First Taiwanese Coffee Auction Draws Global Interest
The Taiwanese specialty coffee industry is celebrating the results from the first-ever Taiwan Private Collection Auction. The average price of $94.50/lb for the nine lots spread among 20 companies and seven countries signals a strong demand for coffee grown on the tropical island of Taiwan. The top price went to 1st place winner Ting-Yeh Hsu of Zhuo Wu Mountain Coffee Farm for $500.50/lb. The highest bidder for the auction was in fact a group of Taiwanese coffee importers, roasters, and cafes: Simple Kaffa, KAKALOVE CAFE, Pebble Coffee, HWC, and Urban Coffee Roaster (Hong Kong). The remaining lots were purchased by buyers in the USA, France, Japan, Canada, Saudi Arabia, and Taiwan.
“I want to thank the organizers for the care they put into this event. This very first international auction for Taiwanese farmers has been both eye-opening and exciting, allowing us the opportunity to bring our coffees to the world. I hope this event continues in the future, and I want to thank all the bidders who bid on the coffees. I know Taiwanese coffees can only get better with your continued support,” said 1st and 3rd place winner Ting-Yeh Hsu of the Zhuo Wu Mountain Coffee Farm.
“This is the first time my coffee is put on an international auction. It was strange and exciting at the same time, and even more so when I watched the numbers go up during the live online auction. I am very glad Taiwanese coffee received much recognition by coffee professionals around the world, and I hope one day Taiwan will become a world-renowned coffee origin,” said 2nd place winner Ho-Te Chen of Amber Coffee Estate.
The island of Taiwan, with its high elevation mountain ranges and diverse microclimates, is one of the only places in the world where one can find complete vertical integration from seed to cup with many roaster-cafes found on coffee farms.
“Taiwan is not just a coffee origin of the highest caliber; it is also the island with the world’s best coffee shops. Being able to secure the winning auction lot from the first ever Taiwan PCA for the sake of coffee consumers who have been supporting the local industry over the years carries momentous importance for us,” said Berg Wu speaking on behalf of the 1st place buying group. Berg is the co-founder of Simple Kaffa and was also the 2016 World Barista Champion.
Taiwan Coffee Laboratory, on behalf of the Council of Agriculture, Executive Yuan R.O.C. (Taiwan) and Taiwan Coffee Association teamed up with Alliance for Coffee Excellence to organize the auction and competition, identifying 9 winning coffees for the first ever Private Collection Auction of Taiwanese specialty coffee. The winning lots which scored 86 points and higher, represent 3 varieties and 3 processes.
“We purchased this sample set with an open mind but expected it to be more of an exploratory exercise. We were blown away by several of the samples, and quickly decided we wanted to share these coffees with our guests. There was a wide range of profiles on the table, which was very nice to see. Overall, our favorite lots displayed a level of complexity that, frankly, I wasn’t expecting. The lot we purchased was very fruit forward and floral, but was very refined,” said Shaun Puklavetz, Coffee Sourcing & Relationship Manager for Blue Bottle. This will be the company’s first time offering Taiwanese coffee to their customers.
“I think our guests will think that this coffee is delicious. Hopefully, we’re able to shine a light on the great work ACE is doing as well, and this coffee can represent what is possible when producers are willing and able to invest in quality, roasters are willing to reward those investments, and customers are willing to explore new and exciting coffees,” Shaun Puklavetz continued.
This auction honors the incredible work of the local Taiwanese coffee farmers. The partnership between Taiwan Coffee Laboratory and ACE was established as part of ACE’s mission to recognize and reward exceptional producers and strives to increase farmer access to premium markets.
The coffee is now getting shipped to winning bidders to roast and share with their customers. For auction results, please visit: https://allianceforcoffeeexcellence.org/2021-taiwan-coffee-auction-pca/
About The Alliance for Coffee Excellence
The Alliance for Coffee Excellence (ACE) is a nonprofit 501c (6) tax exempt organization dedicated to the discovery, appreciation, and reward for top quality coffees. Its mission to support excellence in coffee includes trading and auction activities that result in the development of higher incomes and sustainable economic development for its partner coffee producing countries. ACE conducts transparent auctions rewarding individual farmers who work hard to produce exemplary coffees including Cup of Excellence® competition winners, Private Collection Auctions and others that meet its requirements. ACE also conducts cuppings, marketing, events, training, and other activities designed to increase understanding, appreciation, and premiums for exemplary coffee worldwide. ACE enjoys a global membership of top tier coffee companies. For more information visit allianceforcoffeeexcellence.org.
