Move over, tea tradition →
! While China's love for coffee is skyrocketing (we’re talking 10%+ annual growth!
), its southwestern Yunnan province is quietly brewing a global caffeine takeover. Forget Starbucks copycats—this is where arabica beans meet ancient farming wisdom.
\"Yunnan’s coffee isn’t just a crop, it’s a cultural handshake,\" says CGTN’s Zheng Junfeng, who recently trekked through terraced hills where 98% of China’s coffee grows. Through misty mountains and tech-powered farms, he found growers blending centuries-old techniques with AI soil sensors .
Here’s the buzz: Yunnan beans now fuel both local latte art hubs AND international giants like Nestlé. With climate-smart farming and Gen Z entrepreneurs entering the field, this region could soon rival Colombia or Ethiopia. Pro tip: Watch for Yunnan’s specialty single-origin packs hitting hipster cafes near you!
Reference(s):
BizFocus Ep. 87: The heart of China's coffee farming in Yunnan
cgtn.com