In brief
Chamarel Coffee plans to showcase its Arabica and Liberica beans at the CIIE in Shanghai, aiming to tap China's demand for specialty coffee. The unique plantation, located in Mauritius's Chamarel Geopark, has grown coffee for 20 years under humid, mineral-rich conditions. While the brand hopes to establish long‑term trade ties, its success in the market remains unconfirmed.
On October 31, Xinhua reported that Chamarel Coffee, Mauritius’s only homegrown coffee brand, is set to debut at Shanghai’s China International Import Expo (CIIE) of 2026.
The plantation, situated in the Chamarel 7‑Colored Earth Geopark in the Black River District, grows a distinctive Arabica‑Liberica blend under humid conditions, gentle sunlight and mineral‑rich volcanic soil, producing beans with a rich, balanced flavor that, according to the company, differs from other origins.
Thomas Lehoux, development manager of coffee operations at Chamarel Coffee, told Xinhua:
"We would love the Chinese market to discover a rare coffee specialty from Mauritius."
Lehoux, who has about 20 years of coffee production experience, said the brand hopes the expo will allow it to connect with Chinese importers, upscale restaurants, specialty coffee shops and roasters.
The company is expanding its 16‑hectare plantation to meet potential demand and to better understand Chinese consumer preferences. This expansion is a preparation step, confirmed by the company’s statements.
While Chamarel Coffee aims to capitalize on China’s growing enthusiasm for bean varieties and origin stories, whether the brand will achieve lasting market penetration remains unconfirmed.
