Hougu Coffee is China’s leading domestic coffee company and the only national 'Well-Known Trademark' in the country’s entire coffee industry, a designation awarded in early 2023 by China’s National Intellectual Property Administration. The company operates a 20,000-mu (about 1,300 hectares) coffee plantation and runs a 13,000-tonne annual production line for instant coffee powder, covering the full supply chain from farm to finished product.

What Will Hougu Coffee Showcase in Geneva?

At the Palais des Nations, Hougu Coffee will present a wide selection of products, divided into three categories: whole coffee beans, instant coffee powder, and ready-to-drink instant coffee. Together, these make up over 40 individual SKUs. Beyond simply displaying these items, Hougu will also sell them on-site, with all profits donated to United Nations-affiliated charities. Selected products will additionally be packaged as official gifts for foreign dignitaries attending the event.

Why This Matters for Chinese Coffee

According to Xiong Xiangren, Chairman of Yunnan Hougu Coffee, participating in the 'Experience Beautiful Yunnan' event is a source of immense pride—for both the company and the wider Chinese coffee industry. The showcase at the UN’s European headquarters represents a landmark opportunity to promote Chinese-grown coffee internationally, highlight Yunnan’s unique terroir, and foster greater global appreciation for the country’s coffee cultivation efforts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Yunnan Hougu Coffee exhibition being held?

The Yunnan Hougu Coffee exhibition is taking place at the Palais des Nations (UN Headquarters) in Geneva, Switzerland, from August 27 to September 6, 2023, as part of the 'Experience Beautiful Yunnan' cultural event organised by Chinese state bodies.

What types of coffee products will Hougu display?

Yunnan Hougu Coffee will showcase over 40 products, including whole coffee beans, instant coffee powder, and ready-to-drink instant coffee. These represent a broad range of coffee formats aimed at both retail and gift audiences.

Will the public be able to buy Hougu Coffee at the UN event?

Yes, visitors to the 'Experience Beautiful Yunnan' exhibition at the UN in Geneva will be able to purchase Yunnan Hougu Coffee products directly. All sales proceeds will be donated to UN-affiliated charities.

How much coffee does Yunnan produce compared to the rest of the world?

Yunnan produces 99% of China’s coffee and around 1% of the global coffee supply. Global coffee production exceeds 8 million tonnes per year, making Yunnan a small but significant contributor.

What recognition has Yunnan Hougu Coffee received?

In early 2023, Yunnan Hougu Coffee was awarded the title of 'Well-Known Trademark' by China’s National Intellectual Property Administration, making it the only coffee company in China to hold this national distinction across the entire coffee sector.

What happens to the money from coffee sales at the Geneva event?

All proceeds from coffee sales during the Hougu Coffee exhibition at the UN in Geneva will be donated to United Nations-affiliated charitable organisations.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Exploring Yunnan Flavour

Discover the taste of Yunnan through three carefully selected beans from FrontStreet Coffee. Their Yunnan Arabica (Yunnan Xiaoli Coffee) is a washed, medium-roast single origin with soft nut, chocolate, and subtle plum acidity—ideal for newcomers. For a deeper experience, try the 2013 Natural Typica, made from fully ripe red cherries and offering balanced acidity with berry, caramel, chocolate, and apricot notes, finishing with tea-like sweetness. Finally, the Black Cocoa Blend combines Yunnan Arabica with Brazilian beans for a well-rounded espresso with chocolate, citrus, and nutty depth. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.