STiR coffee and tea magazine

STiR coffee and tea 41 Main Coffee Growing Regions in Yunnan: An Overview Source: Compiled by ManLao River Coffee Co. Ltd. using various Chinese government resources. Total area cultivated Total output by 2020 (estimate) Elevation Avg. annual rainfall Avg. temperature Avg. annual sunlight Main Arabica varietals Typical processing Fertilization Pu'er 52,500 hectares (2017) 58,600 tons (2017) >1,200m 1,100 – 2,780mm 15 – 20.2°C 2,281 – 2,453 hours Catimor washed, natural, honey compound fertilizer, organic fertilizer, homemade animal organic fertilizer Lincan 40,000 hectares (2020 est.) 60,000 tons (2020 est.) 1,300m 1,500 – 1,750mm n/a >2,000 hours Catimor, Typica, Caturra washed, natural compound fertilizer, organic fertilizer, homemade animal organic fertilizer Baoshan 20,000 hectares (2020 est.) 50,000 tons (2020 est.) 800 – 1,400m 700 – 2,100mm 21.3°C 2,334.5 hours Catimor, Typica, Bourbon Choussy, Caturra KMC, Mundo Novo, Cultivar, S288 washed, natural compound fertilizer, organic fertilizer, homemade animal organic fertilizer Dehong 18,000 hectares (2017) 250,000 tons fresh cherries (2017) 800 – 2,100m 1,400 – 1,700mm 18.4 - 20°C 2,281 – 2,453 hours Typica, Bourbon, Catimor washed, natural compound fertilizer, organic fertilizer, homemade animal organic kilometres Shirley Liu, general manager of Yunnan Volcafe Co. Ltd. [Volcafe] On the other side of the spectrum, international certification appears to be rela- tively easy by comparison. "Because of the simpler process, and provided they plan to export, most applicants submit their USDA and EU certification processes first… and only then work on the additional requirements to meet the Chinese certification," Respinger said. "This allows for a more staged process in document production, rather than hav- ing to meet the more difficult Chinese requirements from the outset." It is a sensible approach, too. After all, most foreign importers of organic coffee insist on full docu- mentation; including organic produce from China. "CofiCom doesn't purchase certified coffee that doesn't have validated documents prior to shipping. For organic coffees this means either USDA NOP (National Or- ganic Program), NASAA (National Association for Sustainable Agriculture Australia) or similar plus ICO certificates of origin (ICO certificates are issued for every inter- national shipment of coffee from producers to consumers (whether the importing country is an ICO member or not). The certificates are used to monitor the movement of coffee worldwide. "Many of our roaster customers will also insist on copies of this documentation to support their marketing activities," Mackay explained. Where there's a will, there's a way "Anecdotally, I haven't heard of anyone failing to be accredited if they are really trying for it," said Respinger. "If you are producing coffee in an organic way and can prove it, then the process generally goes smoothly." In situations where a certification lapses and is not renewed it is normally because the company internally decided to abandon it for reasons of cost or effort, he added. He reiterated that while categories are not mutually exclusive, organic coffee does not automatically guarantee high quality coffee. "We see that, in the Chinese market, organic coffees normally sell for 15-20% extra compared to non-certified products. Given the amount of work that goes into obtain- ing and maintaining the certification, that premium is often not worth it." Respinger nevertheless predicts great things to happen, saying that at this time in China organic products are becoming increasingly popular and attract quite a price premium if and when they are differentiated properly. "I think there is plenty of room to grow, but [the trend] will probably be led by organic coffee houses with a strong, easily distinguished value proposition that is evident to customers. We also see a growing number of home consumers specifi- cally requesting our organic coffees when they order." And once coffee escapes the prevailing price slump, Respinger said that he expects there will be "larger numbers of producers making the switch."

• Cover