Baoshan coffee makers say the EU treaty promises a valuable future

Located in southwestern China, Baoshan is ideal for growing the highest quality Arabica coffee, with a topography and climate reminiscent of the famous Blue Mountains of Jamaica.

In the last two years, farmers have harvested more than 44,000 tonnes of beans, much of which has been exported.

Although the coronavirus pandemic has hit the industry, locals are optimistic about the long-term benefits of a groundbreaking agreement with the European Union (EU).

At the end of 2019, China and the EU committed themselves to protecting at least 100 of each other’s geographical indicators. Baoshan coffee was one of the selected products and therefore benefits from a better position in Europe.

“The agreement will strengthen our bargaining power in the long run, and I believe the government will introduce new support policies,” Li Xiaobo, Yunnan’s coffee industry director, told CGTN.

As the market recovers, coffee makers will focus on value-added products such as freeze-dried and freeze-brewed coffee.