In the 2024 harvest season, Liberica coffee in Quang Tri province has reached a historic high of 23,000 VND/kg, generating excitement among local farmers. Not only has this year’s crop delivered record-breaking yields and output, but the price has also surpassed previous years — a rare and welcomed combination.
During our visit to Hướng Phùng commune in Hướng Hóa district, we met Mrs. Hồ Thị Hải, a local farmer harvesting her Liberica coffee trees. “We planted about 100 Liberica trees around our garden. Though we haven’t finished harvesting yet, we’ve already made over 10 million VND. This is the highest yield we’ve ever seen,” she shared. Some trees yielded up to 100kg of fresh cherries per tree, with even the lower-yielding ones producing 30–40kg. She estimates the total income from this year’s Liberica harvest will reach tens of millions of VND.
Local traders have been visiting farms directly to purchase freshly harvested coffee at exceptionally high prices. This strong demand has given a huge boost to local morale.
A Rising Star in Quang Tri’s Coffee Landscape
According to Mr. Phan Ngọc Long, Chairman of Hướng Phùng Commune, Liberica coffee isn’t a key crop in the area. However, with such remarkable productivity and pricing in recent years, it’s likely to gain more prominence in the future. The commune currently cultivates around 40 hectares, primarily intercropped to provide shade for Arabica coffee.
Helena Coffee Vietnam has been actively monitoring and supporting the region’s coffee supply. As a processor and exporter of high-quality green and specialty coffees, Helena recognizes the increasing potential of Liberica as a niche, high-value segment in Vietnam’s coffee industry.
Market Demand Driving Change
In Hướng Hóa, numerous agents and cooperatives are involved in sourcing and processing coffee. Some buyers only purchase 100% ripe, high-quality cherries to produce specialty coffee, which fetches 5,000–7,000 VND/kg higher than bulk cherries.
According to Ms. Nguyễn Thị Hằng, Director of Khe Sanh Agricultural Cooperative, “This season, ripe Liberica cherries were purchased at up to 23,000 VND/kg at the beginning of the harvest. Prices now average around 21,000–22,000 VND/kg, still remarkably high. The quality this year has been excellent.”
Helena Coffee Vietnam continues to collaborate with regional cooperatives like Khe Sanh to develop traceable, high-quality raw materials for specialty and soluble coffee production. These relationships help ensure consistent supply and fair compensation for farmers.
The Impact of Investment in Quality
Currently, Liberica coffee is mainly grown in communes such as Húc, Tân Long, Tân Liên, Hướng Phùng, and Hướng Tân — covering around 700 hectares. The price surge for both Arabica and Liberica has motivated farmers to invest more heavily in cultivation and care, contributing to a dramatic increase in yields.
According to Mr. Hoàng Đình Bình, Head of Agriculture and Environment in Hướng Hóa:
“In previous years, average yields hovered around 12–13 tons/ha, but this year, it has jumped to 15–17 tons/ha. Previously, Liberica trees were used mostly for shade and not intensively farmed. Now that prices are up, farmers are paying much more attention to fertilization and crop care.”
With an average yield of 16 tons per hectare, Hướng Hóa’s farmers have harvested close to 12,000 tons of fresh coffee this season. At an average bulk price of 17,000 VND/kg, the region has generated around 180 billion VND (approx. USD 7.2 million) in revenue. This surge in supply has enabled local processors, including Helena Coffee Vietnam, to maintain continuous operations — creating more jobs and ensuring a steady coffee supply for export.
Ms. Nguyễn Thị Hằng added,
“Coffee prices are rising not only due to market demand but also because farmers are investing more into improving quality. This is helping coffees from Hướng Hóa establish a strong reputation among consumers.”
Helena Coffee Vietnam: Empowering Farmers, Elevating Quality
As a leading coffee exporter, Helena Coffee Vietnam remains committed to supporting smallholder farmers across Vietnam. Through quality sourcing programs, training, and fair trade partnerships, we ensure that increased value from global demand reaches the very people who grow the coffee.
👉 To explore premium Vietnamese coffees, including Arabica, Robusta, and Liberica varieties from Hướng Hóa, contact us at info@helenacoffee.vn or visit helenacoffee.vn.
