December 13 2025

Origin

Yunnan is a province in China that borders several coffee-rich regions such as Myanmar, Laos, and Vietnam. Besides being a place worth visiting for its picturesque mountain landscapes and rich history, Yunnan is also an enticing melting pot full of bold and spicy dishes (see the Netflix series “Flavourful Origins,” which features Yunnan cuisine). This particular coffee comes from the Shigaokching and Kuiben areas, traditionally known for their exceptional tea production. In a remote part of Yunnan, east of the city of Pu’er and near the border, many ethnic minorities live, including the Hani, Miao, Tai, and others. “The climate and terroir in Yunnan are ideal for growing coffee: fertile volcanic soil, very cold nights, and subtropical afternoons. Warm days and cool nights allow coffee cherries to ripen slowly into juicy, mature fruit, which translates into naturally sweet and clean-tasting coffee. Commercial coffee has been grown here on a large scale since the 1990s, but until recently the focus on specialty coffee was minimal. Farmers often concentrate more on crops most associated with Yunnan—some tea trees here are said to be more than a thousand years old—as well as on market-driven crops like sugarcane whenever its price rises. Thanks to our close relationships with several progressive producers and farmers in Yunnan, we have built great partnerships and are seeing the quality of coffee improve each season, becoming more versatile and interesting. You can truly feel the enthusiasm and pride in these coffees.”