China

China’s coffee production is largely concentrated in Yunnan Province, with smaller-scale cultivation in Sichuan and Hainan. The highland regions of Yunnan, at elevations ranging from 1,000 to 1,800 meters, offer ideal conditions for Arabica coffee, particularly the Catimor variety. The province’s subtropical highland climate—characterized by mild temperatures, well-distributed rainfall, and misty mornings—supports slow cherry maturation, which contributes to the development of bright, sweet, and floral cup profiles highly sought after in specialty markets. Coffee farming in Yunnan is predominantly carried out by smallholder farmers, who often integrate coffee within agroforestry or mixed-crop systems, though a number of larger estates also operate in the region.

In southern regions such as Hainan, Robusta coffee is cultivated under low-elevation, hot, and humid tropical conditions. These plantations mainly serve commercial blends and domestic consumption, complementing Yunnan’s specialty Arabica production. Coffee farmers across China increasingly focus on quality and sustainability, employing selective handpicking, washed and natural processing methods, and cooperative-based initiatives to improve traceability, postharvest handling, and bean consistency.

China’s coffee sector has experienced rapid growth in recent years, fueled by rising domestic demand, expanding specialty coffee interest, and emerging export opportunities. In Yunnan, Arabica is gaining recognition in international specialty markets, while Hainan Robusta maintains an important role in industrial and local coffee supply chains. Ongoing investments in sustainable farming practices, technical training, and cooperative organization are strengthening the country’s overall coffee quality and supporting continued expansion of the industry.