Transforming the Coffee Industry in Hainan
Hainan's coffee industry has redefined Robusta beans, traditionally seen as bitter, by transforming them into high-quality, flavourful products. This change has been showcased at the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference, held in late March. On the first day of this year's conference, over 2,000 cups were served, highlighting the popularity of Hainan's coffee.
Barista Chen Fang recalls, "The first time I served at the annual conference, a guest worried Hainan's Robusta beans would taste too bitter and astringent. After tasting it, they were surprised to find a sweet note and fruity fragrance."
Located in China's tropical zone, Hainan has optimised Robusta cultivation since 1957. Advances in variety selection, cultivation techniques, and processing methods have enhanced the beans' quality. The Spice and Beverage Research Institute has played a crucial role in this transformation by providing end-to-end technical guidance.
By 2025, Hainan had developed 26,000 mu (about 4,300 acres) of coffee plantations, with an annual processing capacity of 40,000 metric tons. Comprehensive standards have been implemented, covering everything from seedling to brewing, ensuring high-quality production.
Innovative producers have adopted refined techniques like honey processing and anaerobic fermentation. These methods coax tropical fruit notes of pineapple and mango from the Robusta bean, further enhancing the coffee's appeal.
Li Changjian, general manager of Hainan State Farms Mushan Coffee Co., Ltd., states, "Coffee has great potential for extension and fusion. We combine tropical fruits, vegetables, and other ingredients with coffee to develop products with distinctive Hainan characteristics."
Coffee and Tourism Blend
The coffee industry in Hainan has expanded to include tourism. Visitors can explore coffee estates, participate in the coffee-making process, and enjoy local specialties like coffee fruit stewed chicken. This integration of coffee and tourism has attracted more visitors to the region.
Benefiting from Free Trade Port policies, Hainan has seen increased coffee bean imports and exports. In 2025, imports rose by 5.6 times, reaching a value of AUD 66 million. These policies have significantly boosted the local economy and Hainan's coffee industry.
Mushan Coffee has expanded its presence across Hainan. Since opening its first directly operated café in Haikou in 2021, it now boasts 36 locations. Innovative offerings such as Green Orange Americano and Pandan Coconut Latte cater to evolving consumer tastes.
The Boao Forum will continue to feature Hainan's coffee innovations in future annual conferences, providing an international platform for showcasing the advancements in Hainan's coffee industry.
Last updated: 6 April 2026, 7:19 pm
