TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Tea and Beverage Research Station under the Ministry of Agriculture on Saturday opened a coffee innovation center as part of efforts to turn traditional agricultural products into Taiwanese specialty goods.

The facility combines research, hands-on practice, education, and exhibitions. It showcases the full process from coffee bean processing to finished products, along with items made from used coffee grounds, per CNA.

Taiwan’s coffee market generates about NT$80 billion (US$2.7 billion) annually. Coffee cultivation has expanded from roughly 560 hectares in 2017 to about 1,167 hectares in 2023, with an annual production value of NT$620 million.

While locally grown coffee makes up only around 2% of total consumption, the institute said domestic brands have strong market potential. Taiwan primarily exports small batches to markets such as Japan and the US.

Station Director Su Tsung-chen (蘇宗振) said the institute will continue supporting Taiwan’s coffee industry through breeding, pest and disease control, processing, flavor improvement, and promotion. AI-powered technologies are being used to assist in fermentation, humidity control, and roasting.

To enhance flavor, the station’s Taitung facility has developed fermentation methods incorporating local fruits such as pineapple, sugar apple, and citrus. By controlling temperature and time, the coffee develops a distinctive fruity profile.

Pingtung remains Taiwan’s top coffee-producing region due to its favorable rainfall, temperature, and terrain. The county government has helped form an Indigenous coffee alliance, bringing together six Indigenous communities to promote and export locally grown beans.