TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The coffee landscape shifted Friday as Kenangan Coffee, Southeast Asia’s only food-and-beverage "unicorn" with a valuation exceeding NT$39 billion (US$1.2 billion), entered the Taiwan market.
The Indonesian giant opened its first storefront at the Shin Kong Mitsukoshi A11 in Taipei’s Xinyi District on Friday, marking a major milestone in an international expansion that already includes Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, and India.
Since its 2017 founding in Indonesia, Kenangan Coffee has achieved accelerated growth. Its competitive edge stems from direct access to origin beans.
Operating within one of the world’s three largest coffee-producing nations, Kenangan utilizes contract farming to implement a "farm-to-cup" traceability system. This ensures a stable supply of high-quality Arabica beans from Bali and Sumatra while leveraging supply chain efficiencies to lower the price barrier for specialty coffee.
The brand’s debut in Taipei’s premier commercial district is the first step in a broader local strategy, with expansion into Taoyuan and Zhongli expected by mid-May. The move signals a strategic intent to integrate high-quality coffee into the daily lives of Taiwanese consumers at an accessible price point, with drinks averaging around NT$100.
Kenangan Coffee’s product lineup features internationally recognized blends. Its "SOE Champion Series" has single-origin espresso beans from Bali's Kintamani volcanic region, which earned a gold medal from the International Institute of Coffee Tasters.
The mineral-rich volcanic soil imparts layers of tropical fruit, sweet orange, and berries, supported by a base of caramel and cocoa nibs. Starting at NT$89, the series seeks to define an era of attainable specialty coffee.
Another highlight is the Kenangan latte, the brand’s signature palm sugar latte, which once sold 100,000 cups in a single day in Indonesia. Eschewing traditional white sugar, the beverage uses natural, low-glycemic index palm sugar. Its notes of caramel and toasted nuts blend with coffee and milk to deliver the distinct flavors of the Indonesian archipelago.
Following the global trend of coffee mixology, the Taiwan location offers several beverages fusing coffee with tea and fruit juices. Notable items include the jasmine Americano and the peach Americano, which contain real fruit.
Additionally, the Taiwan-exclusive light cloud latte series utilizes a smoother dairy blend — positioned between fresh milk and cream — to cater to local preferences for a richer mouthfeel.
Complementing the drinks, Kenangan Coffee is introducing its bakery expertise to Taiwan. Adhering to Halal-certified principles, the food menu focuses on beef, chicken, and seafood.
Standout items include the beef rendang croffle, an adaptation of Indonesia’s national dish, and the taro and cheese croffle, developed specifically for the Taiwanese palate with hints of white pepper and taro.
