Asia

It’s hard to say which Asian country grows the best coffee beans – it really depends on what you like in a cup of coffee. Asia is home to a stunning variety of coffee styles, each influenced by its unique growing conditions, traditions, and methods. Let’s take a closer look at some standout countries so you can decide which one suits your taste.

India: Spices and Sweetness

India grows both speciality Arabica and Robusta coffee. Indian Arabica coffees have a flavour that’s often compared to Indonesian Java but with a brighter twist – more like the acidity of a Guatemalan coffee. They’re full-bodied and rich, with layers of spice like cardamom, clove, nutmeg, and pepper. Sometimes, you might even catch a hint of tropical fruit.

What really sets Indian coffee apart is the monsooning process. This involves exposing beans to moisture-laden monsoon winds for months or even years. It’s a slow and deliberate method that reduces the coffee’s acidity and enhances its sweetness, creating deep, woody and loamy flavours that are completely unique. If you love a coffee that’s bold, intriguing, and a little different, Indian Arabica is worth a try.

Indonesia: Deep and Earthy

Indonesia is a coffee lover’s paradise. The country’s volcanic landscapes and rich soils give its beans a signature earthiness that’s hard to resist. The flavours vary depending on the island, but Indonesian coffees are generally low in acidity and packed with bold, complex notes.

• Java coffee is heavy-bodied, smooth, and often has a molasses-like texture with dark chocolate undertones and a touch of spicy chilli.
• Sumatran coffee is creamy, rich, and perfect for anyone who loves deep, bittersweet chocolate flavours with subtle hints of fruit or spice.
• Sulawesi coffee is a little different – it’s smooth and balanced, with sweet nutty tones and gentle spices that end with a bright, clean finish.

If you prefer a coffee that’s bold, earthy, and layered, Indonesia’s wide range of options has something to suit every mood.

China: Bright and Exciting

China’s coffee scene, particularly in the Yunnan province, is quickly gaining global attention. While it may not be as famous as some of its neighbours yet, the coffees from this region are bursting with potential.

Yunnan Arabica is often processed using the washed method, which results in clean, balanced flavours. But farmers here are experimenting more and more with natural and honey processes, which bring out rich, jammy notes like plum, peach, and stewed berries. There’s an exciting energy to Chinese coffee right now, and it’s perfect for anyone who loves trying something new and full of surprises.

At our organisation, sourcing coffee sustainably and transparently is a key part of what we do. To bring you the finest coffee from across Asia while ensuring a positive impact on the people and ecosystems involved, we work with three exceptional partners: Indochina, South Indian Coffee Company, and Kindred Forest. Each of these partners helps us uphold our commitment to ethical sourcing and environmental stewardship.

Indochina

Indochina plays a crucial role in helping us source coffee sustainably from across Asia. Their focus on building long-term, respectful relationships with coffee-growing communities ensures that the wealth generated by coffee benefits those who grow it. By working directly with farmers and exporters, they ensure that every coffee bean is ethically traded and traceable. Their hands-on involvement during harvest seasons allows them to understand the challenges farmers face and provide tailored support. With Indochina’s dedication, we can offer you coffee that reflects both exceptional quality and a commitment to fairness.

South Indian Coffee Company

The South Indian Coffee Company is our trusted partner for sourcing sustainable coffee from India. Based in the renowned coffee-growing region of Coorg, their fifth-generation expertise in coffee cultivation ensures that their practices are both environmentally conscious and economically fair. By collaborating directly with farmers, they create a supply chain that promotes equity while delivering the highest-quality coffee. Their mission to spotlight Indian specialty coffee on the global stage aligns perfectly with our values, allowing us to bring you extraordinary coffee while supporting the producers and ecosystems behind it.

Kindred Forest

Kindred Forest helps us source coffee from Indonesia in a way that prioritises both environmental conservation and the wellbeing of Indigenous communities. Their innovative approach combines traditional knowledge with modern science to protect rainforests and biodiversity. By focusing on shade-grown coffee and other sustainable practices, they ensure that coffee production supports, rather than harms, the environment. Kindred Forest’s work directly benefits the communities who care for these ecosystems, ensuring they have the resources to preserve their cultural heritage. Through this partnership, we are proud to offer coffee that makes a meaningful impact on both people and the planet.

Absolutely! At Green Coffee Collective, we pride ourselves on our ability to facilitate custom sourcing tailored to your specific needs. Whether you're looking for coffee from a particular Asian country, a specific processing method, or a unique varietal, we can help.

Our partnerships with Indochina, South Indian Coffee Company, and Kindred Forest give us access to a wide range of specialty coffees across Asia. From the spiced profiles of Indian Arabica to the earthy complexity of Indonesian coffees and the fruity, experimental flavours of Yunnan’s speciality beans, our network allows us to source exceptional coffees that match your exact requirements.

To discuss your custom sourcing needs, simply email us at hello@greencoffeecollective.com, and we’ll be happy to help.