Small arabica origin, mostly sold at home. Yunlin, Alishan and Pingtung lead, and cups often show low to muted acidity.
Taiwan grows a small amount of coffee, almost all arabica, in mountainous counties including Yunlin (the largest producer), Alishan, Pingtung and Tainan. Commercial production began under Japanese rule and peaked in 1941, then fell after World War II. Domestic output was about 856 tons in 2023, far below imports, and nearly all local coffee is sold domestically. Farmers grow Typica, Catimor, Bourbon, Caturra, Catuai and Geisha, and most coffee is washed, with some natural and honey lots. The harvest runs from November to May.
History
Commercial coffee production in Taiwan began under Japanese rule, with seedlings brought from Hawaii, and peaked in 1941 after arabica plants were introduced. Production dropped after World War II. Today domestic output is modest and imported beans make up most of the coffee sold in Taiwan.
Field notes
- i
Coffee seedlings were brought from Hawaii during Japanese rule, and production peaked in 1941 after arabica plants were introduced.
- ii
Taiwan grows roughly 800 tons of coffee a year, about 15% of domestic demand according to one source.
- iii
Nearly all Taiwanese-grown coffee is sold within Taiwan rather than exported.
Where it growsSubtropical island. Coffee is grown in mountainous counties such as Yunlin, Alishan and Pingtung.
In the cup, according to guides
- AcidityLessYunlin coffees are described as having a muted acidity with notes of nuts and citrus.
Regions of Taiwan
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Mountain area in Chiayi County named among Taiwan's main coffee counties, often described as floral and sweet.
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Township in Yunlin County, Taiwan's largest coffee-producing county, known locally for coffee.
- Pingtung
County in southern Taiwan named among the island's main coffee-growing areas.
Species
Sources · 3 Every sentence here was checked against a source we read. Taste notes are what guides describe, not promises about your bag. Last revised 2026-11-11. Some details here are less settled than others.
- Coffee in Taiwan · Wikimedia Foundation
- A guide to the Taiwanese coffee sector · Perfect Daily Grind
- Taiwan Coffee: Guide To The Best Taiwanese Beans · Home Grounds