Recently, China-ASEAN School of Economics delegation of the “China-Thailand Youth Lancang-Mekong Collaboration” International Academic Exchange Camp visited Hillkoff, a renowned boutique coffee company in Chiang Mai, Thailand, to conduct industry research and engage in school-enterprise dialogue.

Ms. Naruemon Taksaudom presented Hillkoff products

"It took us 27 years to transform a coffee bean into a cup of coffee". Ms. Naruemon Taksaudom, Managing Director of Hill Coffee, began her presentation through an introducing video. She introduced in detail how the company evolved from small family workshops in northern mountainous regions into a circular demonstration facility exporting to over 30 countries with annual revenue exceeding 100 million yuan. Notably, Hillkoff achieved a 98% raw material utilization rate through 12 patented technologies including coffee pulp composting, silver skin paper-making, and D-grade bean reprocessing, realizing its "zero waste" goal.

Students participated in the Q&A section

Then the delegation put on dust-proof suits and visited the baking workshop, cold chain warehouse, and sensory laboratory to experience firsthand the multiple transformations of "super fruits". Ms. Narumon explained to the students that "coffee is not just a common beverage in our daily lives; it is also a 'super fruit' brimming with infinite possibilities, possessing multiple potentials for health, innovation, and sustainable development.” Through a series of resource recycling initiatives, Hillkoff has successfully transformed the concept of 'circular development' in the coffee industry into tangible results, fully tapping into and leveraging the diverse value of coffee beans as specialty agricultural products. The students listened attentively, occasionally pausing to observe, gaining a more intuitive understanding of the innovative development of the coffee industry. During the Q&A session, the students actively raised questions on topics such as "smallholder farmers embedded in value chains", "ESG and financing", and "China-ASEAN cross-border standard mutual recognition".

Hillkoff (Hill Coffee) general manager introduced he coffee bean processing plant to the delegation

At the end of the trip, Hillkoff thoughtfully prepared exquisite specialty tea snacks for the exchange delegation and presented them with the company's newly developed "Cold Brew + Probiotics" functional coffee for tasting. They looked forward to collaborating with the school in joint research, student internships, and support for entry into the China e-commerce platform. In a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere, faculty and students savored the delicious tea snacks while sharing their insights and reflections from the visit.

Group photo in front of Hillkoff factory

As an field trip activity of the "China-ASEAN Youth Lancang-Mekong Initiative" 2025-2026 International Academic Exchange Camp, this visit helped students to gain in-depth understanding of Thailand's coffee industry chain and sector innovation, enhanced their awareness of the current development status of Thailand's characteristic industries, promoted their comprehensive understanding of the pillar industries in ASEAN countries. It aligned with the school's distinctive feature of cultivating international talents for ASEAN.

Written by Li Dongwei, Ou Xingyan, Jiang Shujing

Translated by AI

Proof Read  by Yu Na, Chen Yanyang

Edited by  Gan Ziying

Reviewed by Gong Zheng