History of
Lao Coffee
From Colonial Beginnings
to Global Recognition
Laos, an ancient nation of many kingdoms, has long been a centre of education and culture. This heritage continues today, with coffee deeply linked to the Lao people, their traditions, and the environment, a blend of history and sustainability
The story of coffee in Laos began in 1915 when French colonists introduced three types of coffee plants to the country – Arabica, Robusta and Liberica. Initially, they attempted cultivation in the northern regions but quickly realised that the Bolaven Plateau in the southern province of Champasak offered better conditions.
At the time, the French were building a railway in southern Laos to bypass the formidable Khone Phapheng Falls. From the banks of the Mekong River, they could see the Bolaven Plateau rising above the plains. This ancient volcanic region, with its fertile soil, cooler temperatures, and higher altitudes of 800–1,350 m, promised ideal conditions for agriculture.
The Bolaven Plateau drew settlers captivated by its natural beauty, trade potential, and agricultural promise. This fertile plateau soon became the cornerstone of Lao coffee production.
Early coffee crops focused on Arabica varieties, particularly Bourbon and Typica. By the 1920s, coffee had become the primary crop on the Bolaven.
May-Tad Gneang Waterfall Paksong. Photo by Nicole Motteux
Unexploded ordnance (UXO) remains a daily danger in Laos, especially along the Ho Chi Minh Trail, where coffee is grown. Organisations are working tirelessly to clear these areas, saving lives and enabling economic development through safe farming. Photo by Nicole Motteux.
Conflict and Challenges
Laos’ coffee-growing regions reflect a turbulent past. During World War II, many French settlers abandoned their plantations. Then, in 1949, the Great Frost devastated coffee crops and an outbreak of coffee leaf rust caused further losses. Farmers responded by introducing Robusta.
The Vietnam War (1968–1975) again devastated the industry. The Annamite Range, bordering the Bolaven Plateau, marked the frontier between Vietnam and Laos and became part of the infamous Ho Chi Minh Trail.
In Laos, this region suffered its own conflict, known as the Secret War, an anti-communist military campaign led by the CIA. Massive bombing campaigns left unexploded ordnance (UXOs) across the country.
The coffee industry in the northern and southern regions nearly ceased to exist. The local population was profoundly affected, with many communities displaced and forced to rebuild their lives elsewhere.
Eastern Laos bears the scars of that time, with bomb craters still visible in coffee-growing regions. Since 1964, over 50,000 people have died from UXO incidents, with at least 300 new casualties each year; 40% are children.
Soil contamination from UXO is also a significant issue in Laos’ coffee-growing regions, impacting both large plantations and smallholder farmers.
Organisations like MAG (Mines Advisory Group), the HALO Trust, and UXO Lao are actively involved in clearing unexploded ordnance from agricultural land, including coffee-growing areas. Coffee sales also help support efforts to de-mine and restore farmland and rebuild communities.
Post-War Adaptations and Growth
After the Vietnam War, coffee production in the region was nearly destroyed, with fields damaged by conflict, disease, and frost. Despite this, farmers and families returned to the Plateau’s fertile volcanic soil and climate.
To rebuild, farmers switched from disease-prone Arabica to the hardier Catimor variety, ensuring more reliable harvests. Over time, coffee farming on the Plateau steadily recovered, becoming key to Laos’ coffee production.
Belief shapes life in Laos, where golden temples reflect spirituality and tradition, blending harmoniously with coffee farms. The red berries, white blooms, and green trees connect the land and culture across villages and cities. Photo by Nicole Motteux.
Revitalisation of
Laos’ Coffee Industry
After the war, the 1990s marked a turning point for coffee in Laos. By 2001, 34,000 hectares were under cultivation with 88% Robusta and 12% Arabica and 23,000 farming families.
The early 2000s marked a period of international recognition for Lao coffee, with producers emphasising sustainability and quality.
In the 2010s, a shift toward artisanal specialty coffees reflected global consumer demand for premium products.
