Taitung County to Host Coffee Competition and Bean Matching Event

Taitung County Government is organizing a premium coffee evaluation competition, with registration open from June 5 to July 3. The award ceremony on July 17 will feature a first-ever bean matching event to facilitate direct exchange between coffee farmers and buyers, assisting in expanding sales opportunities for high-quality coffee beans.

The County Government's Agriculture Department yesterday invited local coffee farmers, coffee shops, and industry professionals for a joint exchange, focusing on origin terroir, brand communication, and market application to build consensus for the next stage of Taitung coffee development. County Magistrate Rao Ching-ling stated that Taitung's diverse landscapes and climate conditions, from the East Rift Valley to the East Coast and South-Link regions, nurture coffee flavors with unique terroir characteristics. Simultaneously, rich tribal culture, a slow-paced lifestyle, and vibrant tourism experiences elevate coffee beyond an agricultural product, enabling it to become a local brand integrating origin, dining table, life, and tourism.

Director of Agriculture Hsu Chia-hao explained that this year marks the fifth iteration of "Pacific Left Bank Taitung Coffee," which will center on "Mountain and Sea Slow Drinking." Starting from the mountain and sea landscape, tribal wisdom, and the spirit of the slow economy, it will showcase the connection between coffee, land, life, and culture. The annual professional courses will include "Taiwan Coffee Grading and Evaluation System Practical Class," "Advanced Coffee Sensory Cupping Class," "Espresso Flavor Adjustment Class," "Creative Coffee Specialty Drink Sharing Session," and "Coffee Brand Management and Marketing Salon." Additionally, a "Taitung Coffee Cross-Domain Exchange Visit" will be organized to assist industry players in refining their skills in quality evaluation, product application, brand communication, and market expansion.

Registration for the premium coffee evaluation competition is open from June 5 to July 3. Through a professional evaluation system and technical exchange, the competition will highlight the quality and characteristics of Taitung coffee. The award ceremony on July 17 will, for the first time, incorporate a bean matching event to promote direct interaction between coffee farmers and buyers, thereby helping to expand subsequent sales opportunities for high-quality coffee beans. The "2026 South Island Coffee Festival Market" will be held from October 24 to 25 at the Taitung Old Station Special Zone, gathering premium coffee brands, offering flavor experiences, lectures, performances, and interactive activities.