A barista brews coffee at a coffee shop in Vientiane, Laos, Dec. 22, 2025. (Photo by Ma Huaizhao/Xinhua)
VIENTIANE, Dec. 30 (Xinhua) -- The rich aroma of Lao coffee has made it a growing favorite among local drinkers while capturing international attention, gradually building a reputation that reflects both its distinctive taste and the culture and heritage of Laos.
"I began by exploring coffee on the Bolaven Plateau, where I developed a deep appreciation for the coffee-growing environment. Through further research, I recognized that Lao coffee had strong potential to expand and improve in quality," Sinouk Sisombat, founder of Sinouk Coffee and former president of the Lao Coffee Association, told Xinhua.
Viewing this journey as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to contribute to global awareness of Laos, he decided to focus on developing Lao coffee, from cultivation in the garden to the cup enjoyed by consumers.
As one of Laos' top agricultural exports, coffee provides vital income and employment. In 2024, the country exported over 50,000 tons of coffee, earning more than 100 million U.S. dollars, according to a report from Lao News Agency in October.
With over 30 years of experience, Sinouk has built a comprehensive understanding of the coffee value chain, spanning cultivation and harvesting to export, roasting, and coffee shop operations.
Throughout his career, he has remained deeply passionate about coffee, particularly Lao coffee, which he sees as a symbol of both quality and national pride.
Sinouk highlighted the significant improvement of Lao coffee over the past 30 years, emphasizing that good coffee is the result of careful attention at every stage of the process. From garden to cup, coffee must pass through many detailed and meticulous steps to achieve high quality and earn recognition as a premium product.
"Compared to 30 years ago, the development of Lao coffee has advanced significantly. ASEAN countries and the global market now recognize the quality of Lao coffee," he said.
He added that domestically, awareness of Lao coffee's excellence is also growing. The increasing number of coffee shops across the country reflects rising coffee consumption and a strengthening coffee culture in Laos.
"During my time as president of the Lao Coffee Association, I traveled to many countries to promote the reputation of Lao coffee and worked with international partners to improve its quality," he said, emphasizing his determination to further promote Lao coffee both domestically and in regional markets.
In addition to coffee production, Sinouk said that coffee can also serve as a platform to promote Lao culture and traditions. At his coffee shops, female staff wear traditional attire, the decoration features Lao imagery, and coffee packaging highlights important cultural symbols of Laos.
Laos is promoting coffee cultivation to boost rural incomes and strengthen agricultural production. In some areas, farmers have shifted from opium poppies to coffee, improving livelihoods.
The government aims to expand cultivation, ensure a stable supply for domestic and export markets, and promote modern, safe, and quality-focused farming. Training programs are also offered to enhance skills in production, processing, packaging, and marketing. ■
This aerial photo taken on Dec. 17, 2025 shows a view of the Bolaven Plateau in Champasak Province, Laos. (Photo by Ma Huaizhao/Xinhua)
A barista brews coffee at a coffee shop in Champasak Province, Laos, Dec. 17, 2025. (Photo by Ma Huaizhao/Xinhua)
A worker roasts coffee beans at a coffee plantation in Champasak Province, Laos, Dec. 17, 2025. (Photo by Ma Huaizhao/Xinhua)
A customer (L) enjoys coffee at a coffee shop in Vientiane, Laos, Dec. 22, 2025. (Photo by Ma Huaizhao/Xinhua)
This aerial drone photo shows farmers harvesting coffee beans at a coffee plantation in Champasak Province, Laos, Dec. 17, 2025. (Photo by Kaikeo Saiyasane/Xinhua)
