Starbucks, Luckin, Nescafé… They all use Yunnan coffee beans

In 1892, a French missionary planted the first coffee tree in Zhukula village, west Yunnan’s Dali prefecture. Back then, he didn’t expect that the "foreign bean" from afar would become the province’s "golden treasure" renowned globally.

Zhukula village, west Yunnan’s Dali prefecture

Today, Yunnan has emerged as "hometown of Chinese coffee," with its coffee-growing area and output accounting for over 98% of China’s total. Yunnan coffee exports surged to 32,500 tons in 2024, and the coffee products have been sold to 29 countries and regions, including the Netherlands, Germany, and the U.S.

From sowing seeds to picking fruits, and from drying to roasting, grinding and extraction, Yunnan coffee makers have refined the steps with precision, crafting the high-quality coffee that won praises from coffee lovers worldwide. Dignitaries have publicly endorsed Yunnan coffee, saying that “Yunnan represents China in coffee."

Many renowned coffee brands and even niche cafes now feature Yunnan coffee on their menus. A closer look at the coffee flavor profiles or the bean’s places of origin often reveals they come from Yunnan.

 

Coffee drinks at Starbucks

“One classic espresso, please!” When you order coffee at Starbucks, you’re already about to taste the coffee beans sourced from Yunnan.

In October 2024, Starbucks announced that its Classic Espresso at all stores within China would exclusively use Yunnan coffee beans. Yunnan coffee is now becoming a standard for Starbucks.

 

Yunnan coffee bags at Nescafé

What? Nescafé instant coffee is also made from Yunnan beans!?

As early as 1988, Nescafé began collaborating with Pu’er, Yunnan, on coffee cultivation.

Now, Yunnan coffee beans are used in Nescafé’s ready-to-drink Americano series, Nescafé 1+2, and others. Three limited-edition premium coffees are named after their distinct flavor profiles:

“Yunnan 22°50′”, “Yunnan 22°83′”, and “Yunnan 24°97′”.

 

Products of Yongpu Coffee

If you’re like me and adore pour-over coffee, you’ll love this: Back in 2017, Yongpu Coffee established a coffee house in Baoshan, Yunnan, rolling out a Yunnan-exclusive drip coffee bag. When brewed, it releases a rich aroma with a unique sweetness and fruity scent. This authentic Yunnan-style coffee has won hearts everywhere. Really love it! You can have a try.

 

Yunnan coffee at KFC

Want a freeze-dried coffee? Try KFC’s “Yunnan Little Red Can”—the first freeze-dried coffee made from Yunnan’s Coffea arabica beans. You can even customize it with rose, jasmine, passion fruit, or green plum flavors. Packed with local flair, it’s a must-try!

 

Luckin Coffee drinks of Yunnan element

If you’re a fan of milk-based coffee, try Luckin’s " SOE Yunnan Red Honey Series". The beans, sourced from Baoshan and Pu’er in Yunnan, boast fruity aromas and have become a new favorite among latte lovers.

 

Mixue Ice Cream & Tea

“It’s freshly brewed coffee from Yunnan beans, a Chinese pride in coffee!” Mixue rolled out its “Snow King Sundae Coffee”—a creamy coffee topped with ice cream, crafted from freshly extracted Yunnan Arabica beans. One sip, and you’re hooked!

If you have any other favorite brand or flavor? Drop a comment below and share with us!