Arabica coffee - "black gold" on the agricultural map.

In key Arabica coffee-growing regions, the atmosphere of welcoming the Lunar New Year is more vibrant than usual. This year, the coffee harvest is bountiful, and prices have reached record highs, bringing in substantial income and giving coffee growers more confidence and enthusiasm to continue investing in the sustainable development of this "black gold," ensuring long-term economic benefits.

The coffee growing area in Muoi Noi commune is in the harvest season.

Coffee plants took root in Son La province in 1945, proving their suitability to the climate and soil. In 1990, the Arabica coffee variety was officially introduced and widely cultivated. Through many market fluctuations and production changes, coffee has gradually affirmed its position, becoming a key crop. Today, Son La is the largest Arabica coffee capital in the northern region, with an area of ​​26,120 hectares, accounting for 47.9% of the country's total Arabica coffee growing area.

In 2025, favorable weather conditions and the application of advanced farming techniques resulted in healthy coffee plant growth, high fruit set rates, firm beans, and increased quality and yield. Coupled with a stable market, this created a "golden harvest" for coffee growers in Son La.

Sharing her joy about the bumper coffee harvest, Ms. Lu Thi Duc from Liem village, Muoi Noi commune, said: "My family cultivates more than 1 hectare of coffee. This year, the coffee plants are bearing abundant fruit, the quality is good, and the selling price is much higher than in previous years, so our income has increased significantly. The villagers are very happy, and they have the means to prepare for Tet (Lunar New Year) and reinvest for the next season."

Households affiliated with the Bich Thao Coffee Cooperative in Hoang Van Thu village, Chieng Coi ward, are harvesting coffee.

The joy of coffee growers is further amplified when the production-consumption chain becomes effective. Now, many households participate in cooperatives and associations, linking with businesses to enhance the value of coffee beans. The application of standardized production processes and quality control from the planting and cultivation stages ensures that Son La coffee meets the increasingly high demands of both domestic and international markets.

In the days leading up to Tet (Lunar New Year), a bustling atmosphere of work permeates the entire production chain of the Bich Thao Coffee Cooperative in Hoang Van Thu village, Chieng Coi ward. At this time, the areas under the cooperative's management continue to be harvested. With coffee cherries ripening in staggered batches, farmers have to harvest in two to three rounds to ensure the quality of the beans while maximizing yield, creating a stable source of raw materials for processing and export.

Farmers in Trung Tam village, Chieng An ward, are harvesting coffee.

After harvesting, the coffee beans are promptly transported to processing facilities, fermented in an anaerobic environment, and dried using a closed-loop process, minimizing environmental emissions and preserving the distinctive flavor of Son La Arabica coffee. At the cooperative's greenhouses and production facilities, the pace of work is bustling. Coffee is strictly controlled from humidity and temperature to bean size sorting, meeting stringent technical standards. In the roasting area, machinery operates continuously, and workers work in shifts, meticulously attending to each stage of production. The finished coffee bags are neatly packaged, ready for shipment to meet export deadlines and serve the increased consumer demand during the Tet holiday.

Mr. Nguyen Xuan Thao, Director of Bich Thao Coffee Cooperative, excitedly shared: "For the 2025-2026 crop year, the cooperative expects to produce approximately 4,000 tons of green coffee beans, of which about 95% will be exported to EU, Japanese, and Korean markets. The cooperative has sent samples of its freeze-dried instant coffee powder to partners in Germany, France, and Japan... The products have been highly appreciated, and partners have already contacted us to place orders."

Chiềng An Ward organized a Coffee Festival with the theme "Arabica Chiềng An Spreads the Flavor of Northwest Vietnam."

Focusing investment on deep processing and meeting international standards has significantly increased the value of coffee products: green coffee beans reach prices of 190,000-225,000 VND/kg; roasted and ground coffee ranges from 350,000-700,000 VND/kg; and freeze-dried coffee products are valued at approximately 36 million VND/kg. Along with positive production and business results, this year, Bich Thao Coffee Cooperative was awarded a certificate for achieving CO2 emission reduction standards by the Vietnam Green Transformation Association, affirming the right direction in sustainable coffee development.

Meanwhile, the ARA-Tay Coffee Cooperative in Muong Chanh commune is a coffee farming model run by Thai ethnic women. The Ara-Tay brand not only tells the story of coffee but also affirms the role and position of Thai ethnic women in economic and community development. "Ara" stands for Arabica, and "Tay" refers to the Thai people, representing the hands that nurture and care for the coffee beans in the highlands.

Ms. Cam Thi Mon, Director of ARA-Tay Coffee Cooperative, shared: "This year, the coffee harvest has been both bountiful and profitable, and the cooperative's products have been well-received by the market. This season, the cooperative produced 80 tons of 100% ripe red coffee cherries, yielding approximately 12 tons of green coffee beans and processed products. Our Honey and Natural ground coffee lines and cascara tea made from coffee husks have been highly appreciated by consumers, providing our members with a stable income and allowing them to confidently continue cultivating coffee."

ARA-Tay Coffee Cooperative participated in the 2025 National Trade Promotion Fair held in Son La province to showcase its products.

From lush green Arabica coffee plantations to modern processing plants, from diligent farmers on the hillsides to cooperatives boldly innovating production methods, the picture of coffee in Son La during springtime is truly vibrant. Mr. Nguyen Thanh Cong, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, informed: Implementing the policy of restructuring the agricultural sector towards increasing value and sustainable development, Son La province has identified Arabica coffee as its key crop, linked to building concentrated raw material areas, improving seed quality, and strengthening value chain linkages. The province prioritizes attracting businesses to invest in deep processing, brand building, geographical indications, and expanding consumption markets.

Spring has arrived in Son La, the "capital" of Arabica coffee. The aroma of coffee permeates the mountains and forests, and the joy of a bountiful harvest and good prices has rekindled the faith of coffee growers in a sustainable direction, enabling Son La coffee to continue to thrive, contributing to a more prosperous life for the people and enriching the homeland.

Source: https://baosonla.vn/kinh-te/ca-phe-arabica-vang-den-บน-ban-do-nong-san-pbFfdbDDg.html