From farm to cup: Vietnamese coffee regions and our partnerships with Vietnamese farmers
Vietnam is the world’s second-biggest coffee producer, but what makes it special isn’t just the size—it’s the variety of coffee regions and the farmers who pour their heart into every bean. At Ca Phin, we believe every cup tells a story. Our farmers aren’t just partners; they’re friends we trust and admire. By working directly with them, we celebrate their hard work and bring you coffee that’s as vibrant and unique as Vietnam itself.
Vietnam’s coffee regions: Where quality begins
1. Central Highlands: The coffee powerhouse
Producing 80% of Vietnam’s coffee, the Central Highlands is home to robusta and arabica beans. Provinces like Dak Lak, Lam Dong, and Gia Lai thrive thanks to their volcanic soil, perfect weather, and rich biodiversity. Da Lat, a cool, breezy city, serves as the cultural and coffee hub of the region.
2. Northwest Vietnam: Arabica’s hidden gem
Moc Chau and Son La in the Northwest are key areas for arabica coffee. While lower altitudes dominate, the cool climate and mountainous terrain produce arabica with refined, fruity notes.
3. Central Vietnam: Unique catimor coffee
Regions like Phủ Quỳ and Khe Sanh in Central Vietnam specialise in Catimor, a hybrid of arabica and robusta. These beans are loved for their deep aroma, balanced bitterness, and slight saltiness, grown in challenging yet rewarding conditions.
The heart of our coffee: Why direct trade matters
Direct trade isn’t just about skipping the middleman; it’s about building a bridge between the farmer and the drinker. It’s about understanding the hands that plant, pick, and process each bean. For us, it means paying fair prices, ensuring sustainability, and preserving the soul of Vietnamese coffee. But most importantly, it means investing in the people who pour their lives into their land. Here are just a few of the incredible farmers we’re honoured to work with:
Anh Quang’s Fine Robusta
In the red basalt soils of Chu Pah, Gia Lai, second-generation farmer Anh Quang tends to his 200-hectare farm with over 25 years of experience. His Fine Robusta beans are a labour of love, known for their smoothness, natural sweetness, and reduced bitterness. This is no coincidence—it’s the result of hand-picking only the ripest cherries, a detailed screening process, and nurturing the soil with compost season after season. But Anh Quang’s dedication doesn’t stop at his farm. He’s a pillar of the local Jarai community, creating jobs and guiding others to cultivate their land with care and confidence. His work isn’t just about growing coffee; it’s about uplifting his people and preserving their way of life.
Anh Hung’s Speciality Arabica
Tucked away in the high mountains of Lam Dong, Anh Hung’s small farm yields only 5 tonnes of Arabica a year, but his passion is immeasurable. Every day, he navigates rugged trails to his farm, experimenting with new varieties and methods to help his Arabica beans thrive amidst climate challenges. Anh Hung isn’t just a farmer; he’s an innovator, crafting DIY solutions for his farm and finding ways to push Vietnamese coffee to new heights. His beans carry the essence of his determination—a delicate, balanced cup that reflects his relentless pursuit of excellence.
Chi Duyen: Connecting farmers to the world (Premium Robusta and Arabica)
For five years, Chi Duyen has worked tirelessly to help smallholders in Lam Dong and Dak Lak improve their farming practices and connect to global markets. With a background in marketing and a heart for agriculture, she’s a bridge between Vietnam’s coffee farmers and the world, ensuring their hard work gets the recognition it deserves. More than just a partner, Chi Duyen shares Ca Phin’s ethos of bringing the essence of Vietnam to every cup. Together, we’re not just exporting coffee; we’re sharing a piece of the Vietnamese soul, welcoming others to experience its beauty and richness.
From farmers to you