#Japan #Kobe #UCC #Vietnamese Coffee #Go Thi Ge

UCC Launches Award-Winning Vietnamese Arabica Coffee

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On September 29, UCC Ueshima Coffee Co., headquartered in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, will launch a limited quantity of the top-ranking Arabica coffee from the 'UCC Quality Contest 2025 in Vietnam'. This noteworthy product is named 'Go Thi Ge', honoring the farmer who produced it.

The coffee comes from Vietnam, which boasts the second-largest coffee production in the world. However, more than 90% of this production consists of Robusta beans, with Arabica accounting for only about 5%. This rarity, combined with remarkable quality, has drawn significant attention to high-quality Vietnamese Arabica coffee from around the globe. The contest took place in Da Lat City, Lam Dong Province, known for its high-altitude plateaus at around 1,500m, creating an ideal climate for Arabica cultivation.

UCC has been holding the 'UCC Quality Contest in Vietnam' since 2015, aiming to uplift producers' dedication to quality and improve their coffee crops. The 'Go Thi Ge' coffee to be released is derived from this year's contest-winning batch, standing out with its fruity tones, hints of nuts and chocolate, and complex acidity.

Go Thi Ge, the producer, has consistently participated in the contest since its inception, contributing to local farming communities by exchanging knowledge and actively participating in workshops hosted by Vietnamese enterprises. This year, he put considerable effort into harvesting and drying processes, resulting in even higher quality. His dedication is evidenced by the coffee achieving high scores in cupping evaluations not only for taste and aroma but also for sustainable practices, human rights considerations, and environmental considerations—culminating in a historic win among 36 entries.

A Commitment to Quality

The 'UCC Quality Contest', which began in 2001, reached its 20th anniversary in 2021. To mark this occasion, the evaluation criteria were expanded to include 20 sustainability metrics focusing on traceability, human rights, and environmental impact, solidifying the contest's commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Over the years, the contest has been held in seven countries, fostering local producers’ focus on quality improvement. The ongoing contests have led to an increase in the market value of Vietnamese coffee compared to ten years ago, enhancing farmers' income.

Climate change has impacted coffee cultivation in Vietnam, as changes in the rainy season affect production schedules. Farmers are now more proactive in managing their crops to ensure quality and quantity remain stable. The award ceremony also included seminars for farmers and experts to share knowledge about cultivation practices and market trends.

UCC remains committed to collaborating with local farmers to address their challenges and pursuing community-focused activities. By providing tasty and sustainable coffee, UCC aims to contribute to creating a sustainable society in Japan.

Product Details

• - Product Name: Vietnamese Arabica UCC Quality Contest First Place, 'Go Thi Ge'
• - Release Date: September 29, 2025 (limited quantities)
• - Availability: Available at 18 UCC-operated stores, including 'UCC Cafe Mercato' and the official UCC online store
• - Price: 2,160 yen (including tax) for 100g. Some cafes will serve it as a drink for 1,045 yen (including tax).
• - Taste Profile: Features nutty flavors reminiscent of cashews, a smooth texture, and a sweet, brown sugar-like finish.

Farm Information:

• - Region: Da Lat City, Lam Dong Province
• - Altitude: 1,600m
• - Farm Size: 3ha
• - Producer: Go Thi Ge
• - Coffee Varieties: Catimor, Bourbon
• - Processing Method: Washed

Comments from Judges

The winning Go Thi Ge farm utilizes an agroforestry model, cultivating coffee interspersed with citrus and berries. This diverse ecosystem enhances the coffee’s clarity and fruity richness, setting a new standard for quality.

Conclusion

UCC's continuous investment in quality coffee production not only elevates the standard of Vietnamese Arabica coffee but also enriches the lives of the farmers behind these exquisite brews. The 'Go Thi Ge' coffee is a testament to the collaborative efforts of UCC and its commitment to quality and sustainability.

For more information about the UCC Quality Contest, visit UCC's official site.