Discover the Gems of Yunnan

Coffee first arrived in Yunnan in the late 19th century, but it is only in recent decades that the region has begun to forge a distinct identity in the world of specialty coffee.

Lying between 21° and 29° north latitude, Yunnan’s high-altitude plateaus, volcanic soils, and mild subtropical climate offer exceptional conditions for cultivating specialty-grade beans. With these natural advantages, together with a growing community of dedicated producers and a relentless focus on quality, Yunnan is steadily emerging as an origin worth watching.

What many may not know, however, is that China is now the world’s 9th largest producer of Arabica coffee—and Yunnan alone accounts for over 98% of the country’s total output, playing a pivotal role in China’s rising presence on the international coffee stage.

Last May, after years of quiet dedication from a handful of true pioneers, the world’s most prestigious high-quality coffee competition and auction—in its Pilot format—made its debut in Yunnan. A total of 144 coffees from seven major producing regions entered the competition. This year, the number grew to 169 entries, with 30 scoring above 87 points, 20 winning awards, and three receiving the distinguished “Presidential Award.”

The strength of Yunnan coffee lies not only in the generous gifts of this land, but also in the perseverance and innovation of generations of coffee growers. The name *Gem* is our sincerest tribute to this land and to the farmers who cultivate it with unwavering diligence. Each coffee cherry, carefully hand-picked, carries a family’s hope for a better life and holds the promise of Yunnan coffee competing at the highest global level. Through this name, we wish to convey a simple truth: those who grow great coffees are the truest gems of this land.

The GoY competition is executed by our ICP, the Specialty Coffee Society of Yunnan (云南省精品咖啡学会), with Luckin Coffee serving as a strategic partner, alongside the generous support of many other sponsors.