In 2014, the Lao government introduced the National Coffee Strategy and Socio-Economic Development Plan with ambitious goals for the industry.
By then, cultivation had more than doubled to 78,000 hectares, mostly on the Bolaven Plateau in Paksong, Thaténg, and Lao Ngam, producing 95% of the country’s coffee. Production had also expanded into the north.
Between 2010 and 2015, coffee exports surged to USD 50 million, reflecting a growing global awareness of Lao coffee.
Today, the Lao coffee industry continues to grow with the government aiming for a 50:50 balance between Arabica and Robusta. While Robusta remains dominant, demand for high-quality Arabica is rising.
French Connections
In the coffee-growing regions of Laos, particularly in the Bolaven Plateau, the French influence remains evident.
During times of conflict, including colonial uprisings, the Vietnam War and internal struggles with ethnic Lao tribes, many Lao people fled to France, where they built strong cultural ties.
Today in the Bolaven, some of the French Lao diaspora have returned home to farm in these areas, creating a unique blend of Lao and French traditions.
Lao Entrepreneurs
Reinvigorate the Industry
Lao entrepreneurs have built a thriving coffee industry on the foundation laid by French colonists in the early 1900s.
The French didn’t just bring coffee plants; they introduced the knowledge and techniques needed to grow and process them. Alongside the crop, the French ignited a love for coffee culture, setting the stage for what would become a key part of Laos’ agricultural identity.
Lao coffee experts share findings with key stakeholders, including government officials, roasters, and millers, on grading, specialty coffee, and varietal differences at the 2024 Vang Vieng Workshop. Photo by Nicole Motteux
The Lao Government later recognised the potential of these coffee-growing regions and stepped in to support their development. By improving farming practices, enhancing quality, and providing resources for farmers, the government ensured the industry’s steady growth and relevance.
As the global specialty coffee market grew, Lao entrepreneurs embraced the opportunity. They adopted modern techniques like good agricultural practice (GAP) and a focus on high-quality beans to meet international standards and demand. This commitment to quality and innovation has positioned Laos as an emerging player in the global coffee market.
Coffee farming is also expanding in the northern highland provinces like Phongsaly, Oudomxay, Luang Prabang, Houaphanh, and Xieng Khouang, though detailed data for these regions is not yet available.
This progress highlights the resilience and adaptability of the Lao coffee community, blending heritage and innovation to thrive in a competitive global market.
The Future of Lao Coffee
Lao coffee farmers, with support from the Lao Coffee Association (LCA), roasters, and millers, are embracing grafting techniques and planting new coffee varieties. Each seedling is precious. Photo by Nicole Motteux at Miracle Coffee, 2024
The industry is now poised for growth, driven by:
Increasing demand for all forms of Lao Arabica and Robusta coffee including specialty, premium, and commercial-grade green beans, as well as instant coffee
Rising international interest in Lao specialty coffee
Growing domestic demand from neighbouring countries such as China and Vietnam
Ongoing Lao efforts to improve cultivation techniques and post-harvest processing
Government backing in production and promotion
Laos’ coffee industry has also made significant progress:Coffee is now the country’s fifth-largest export
95% of Lao coffee is grown in the fertile Bolaven Plateau
Laos stands out as a producer of high-altitude Robusta (600–1,300 m ASL).
Government and international support
The Lao Government, together with several international organisations, supports the development of the coffee industry. initiatives include:
The 2+3 policy foster partnerships between investors and farmers
UXO clearance projects that help reclaim farmland for safe coffee cultivation
Developing potential new markets for specialty and organic coffee production.
Laos is now focused on producing high-quality specialty and premium coffees to meet international, regional, and local demand. The country aims to increase production to one million tons by 2025, offering better prices and improved livelihoods for local farmers.
Laos’ journey from early French plantations to a globally recognised coffee producer underscores the resilience and adaptability of its coffee industry. By blending tradition, innovation, and sustainability, Lao coffee continues to strengthen its position on the world stage.