How Taiwan is becoming a specialty coffee playerーNHK WORLD-JAPAN NEWS

Key Concepts

• Taiwanese Coffee Industry: Emerging focus on premium coffee production despite small overall volume.
• Guing District, Yuling County: One of Taiwan’s three major coffee growing regions.
• Alishan Region: High-altitude area known for both tea and increasingly, high-grade coffee.
• Quality Control: Emphasis on competitions, expert judging, and technological advancements (image recognition sorting).
• Sustainable Farming: Utilizing data-driven approaches and attracting younger generations back to agriculture.

Taiwan’s Ascent in the Premium Coffee Market

Taiwan, historically renowned for its tea production, is actively developing a burgeoning coffee industry focused on high-quality, specialty beans. While currently producing approximately 1,000 tons of coffee annually – a small percentage of global output – Taiwan is gaining recognition amongst coffee connoisseurs through a dedication to premium varieties and innovative farming techniques.

Historical Roots and Regional Focus

The cultivation of coffee in Taiwan dates back over 70 years, with regions like the Guing district in Yuling County serving as key production areas. Liu Yun, a local farmer, emphasizes the importance of connecting the coffee industry with the region’s history and culture, offering farm tours to educate the public. These tours aim to showcase the heritage of coffee cultivation in the area and build appreciation for the local product.

Government Support and Quality Assessment

The Taiwanese Ministry of Agriculture is actively supporting the industry’s growth through initiatives designed to enhance international competitiveness. A key component of this strategy is the annual national coffee competition, held for the past three years. This competition employs a rigorous evaluation process, incorporating judges from Japan and Singapore to assess flavor and aroma profiles. The goal is to identify and promote the highest quality locally grown coffees.

Funjun Lun: A Pioneer in Premium Coffee Production

The 2025 competition’s top award was presented to Funjun Lun, a coffee expert who oversees every aspect of his operation, from bean cultivation to roasting. His coffee commands a high price – up to $45 per 100g – and is exported to markets in Japan and the United States. Lun’s farm is situated at an altitude of 1,200 meters in the Alishan region, traditionally a tea-growing area. He transitioned to coffee cultivation after observing the success of other regions in Taiwan.

Scientific Farming and Technological Innovation

Funjun Lun employs a highly scientific approach to coffee farming. He utilizes a smartphone application to monitor the needs of his 6,000 trees, enabling precise irrigation. Furthermore, he recently implemented a state-of-the-art, Taiwanese-made sorting machine that utilizes image recognition technology to identify and remove defective beans (those with mold or damage). Lun stresses the importance of “data management” in achieving “consistent bean quality.” His expertise has made him a valuable resource for younger farmers seeking guidance.

Attracting a New Generation of Farmers

The success of farmers like Funjun Lun is inspiring a new generation to return to agriculture. One young farmer stated, “Fang is setting an example and I hope to follow in his footsteps. This is a way for young people to stay in their hometowns and reap economic benefits from their own land.” This represents a positive trend towards revitalizing rural communities and ensuring the sustainability of the coffee industry.

Alishan’s Potential and Future Outlook

Funjun Lun’s ambition is to establish Alishan as the premier coffee-producing region in Asia. The unique climatic conditions of the high-altitude Alishan region – significant temperature variations between day and night – are considered ideal for cultivating high-quality coffee beans.

As stated by a representative of the industry, “I feel Taiwanese coffee has enormous potential to spread throughout the world.” Taiwan is strategically positioning itself as a producer of premium coffee, leveraging its history, embracing innovation, and focusing on quality to build a reputation “one perfect brew at a time.”