Vietnamese Robusta coffee wins over South Korean consumers
According to the Buon Ma Thuot Coffee Association (BMTCA), the Busan Coffee Show 2025 took place from June 25 to 28 in Busan, South Korea. This is one of the largest coffee events in the country, attracting hundreds of international brands. Vietnam participated with four specialty coffee booths, directly showcasing products and engaging with South Korean consumers.
Mr. Le Duc Huy, Vice President of the Vietnam Coffee and Cocoa Association and Vice President of the Buon Ma Thuot Coffee Association, shared insights on Vietnam’s journey to affirm its position in the global coffee market during the exhibition.Mr. Le Duc Huy, Vice President of the Vietnam Coffee and Cocoa Association, Vice President of the Buon Ma Thuot Coffee Association, and Chairman of Simexco Daklak, shared insights on Vietnam’s journey to assert its position in the global coffee market. He expressed hope that this event would serve as a strong launching pad for Vietnamese specialty coffee to enter the South Korean market, a place known as a trendsetter for young consumers across Asia.
South Korea has a Free Trade Agreement with Vietnam, making tariff-free market expansion a key strategy for the sustainable growth of the Vietnamese coffee industry. Vietnam warmly welcomes international friends to visit and enjoy Dak Lak’s specialty coffee, home to some of the finest Robusta coffee in the world.
At this year’s exhibition, the Buon Ma Thuot Coffee Association presented the Top 10 specialty Robusta coffee samples selected from the Vietnam Amazing Cup 2025 competition. These coffees drew significant interest from local roasters and consumers alike. The presence of Vietnamese Robusta in a traditionally Arabica-preferred market like South Korea is opening up new and promising avenues for collaboration.
For many years, the South Korean coffee market has relied almost entirely on Arabica beans for espresso-based drinks and convenient coffee products. Consumers have grown accustomed to the light body, bright acidity, and fruity aroma typical of Arabica. However, Vietnam’s Fine Robusta with its bold flavor, thick body, natural sweetness, and specialty fermentation techniques is introducing a novel yet surprisingly approachable experience.
Mr. Jongmoo Park (Smith Park), Country Representative of MISS EDE in South Korea, shared: “Korean consumers have long been used to 100% Arabica. But when the team from Dak Lak brought over specialty-fermented Robusta samples, both roasters and consumers were genuinely surprised. On just the first day of the exhibition, many Korean companies expressed interest in official distribution.”
The Busan Coffee Show is not only an opportunity to showcase products but also a powerful testament to the rising global potential of Vietnamese coffee.
Source: https://bnews.vn/ca-phe-robusta-viet-chinh-phuc-nguoi-tieu-dung-han-quoc/378327.html?fbclid=IwY2xjawLYAjlleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFvc1dVbVhqWE5KdlVLdFBqAR7XrZYzoh7nK6iovCJtDwpuEs91ks8j9wzVXLmDUhL6Rg-ynZD1L0xm6yhHPw_aem_q9A_WnKmG85BA8nw16mgOw
