The opening ceremony of International Coffee and Tea Day 2025 held in LuangPrabang Province on Oct 3.

Organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE) through its Department of Agriculture and the Green CUP Project—a flagship initiative under Team Europe’s Global Gateway strategy, co-funded by France and the European Union—this marked the first-ever joint celebration of International Coffee Day (1 October) and International Tea Day (21 May). Themed "Coffee and Tea for Better Lives: Embracing Collaboration for a Sustainable Future", the event highlighted the power of collaboration in building resilient agricultural value chains.

In the Lao PDR, coffee and tea are among the top agricultural exports, playing a vital role in rural income and employment. Over 25,000 householdscultivate coffee and tea on small-scale farms, benefiting more than 310,000 familiesthrough job creation and increased income. In 2024 alone, Laos exported over 50,000 tons of coffee and 100 tons of dried tea, earning over USD 100 million from coffee and USD 2 million from tea.

Throughout the three-day event, more than 40 booths showcased the finest Lao coffee, tea, and agro-based products. Visitors engaged with premium brands and cooperatives, explored emerging businesses, and connected with stakeholders working to strengthen sustainable value chains.

The opening ceremony was attended by Mr. Chanthakhone Boualaphanh, Vice Minister of Agriculture and Environment, and co-chaired by Ms. Siliphone Suphonthong, Vice Governor of Luang Prabang Province, together with Ms. Doerthe Wacker, Minister Counsellor and Head of Political, Press and Information Section of the Delegation of the European Union to the Lao PDR, and Mr. François-Xavier Duporge, Country Director of the French Development Agency (AFD).

“It is an honor for Luang Prabang to host this important event, which brings together partners from all over the country. Coffee and tea are deeply rooted in our culture and contribute to the livelihoods of many local families. Not only does this festival promote our local products and tourism, but it also encourages our producers to continue improving quality and sustainability, showcasing the spirit and hospitality of Luang Prabang,” Ms. Siliphone Suphonthong, Vice Governor of Luang Prabang Province, noted the province's pride in hosting the national celebration.

Mr. Francois-Xavier DUPORGE, AFD Country Director, reaffirmed France’s continued support to coffee and tea sectors: “Today is an opportunity to re-affirm our commitment to building “a Pathway to a Green and Inclusive Economy” to ensure that Lao coffee and tea sectors grow sustainably and   contribute to the national strategy of “self-reliant and resilient economy”, as outlined in the 10th National Social and Economic Development Plan (10th NSDEP) and the agriculture sector strategy Green CUP project will continue to position coffee and tea as tools for sustainable development”.

Ms. Doerthe Wacker, Minister Councillor, Head of Political, Press and Information Section, the European Union Delegation to Lao PDR, reaffirmed Europe’s commitment to support Lao PDR’ coffee and tea sectors: “Europe is the world’s largest coffee market, importing almost half of global production. And European consumers increasingly demand more than taste — they want to know their coffee and tea are sustainable, organic and contribute to better lives, which presents a real opportunity for Lao PDR. Through the Green CUP project and Team Europe cooperation, we are helping farmers build sustainable, inclusive value chains that protect forests, empower women, and improve livelihoods.”

Mr. Chanthakhone Boulaphanh, Vice Minister of Agriculture and Environment, celebrated the global recognition of Lao products: “Lao coffee is praised for its high quality and distinctive taste, which have earned the country’s reputation and significant income. Proven by Lao coffee competitions judged by international coffee experts, Lao coffee consistently receives excellent scores and is ranked among specialty coffees. Lao tea play an equally important role in the socio-economic development of rural communities, especially among ethnic groups. Renowned for its refined taste, Lao tea is in high demand in both regional and international markets - as evidenced in 2025 when Nyot Ou tea won a gold medal at a world tea competition in China.”

Coffee and tea symbolize the pride of Lao agriculture and the strength of partnership among government, the private sector, and development partners in driving sustainable growth. With ICTD 2025 celebration in Luang Prabang, it highlighted coffee and tea are engines for rural development, and pathways to a bright future. The event concluded with a renewed collective commitment to strengthen Lao coffee and tea value chains, promote fair and inclusive growth for producers, and position Lao PDR as a recognized origin of high-quality, sustainable coffee and tea on the global stage.

In addition to the festival, the Green Cup project partnered with Wonders International to host the Lao Young Barista Championship.

KPL