Dehong Coffee: From China’s Hometown of Coffee to a Global Genetic Treasure Trove

 In recent years, China has emerged as one of the world’s most important coffee-consuming and producing nations. Thanks to its exceptional natural conditions, strong industrial foundation, and robust research capabilities, Yunnan’s Dehong Prefecture has become one of the first coffee-growing regions in China. Known internationally for its “Dehong Coffee,” the region’s plantations are now full of ripe red cherries as the harvest season arrives once again. In Nongxian Village of Ruili—where small coffee beans were first introduced in 1893, marking the start of China’s century-long coffee history—a remarkable transformation is underway: from “the hometown of Chinese coffee” to a “genetic resource treasure trove.”

01

Fifteen Years of Scientific Perseverance: Building China’s Coffee “Chip Factory”

As one of the earliest regions in Yunnan to cultivate coffee, Dehong’s coffee industry has a deep and rich legacy. The crop was first introduced in 1893 and began industrial development in 1998. Over the past two decades, through joint efforts by government, enterprises, and farmers, the industry has continued to evolve. In 2017, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi praised Dehong coffee as “the best in the world.” The 2022 Coffee Industry Development Conference further strengthened its reputation, with many declaring that “when it comes to coffee, Dehong leads the way.”

Today, over 1,100 coffee germplasm resources thrive in the seed breeding base of the Dehong Tropical Agricultural Science Institute (DTASI)—the largest coffee seed gene bank in China and the official germplasm repository of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. Each seedling carries unique genetic material, nurturing the future of Dehong’s coffee industry.

“Coffee breeding is a long scientific marathon. It takes about 15 years and three phases of experimentation before a new variety can be promoted,” said Yang Liming, Director of the Technology Transfer Center at DTASI, expressing her dedication to coffee research.
Given Dehong’s diverse topography and climate, each variety must undergo multi-location trials to ensure it can thrive under different conditions—turning these beans into true “golden beans” for farmers.

This scientific marathon has been running for 58 years. Since the 1990s, the research team has collaborated with international institutions from Kenya, Portugal, and Brazil to continuously improve its innovation capabilities. Today, DTASI is known as China’s coffee chip factory, preserving the nation’s richest collection of coffee germplasm—including small, medium, and large bean varieties as well as the rare “clove” type. It has also successfully developed proprietary varieties such as De-Re 132 and Rui-Ken 48-1, which together cover more than 1 million mu (≈165,000 acres)—over 80% of China’s total coffee planting area. These breakthroughs have laid a solid foundation for the modernization of China’s coffee industry.


02

Empowering the “Golden Bean”: Driving New Momentum Across the Entire Industry Chain

With technological innovation fueling progress, Dehong’s high-quality “golden beans” are powering the region’s economic revival.
By December 2024, Dehong’s coffee planting area had stabilized at 81,700 mu, with 59,200 mu under harvest, producing 7,700 tons of green beans and generating an agricultural output value of 264 million yuan.
In the first quarter of 2025, the area increased by 13.2%, reaching 81,500 mu, with production soaring 190% year-over-year to 4,971 tons—a clear sign of robust recovery. Currently, 39 of Dehong’s 56 towns and farms across five counties cultivate coffee, primarily varieties like Catimor, De-Re, and Gesha. Over the past three years, improved varieties have significantly boosted farmers’ incomes, turning the “golden bean” into a true “bean of prosperity.”

Industry growth now extends beyond farming to processing and branding.
At the 2025 South and Southeast Asia Commodity Expo (SSACEIF), six local enterprises—including Dehong Heirou Coffee Co., Ltd., Dehong Yinopure Coffee Co., Ltd., and Mangshi Zhiken Coffee Co., Ltd.—showcased their latest products, signaling the region’s move from raw material supply to value-added innovation.
Dehong now boasts over 10 local brands, such as Hougu and Roundtrip, many of which have expanded to online channels. More than 200 themed coffee shops—ranging from rustic farmhouse style to ethnic and modern wood aesthetics—have emerged, enriching local coffee culture.

The region is also accelerating its shift from raw production to deep processing, developing diversified products such as roasted coffee, ultra-fine ground coffee, espresso concentrate, and cold brew freeze-dried coffee. These initiatives are extending the industrial chain and significantly increasing value-added potential.


03

Three-Year Action Plan: A Roadmap for High-Quality Coffee Development

To promote sustainable and high-quality growth, Dehong has released the “Three-Year Action Plan for High-Quality Coffee Industry Development (2025–2027)”, outlining clear goals for the next phase.
Building on the 81,500 mu planted area and 4,971 tons produced in early 2025, the plan targets by 2027:

  • Over 120,000 mu of stable planting area

  • 10,000+ tons of annual green bean output

  • A 30% premium coffee rate

  • An 80% deep-processing rate

  • Agricultural output exceeding 500 million yuan

  • A total industry value surpassing 5 billion yuan

Key strategies include:

  • Strengthening the breeding and propagation system, cultivating 8.6 million high-quality seedlings through research institutes and leading enterprises.

  • Building premium coffee bases, focusing on Mangshi and Yingjiang, while expanding to Ruili and Longchuan, and establishing four boutique estates.

  • Upgrading processing capabilities, adding or upgrading at least six centralized processing centers and establishing two new SC-certified processing enterprises.

  • Cultivating market entities through investment attraction, strengthening leading enterprises and cooperatives, and leveraging the Coffee Industry Alliance platform to integrate the entire value chain.


04

Coffee Meets Tourism: Creating an Urban Showcase of Coffee Diversity

As consumer demand shifts toward quality, personalization, and convenience, Dehong is actively exploring the integration of coffee culture with tourism.
A Boutique Coffee Expo Park is being planned in Ruili, featuring all 1,100+ coffee varieties held by DTASI. Unlike most rural coffee estates, this park will be situated within the city, serving as an immersive coffee plantation experience.

“Our goal is to help more visitors understand that Yunnan is not only a biodiversity hub but also a major center for coffee diversity,” explained Yang Liming. Visitors will be able to taste distinct coffee flavors, observe coffee-growing conditions, and learn about processing techniques—all within one setting. The park aims to become a must-visit destination for coffee lovers and tourists alike, further boosting Dehong’s visibility and influence.


Technological breakthroughs have poured like timely rain over the fertile fields of Dehong’s coffee lands. The 13.2% growth in planting area and 190% increase in production in early 2025 vividly illustrate the momentum of high-quality development.
From its first coffee introduction over 130 years ago to its present status as China’s coffee germplasm treasure trove, Dehong continues to write new chapters in its coffee story—one “golden bean” at a time.

Guided by its three-year action plan and driven by innovation, Dehong is poised to become China’s core coffee seed region, a high-quality raw material base, a deep-processing hub for instant coffee, and a China–ASEAN coffee trade center, ushering in a more dynamic and prosperous future for China’s coffee industry.

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