In brief
Mauritius’ Chamarel Coffee, grown on the island’s volcanic Chamarel plantation, is heading to Shanghai’s China International Import Expo, aiming to tap China’s growing demand for specialty beans. Development manager Thomas Lehoux highlighted the coffee’s unique flavor profile and the potential for long‑term trade links. During the event, the brand hopes to connect with Chinese importers, roasters and specialty cafés.
On Wednesday, the island nation of Mauritius announced that its only local coffee brand, Chamarel Coffee, will travel to Shanghai for the China International Import Expo (CIIE), making its first appearance in China.
The supply chain originates from the volcanic Chamarel 7 Colored Earth Geopark in southwestern Mauritius. At the 16‑hectare plantation, humid weather, gentle sunlight and mineral‑rich volcanic soil nurture both Arabica and Liberica varieties, according to Thomas Lehoux, development manager of coffee operations at Chamarel Coffee.
"We would love the Chinese market to discover a rare coffee specialty from Mauritius," Lehoux said.
Lehoux added that the beans are hand‑processed on the plantation, producing a flavor profile that sets Chamarel Coffee apart from other origins. The company is preparing to bring both Arabica and Liberica beans to the expo, with the goal of meeting Chinese consumer interest in unique origin stories and flavor profiles.
China’s coffee import volume has grown sharply in recent years, and “the demand for bean varieties, flavor profiles and places of origin has increased,” Lehoux told Xinhua. He sees a strong link between a small island producer and a large market such as China.
Chamarel Coffee also plans to use the expo as a learning ground to better understand Chinese taste preferences and to explore ways to adapt its offerings to local demands. The brand aims to forge partnerships with importers, upscale restaurants, specialty shops and roasters, looking toward long‑term trade connections.
Expanding the plantation is part of the strategy to support potential business opportunities that could arise from the CIIE, Lehoux explained.
