Coffee has been a staple for many drinkers for centuries. But what about in China? Has coffee had the same impact on Chinese people as it has on other cultures? The answer is, in short, that coffee is gaining popularity in China, but there’s still a long way to go.
In terms of coffee consumption per capita, an index of coffee drinking habits in a country, China ranks 43rd out of the top 45 coffee consuming nations in the world, producing only 0.5 kg of coffee per capita. Compare this with Finland, at an estimated 16 kg per capita per year. But coffee production in China is soaring—in 2019 it was estimated that coffee output exceeded 50 million bags (or 1.167 million tons), and with it the hope that more Chinese people are drinking coffee, creating more opportunity for coffee to penetrate the Chinese culture.
Until recently, the most popular coffee in China was traditional variations on the lighter roasts and more mellow Arabica beans that were most popular in Southeast Asia. Robusta beans—often seen as inferior for espresso-style coffee—were the varieties of choice for many large coffee corporations in China, though this is slowly changing.
A growing interest in specialty coffee has opened the door for small cafes and coffee shops to spring up all around China, leading to an influx of people being introduced to the world of coffee. Coffee competitions have been popping up all over China, providing an exciting avenue for further growth. More and more Chinese people are becoming knowledgeable about specialty coffees, their flavors, aromas, and origins.
While the growth of coffee culture in China is impressive, there are still many obstacles to overcome. From a taste standpoint, many Chinese people still prefer teas and other traditional drinks over coffee—making it harder for coffee to penetrate the culture. Price is often an issue as well. Coffee drinks typically cost more in China than tea, making them harder to reach for the average consumer.
Coffee Education in China
Educating the public about coffee has been a key to its success in other countries. In China, however, the culture is just beginning to catch up. Coffee education will play a major role in attracting more customers, both current and potential.
An important part of this education will be knowledge about the different types of roasting and the flavors that can be achieved. There is also a need to drive awareness of the proper brewing techniques and the type of equipment needed to make the best cup of coffee. One could almost consider a barista academy to be the cornerstone of the Chinese coffee market. Training and certifications would give people the tools needed to make delicious coffee.
There are also advocates in the Chinese coffee market that are working diligently to raise the bar of quality. These individuals have a real passion for coffee and are looking to share their knowledge and enthusiasm with others. They are the ones working to create a vibrant and accessible market.
Up-and-coming coffee shops are one way this is done. These small independent entrepreneurs are focused on providing high-quality coffee with consistent results. They carry a variety of specialty coffees and blends, and work hard to ensure every cup is perfectly crafted.
The Impact of Coffee In China
Coffee has the potential to bring together cultures and communities. Whether the goal is to socialize, network, or exchange ideas, coffee has served as a great connector. In fact, it’s estimated that the coffee industry contributes some 8 billion yuan a year to the Chinese economy.
In China, a growing number of people are interested in the country’s various specialty cafes and coffee houses. This is especially true among younger generations, who are constantly exploring new options and ways of living. Coffee has become part of the effort to bridge the generation gap and can be a way for a younger demographic to interact with older generations.
Coffee has also taken the lead in promoting social and political discourse. Many Chinese coffee shops have become gathering places for discussion and debate on topics beyond coffee. There have been community forums and debates on social issues such as LGBT rights and Taiwanese independence, as well as controversial topics such as religion and politics.
Coffee drinking may not be a part of the Chinese culture in the same way it is in many other countries—and it probably never will be. But more and more people are recognizing the potential positive impacts of coffee and realizing that a cup of coffee can be the perfect excuse to connect with others.
Bright Future for Coffee in China
While coffee consumption in China is slowly increasing, the potential for growth is huge. With the right knowledge and resources, the Chinese coffee market can be every bit as prosperous and culturally rich as the hot beverage has been in other parts of the world. The capital flows and the brand-building have been taking place, and the Chinese are waking up to the possibilities of drinking coffee.
A bright future for coffee in China is achievable. Local coffee consumption will become more popular, as more people learn just how good specialty coffee can be. The culture of coffee drinking in China will slowly become something of an industry, and this has immense potential to open up the market and keep it growing.
Education and instruction are key elements in the success of any product, but especially coffee. If China is to open its doors to coffee drinking, then the industry must learn how to best empower individuals with the knowledge they need to become successful connoisseurs. If a passionate and informed coffee culture emerges in China, it could very well transform the industry as a whole.
Chinese Coffee Trade
As is the case with many countries, Chinese coffee operations have been forced to adapt to the changing global markets. A large portion of the coffee trade involves exports, so the shifting politics of trade agreements has had an impact on coffee imports and exports. The result has been an increased focus on diversification and strengthening the competitive posture of domestic and regional coffee organizations.
The government of China, in particular, has placed an emphasis on the development and expansion of the Chinese coffee industry. This has led to the growth of many independent outlets, increased investment in the sector, and a strengthening of the overall coffee trade. One of the key focuses has been developing a more dynamic and internationally-oriented market.
At the same time, a key element of the Chinese coffee trade has been the rise of indigenous coffee companies. Chinese businesses are increasingly using the platforms of well-known Italian brands and staking their own claims in the global coffee industry. This is an important development, as it has the potential to reshape the Chinese coffee market in many ways.
Finally, the Chinese coffee market has continued to benefit from the advancements of technology. eCommerce and digital marketing platforms have enabled coffee entrepreneurs to connect with a massive audience and offer customized experiences that increase user engagement. This has led to the growth of many digital coffee companies and an opportunity for China to become a major player in the international coffee industry.
Conclusion
Coffee has been gaining traction in China for some years now. Coffee production in China has increased significantly over the past decade, and its presence in the specialty market is becoming a bit more widely accepted. That being said, the Chinese still prefer tea over coffee, making it difficult for the latter to become fully entrenched in the culture. But with more education and the right tools, Chinese people can get on the path to becoming real coffee connoisseurs.
It’s also worth noting that the Chinese coffee market has started to make waves in the international industry. Chinese businesses are starting to expand beyond their borders, and innovation within the sector is beginning to take hold. With an increasing focus on diversification and technological advancement, China may soon become a major player in the world of coffee.
