Pu’er, nestled in the Yunnan Province of China, is renowned for its legacy as the origin of the esteemed Pu’er tea and its significant role on the ancient Tea Horse Road. While most recognize the city for its tea, many are surprised to discover that Pu’er is also China’s “coffee capital.” Despite its modest size, this city is responsible for over 50% of China’s coffee production, producing an impressive 55,700 tons of coffee in 2022.
Internationally renowned coffee brands like Starbucks, Nestlé, Manner, and Seesaw rely on the high-quality beans produced in Pu’er. Not to be left behind on the global stage, local brands are emerging, with prominent ones like Ai Ni Group – a partner of Starbucks – gaining momentum and leaving their mark internationally.
Blessed with a geography that boasts over 98% mountainous terrain, a forest cover nearing 75%, and a climate that averages a comfortable 19.5°C, Pu’er has the perfect setting for cultivating its iconic tea and blossoming coffee. Ancient tea trees, some over 2,700 years old, have been found here, highlighting the city’s deeply rooted tea culture. These trees, and the vast expanse of 2.09 million mu (approximately 139,000 hectares) of tea gardens, speak of the city’s unbreakable bond with tea.
Yet, coffee also has deep roots in Pu’er. The journey began in 1892 when a French missionary introduced the first coffee seed. The trajectory changed drastically in 1988 when Nestlé began coffee cultivation here, and by 2022, coffee plantations spanned an astounding 680,000 mu.
The fusion of tea and coffee culture has imbibed itself in the daily life of the locals. The streets are alive with tea houses and coffee shops, with scents intertwining in a dance of tradition and modernity, east and west. Locals often say they hold “coffee in the left hand and tea in the right,” signifying the harmonious integration of both beverages in their lifestyle.
Tourists visiting Pu’er are treated to more than just drinks. Tea and coffee plantations have become popular attractions, with tea-themed venues and farms offering immersive experiences. Streets adorned with tea shops, serene tea rooms, and evocative performances captivate visitors.
Coffee farms have their charm too. The popular “Xiao’aozi coffee farm” offers a comprehensive coffee experience for a mere 60 yuan ($8.2). Here, tourists not only sample diverse coffee varieties but also delve into the art of brewing and learn processing techniques.
A standout is the Ai Ni coffee farm, owned by the emerging Ai Ni Group. Spanning 2,000 hectares, it offers an amalgamation of production, education, research, and tourism. Here, visitors can witness the entire coffee production process, partake in activities like horse riding and vegetable picking, and round off the day with a bonfire party.
With ambitions soaring high, the Ai Ni Group aspires to establish itself as the ‘Moutai of the Coffee Industry’, setting a benchmark in quality and experience, akin to Starbucks’ premium coffee farm in Costa Rica.
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