Is Coffee the Most Famous Thing in Laos? Introduction to Laos Coffee Varieties, Cultivation, Flavor Characteristics, and Taste Profile

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Introduction to Lao Coffee

Before the emergence of "Oklao," a Taiwanese coffee company, Lao coffee produced in Laos was rarely seen in Taiwan's green bean trade system.

However, coffee cultivation culture in Laos began before World War II. In 1927, 90% of the production from Laos' Bolaven Volcano was exported to French companies and sold in Europe.

Laos itself is a landlocked country in Southeast Asia. The Bolaven Volcano Plateau possesses precious volcanic soil and geographical conditions in the surrounding area.

In 2002, the French Agricultural Research Center for International Development (CIRAD) stated that Lao coffee beans are among the world's finest coffee beans.

Although Lao coffee beans are still rarely seen in major international competitions or evaluations, the quality of Lao coffee is evident.

Coffee Growing Conditions

Coffee is Laos' fifth largest export product. The Bolaven Plateau in the south is the country's largest coffee growing region, producing about 95% of Laos' coffee. The growing area is located at 15 degrees north latitude, with elevations ranging from 600 to 1300 meters, covering over 500 square kilometers. With abundant sunshine and rainfall, cool temperatures, and fertile slightly acidic volcanic soil, these are excellent growing conditions with the potential to produce large quantities of high-quality Arabica beans. Lao coffee has a rich, mellow flavor with hints of mild citrus and floral aromas.

Historical Development

In the 1920s, the French transplanted three varieties of coffee trees—Arabica, Robusta, and Liberica—from Vietnam to Laos for cultivation. However, the major frost of 1949 caused massive coffee tree deaths. Farmers abandoned disease-prone Arabica and low-priced Liberica, switching to the more disease-resistant Robusta. According to 2001 data, 34,000 hectares of farmland and 23,000 families were engaged in coffee production, with 88% being Robusta and 12% Arabica. This included both low-yield smallholder farmers and systematically managed large estates. Most large estates have their own brands and processing plants. The Lao government has cooperated with development agencies from various countries to introduce high-yield, high-quality Arabica trees to Laos, increasing farmers' income.

Harvest Season

October to February each year is the coffee harvest season. If you're interested in visiting coffee plantations, experiencing farmers' lives, and hand-picking coffee cherries, consider visiting Laos in December.

FrontStreet Coffee: A roastery in Guangzhou with a small shop but diverse bean varieties, where you can find various famous and lesser-known beans, while also providing online store services. https://shop104210103.taobao.com

Important Notice :

前街咖啡 FrontStreet Coffee has moved to new addredd:

FrontStreet Coffee Address: 315,Donghua East Road,GuangZhou

Tel:020 38364473