96B has been working with Liberica since 2016. After scouting multiple growing regions in Vietnam, we decided to settle on this region in Quang Tri. Despite the lower elevation (600masl) and extremely remote location, Huong Hoa has multiple advantages: a plethora of old Liberica cultivars brought in by the French in early 20th century, ideal climate (24-26 degree Celcius), and a higher humidity compared to the rest of the province.

 

Liberica are mostly found in Robusta-growing regions, but in this place, Liberica trees are grown amongst Arabica plantations to shield the latter from the wind. Historically, Liberica cherries here are sold at very low prices as "pseudo Arabica" or delivered to different regions to be sold under the name of "Culi" (ie special Robusta). 96B wants to transform this region into a high-quality Liberica growing region to bring about better economic advantage, as Arabica coffees grown here are usually regarded as low quality due to its lower elevation.

 

Working directly with a group of like-minded and innovative farmers, 96B started this Liberica Project in 2022. We have experimented with different processing methods, from more common methods such as Natural, Washed, and Honey, to trying out various innovative techniques like Lactic fermentation or Champagne yeast innoculation.

 

For 2025 crop, along with ramping up production, we have been working along with farmers to identify different cultivars of Liberica based on their phenotypes. Moving forward, we aim to have our own nursery to cultivate different cultivars/varities of Liberica, while identifying their distinctive characteristics to figure out the best processing methods for them.