Coffee farmers, producers, roasters, baristas, coffee shop owners, and other involved individuals gather for a group photo at events to celebrate International Coffee Day at the Vientiane Center.

Lao producers promote their brews on Int’l Coffee Day

International Coffee Day allows key stakeholders in the coffee sector and partners to come together and celebrate all those working hard to make the three billion cups of coffee cups that people around the world enjoy every day.
This year, the International Coffee Organisation is celebrating the day with the theme “The Circular Coffee Economy”.
In Laos, coffee farmers, producers, roasters, baristas, coffee shop owners, government and non-governmental organisations, and representatives of the private sector celebrated the 6th consecutive International Coffee Day.
From September 29 to October 2, Lao coffee lovers gathered at the Vientiane Center to discuss share their experiences, as well as enjoy Lao coffee and share their passion for the beverage.
The specific objectives of International Coffee Day in Laos include promoting sustainable domestic and global coffee consumption, giving a boost to the tourism industry, and educating new generations of Lao consumers and entrepreneurs about Lao coffee.
The four-day event was co-organised by Lao Coffee Lovers, the Lao Coffee Association and the Vientiane Center, who partnered with the International Trade Centre (ITC) and Winrock International, among other organisations and companies.
Under the scope of the ARISE Plus Lao PDR project, ITC launched the Lao PDR Coffee Sector Export Roadmap (2021-2025) to help the sector increase productivity and sustainability in production and processing.
Partnering with the Creating Linkages for Expanded Agricultural Networks (CLEAN) project, ITC and Winrock International work together to improve the agriculture sector in Laos, with a focus on coffee and agro-based products.
Their collective efforts can be seen in the 2022 Lao Green Coffee Competition (April-June) and Laos’ first-ever coffee auction ‘Taste of Laos’ in August.
Although the event spanned four days, it officially opened on October 1, International Coffee Day, when the opening remarks were given by key partners.
During these four days, the venue received more than 30,000 visitors and almost 40 farmer groups, coffee shops and coffee-related businesses took part in the event.
Live music, booths, coffee brewing demonstrations, barista demonstrations, coffee tastings, and coffee knowledge were offered to visitors.
The event provided a platform for the creation of business linkages in the sector. Panel discussions were held to share ideas on the Circular Coffee Economy, the Taste of Laos-Lao Green Coffee Competition, Auctions and Coffee, and the Next Generation.
Many participants share the belief in the great potential for Lao coffee producers to have a better future through value adding and supplying quality parchment and green bean coffee for niche markets in Asean and wider international markets.
ARISE Plus and the CLEAN project will continue their support for Laos’ coffee industry with additional events organised in Luang Prabang, which will take place from October 8-10.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update October 3, 2022)