Liangjiang coffee enterprise boosts Sino-African trade

Yirgo Coffee's plantations in Ethiopia. [Photo provided to english.liangjiang.gov.cn]

Yirgo Coffee's roasting factory in Liangjiang New Area transforms Ethiopian coffee beans into premium products, ready for export to markets including Singapore and Hong Kong within just two days.

Chen Lu, Yirgo Coffee's marketing director, said the company has established a quality control center in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and formed a dedicated bean-sourcing team.

By developing its own coffee plantations and establishing long-term partnerships with key local production areas, Yirgo Coffee ensures a direct supply of high-quality raw materials.

The roasting facility features dedicated areas for raw bean storage, quality control, roasting, and packaging, meeting demand for "order-to-production" specialty coffee.

"Chongqing's extensive transportation network, with its advantages in sea, land, and air logistics, ensures the efficient import of overseas raw materials and the rapid nationwide distribution of finished products," noted Chen.

Initial support policies from Liangjiang, such as providing space, have also helped reduce the company's operational costs.

To refine its offerings, Yirgo Coffee has enlisted the expertise of a world coffee roasting runner-up to tailor roasting profiles for different raw beans. The company has launched over 10 unique products and established long-term partnerships with more than 50 cafes and coffee brands nationwide.

A digital management system has also been established, spanning the entire production and operation process, providing real-time data on origin traceability, logistics, production, and sales.

Yirgo Coffee plans to strengthen its upstream operations, expand its Ethiopian plantation scale, and optimize its raw bean evaluation system. The company will also advance the automation of its roasting production lines, diversify its product portfolio, and expand its presence in both domestic and international markets.

Yirgo Coffee aims to establish a coffee eco-tourism and learning experience base in Liangjiang, integrating cultural education, factory tours, and hands-on brewing experiences.