While coffee’s climate and nature impacts are well documented, the role of the Lower Mekong economies in the industry’s transition is often underappreciated. Our research highlights the challenges facing coffee growers in Vietnam, Thailand, Laos and Cambodia and the potential for private-sector investments in these rapidly evolving markets.

In particular, we look at how sustainably-managed coffee farms in the region could strengthen the industry’s climate resilience and mitigate its toll on natural resources. In our view, bridging the financing gap for productive projects is critical to aligning these markets with shifting global demand. With a clear focus on sustainable quality, the Southeast Asian nations could emerge as leaders in the fourth wave of the coffee revolution.