Northern Lao teas win big at Hong Kong International Tea Fair 2026

A delegation of Northern Lao tea producers successfully showcased the distinguished Laos’ specialty teas and coffee to the Hong Kong International Tea Fair and Food Expo PRO from 13–15 August 2026, securing two major international awards at the official Hong Kong Tea Competition 2026.
Representatives from tea cooperatives and private company from Phongsaly province and the Department of Agriculture of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, together, met directly with global buyers, showcasing the unique flavors and quality of Northern Lao tea and coffee to international buyers and guests.
Co-funded by the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and the European Union Delegation to Laos, the Green CUP project is led by the Department of Agriculture under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment. The project works with producer organizations and cooperatives to elevate product quality, expand market access, and promote sustainable practices to develop rural incomes.
During the event, Lao teas competed alongside 160 entries from over 60 countries and regions, earning top honors in two competitive categories: Thipphavong Tea Processing Factory Sole Co., LTD secured 2nd Runner-Up in the Black Tea (Orthodox) Category for its Lanexang Black Tea, while Nyot Ou Tea Cooperative received 2nd Runner-Up in the Other Teas Category for its Kanewasanh White tea.
During the three-day event, the delegation made a strong impression at an exclusive Tea Gallery tasting session featuring its award-winning Lao teas, which drew enthusiastic crowds. Guests and attendees had the opportunity to experience the distinctive flavor profiles of Lao teas, highlighting Lao rich tea heritage and growing recognition for its exceptional tea offerings. The delegation also showcased Laos’ broader specialty origins by presenting shade-grown Arabica coffee beans at the fair’s official trade cupping sessions, where they attracted strong interest from specialty roasters and importers.
Deputy Director General of the Department of Agriculture representative, Mr Bounsu Soudmaly, stated that: “Participating in the Hong Kong International Tea Fair was a strategic opportunity to bring our tea and coffee products closer to global markets. Winning these prestigious awards on a leading Asian platform proves that our organic, forest-friendly mountain teas stand among the best in the world. This achievement strengthens market opportunities for our cooperatives while highlighting Laos’s rich agricultural heritage and commitment to quality, biodiversity, and sustainable development.”
Nested among the remote mountains and ancient forests of Northern Laos, tea has been cultivated for generations as both a cultural tradition and a vital rural livelihood. Through market visits to local importers and retailers in Hong Kong alongside B2B engagements, this mission helped Lao producers bypass traditional trading channels, establish direct partnerships, and gain valuable insights into regional export requirements.
About the Green CUP Project:
The Enhanced Green Economy Through a Quality, Climate-Resilient and Inclusive Value Chain (Green CUP) Project is one of the Team Europe interventions co-funded by the French Agency for Development (AFD) and the European Union Delegation to Laos under the #TeamEurope initiative, supporting over 3,000 households across Laos to build inclusive, climate-resilient coffee and tea value chains. The tea component is implemented by GRET, HELVETAS and the Comitéde Coopération avec le Laos (CCL), in partnership with the Department of Agriculture.
EU Global Gateway: This is the new strategy of the EU that was initiated in 2021. It stands for sustainable and trusted connections that work for people and the planet. It helps to tackle the most pressing global challenges, from fighting climate change, to improving health systems, and boosting competitiveness and security of global supply chains.
For more information about the Team Europe policies, please refer to:  Policies - International Partnerships - European Commission.

By Advertorial Desk
 (Latest Update August 21, 2026)