Thailand’s getting quite the buzz for its growing specialty coffee culture, and it’s been a long time brewing since the 19th century. But lately, the focus has shifted towards quality, and Thai coffee folks are roasting up some of the world’s finest beans.
What’s fueling this coffee trend? A fresh wave of coffee-savvy folks. They’re globetrotting to learn the coffee ropes, starting up their own quirky cafes and roasteries, and showcasing the rich taste of Thai coffee. Check one of our enamel coffee mugs here.
Also, Thai folks are shifting gears from their usual instant coffee or sweet brews to a more refined coffee palate. The crave for specialty coffee is on the rise, and they’re loving the new, rich tastes.
Though it’s just kicking off, the specialty coffee scene is bubbling up fast. Bangkok and other big cities are now home to cool coffee shops and roasters. Plus, up north, more farms are growing top-notch coffee beans.
Here are some hot trends stirring up the Thai coffee scene:
- Quality Obsession: Thai coffee artisans are all about upping the quality, bringing in a variety of beans and tastes that are winning hearts.
- Green Beans: They’re digging sustainable practices, choosing organic and fair trade beans, and cutting down on the eco footprint.
- Cafe Boom: The growing number of coffee joints, especially in the big cities, is offering folks a spectrum of coffee delights and a cozy coffee hangout experience.
- Specialty Love: The newfound love for specialty coffee is driving a high demand for quality beans and brews, a win-win for both growers and coffee lovers.
How are coffee pros brewing up this coffee trend in Thailand?
They’re the backstage heroes of this coffee saga. They’re spreading the coffee love, championing green practices, and brewing up a coffee-loving community.
Here’s how they’re schooling folks on coffee:
- Coffee Hangouts: They’re hosting coffee tasting gigs and workshops, helping folks discover the different coffee vibes, from beans to brews.
- Online Buzz: By sharing coffee tales and tips online, they’re reaching out to more people, spilling the beans on why specialty coffee is the real deal.
- Cafe Collabs: They’re teaming up with cafes and roasteries to whip up coffee learning sessions for customers, like brewing classes and farm trips.
And here’s how they’re going green:
- Farm Friendships: They’re helping farmers get on the green bandwagon with sustainable farming tricks, like using organic stuff and saving water.
- Green Endorsements: By rooting for roasters and cafes that go for sustainable beans, they’re creating a ripple effect, encouraging more green practices in the coffee world.
And how they’re knitting a coffee-loving tribe:
- Coffee Parties: By throwing coffee events, like festivals and contests, they’re brewing up fun ways for coffee lovers to connect and celebrate the brew.
- Online Coffee Hubs: They’re setting up online spaces for coffee aficionados to share brew stories, growing a buzzing community eager to dive deeper into the coffee world.
- Cafe Culture: Working alongside cafes and roasteries, they’re making sure coffee spots are welcoming, inclusive, and just the right amount of coffee nerdy.
Upcoming stars in thailand
The specialty coffee scene in Thailand, particularly Bangkok, is thriving due to young, affluent urbanites valuing specialty coffee. Pioneering entities like NaNa Coffee Roasters and young innovative farmers are propelling the industry. Thai coffee consumption doubled from 2009 to 2019, with a continued growth rate of over 10% annually expected. The emphasis is on quality and experience, with cafes being design-centric and social media friendly, fostering a unique coffee culture. The average Thai coffee farmer is aged 25-35, introducing new varieties and processing methods, showcasing a blend of tradition and modern innovation in the coffee sector.
Among the rising stars in Thailand’s coffee scene is Akha Ama Coffee, founded by Lee Ayu Chuepa. Lee collaborates with local hill tribes in Northern Thailand, ensuring fair prices and sustainable practices. With a focus on community and quality, Akha Ama Coffee has garnered recognition both locally and globally. Through initiatives like direct trade and farmer training, they’re not only serving up great coffee but also fostering a better future for Thai coffee farmers.
The blossoming specialty coffee culture in Thailand is a blend of tradition, innovation, and a growing appreciation for quality brews. As the young, tech-savvy generation melds global influences with local traditions, a unique coffee narrative is brewing in the heart of Southeast Asia. With passionate coffee professionals, innovative farmers, and socially conscious enterprises leading the way, Thailand’s coffee scene is not just about a caffeine kick, but a rich, community-driven experience that resonates well beyond its borders.
