China is one of the largest coffee consuming countries in the world. According to research, in 2020, the total consumption of coffee in China reached 646,300 tons, an increase of 13.3% year-on-year. It is estimated that the Chinese coffee market will amount to nearly $15 Billion by 2027. However, this steep increase in consumption is much lower than that of some other countries.
A recent survey conducted by the China Coffee Association showed that only 4.5% of the population regularly drinks coffee and 44% of the respondents in the survey had never tried a cup. These results show that Chinese people still prefer tea over coffee, by a large margin – however, the growing coffee culture and the promotion of coffee consumption by international companies such as Starbucks has brought about a change in attitudes.
Dr. Chai Jie, a professor from Beijing Normal University and an expert in Chinese coffee culture stated that, historically, coffee was not widely popular in China since it was seen as a western beverage. Because of these negative connotations, Chinese people tended to avoid it for a long time, however, with the emergence of the coffee culture, more and more people have been engaging in it.
The surge in coffee consumption has also been attributed to increasing disposable incomes of the Chinese people, which has allowed them to have access to higher quality coffee products. This is further supported by the fact that the majority of coffee consumers in China are aged between 18 and 34, which are the years when people typically have the most disposable income.
The rise in coffee consumption can be largely attributed to the western influence, however, many local coffee brands have been popping up in various cities in China. These local brands have been using local ingredients and innovative brewing techniques to offer a wide range of different coffee flavours which are more suited for Chinese consumers. The presence of these local brands shows that coffee consumption is gradually becoming a more accepted part of Chinese culture.
In addition to coffee, there are also other emerging coffee-based products such as bubble tea, which have become increasingly popular in China. Bubble tea also provides a unique local twist on coffee, which further demonstrates the evolving tastes of Chinese consumers. Moreover, the convenience and accessibility of coffee-based beverages, with many cafes being located close to universities or business districts, is a contributing factor to the rising coffee consumption.
Although tea will always remain the traditional hot beverage in Chinese culture, coffee is definitely making some inroads and playing a more significant role in daily life of Chinese people. With the expansion of coffee-based products, an increasing number of coffee shops, and more and more people engaging in coffee culture, it is clear that coffee is slowly making its way into Chinese culture and becoming more popular in the years to come.
Effect of Covid-19 on Chinese Coffee Consumption
The Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the Chinese coffee industry, with the closure of many cafes and restrictions on movement and travel. This has resulted in a decrease in demand for coffee with lowered sales figures in the market.
The closure of cafes has heavily disrupted the coffee industry and led to companies restructuring their business models in order to adapt to the changing situation. Many cafes have resorted to offering delivery services and exploring other channels in order to stay afloat. At the same time, some innovative cafes have started offering ready-to-make coffee kits, enabling customers to make their own coffee at home.
Without a doubt, the pandemic has had a huge effect on the industry, and it will take some time for the industry to recover from the impact. Nevertheless, the Chinese people’s love for coffee shows no signs of waning and many café’s are determined to weather the storm and emerge stronger in the future.
Effect of International Companies on Chinese Coffee Culture
The Chinese coffee culture has been heavily influenced by international companies such as Starbucks which has more than 4,000 stores across the country. These stores allow Chinese people to explore and experience different types of coffee, and as a result, many have come to accept and appreciate it. The presence of these stores has also drastically increased the availability of coffee, which makes it much more convenient and accessible for Chinese people.
Moreover, international companies such as Starbucks have become more involved in the local Chinese communities. They hold events to promote coffee culture and have also begun to incorporate traditional Chinese ingredients into their products. This allows Chinese people to experience a unique local twist on coffee.
Aside from Starbucks, many international companies such as Nestle and Jacobs have started to invest in the Chinese coffee market, introducing a wider variety of high-quality coffee products and increasing competition in the industry.
Overall, these companies have had a huge impact on the Chinese market, both directly and indirectly. Through their presence, they have exposed more Chinese people to coffee and have also created more jobs and opportunities. These companies have had a huge hand in shaping the Chinese coffee culture.
Snack Pairings of Coffee in China
In China, coffee is often consumed along with snacks such as cookies and pastries. This has created an interesting snacking culture, where people pair different snacks with different types of coffee to enhance the flavour.
The most popular snacks consumed with coffee in China are flavoured pastries and cookies. These snacks often have a unique Chinese flavour, such as matcha or taro, that pair well with different types of coffee. Moreover, many Chinese cafes have also started to incorporate some traditional snacks into their menu in order to create an interesting snacking experience.
Aside from snacks, there are also other food items that pair well with coffee, such as cakes and desserts. These are also popular and are often consumed with different types of coffee. This serves as another way to enjoy coffee and adds another element of fun to the experience.
As more and more Chinese people start to explore different types of coffee, the snacking culture continues to evolve and adjust to the changing palates of Chinese consumers. This adds another layer of enjoyment to the coffee drinking experience, and is likely to become more popular in years to come.
Drinking Coffee in Chinese Culture
The consumption of coffee in Chinese culture is often accompanied by socializing. Chinese people generally prefer to drink coffee with friends or colleagues, and it is often seen as a way to relax, have a good time, and socialize.
Coffee meetings are also very popular in China, where meetings and negotiations between business professionals take place over coffee. This has been a tradition in Chinese cultures for a long time, and it is seen as a way to build trust between people and create a friendly atmosphere.
At the same time, there are also more relaxed coffee drinking experiences, such as the numerous coffee shops and cafes located in Chinese cities. These cafés often serve a variety of coffee-based foods, drinks, and snacks, and they provide a place for people to socialise and relax. This further shows the growing acceptance of coffee in Chinese culture.
China understands the importance of coffee as a social tool and its popularity is everincreasing as technology and lifestyles are changing. This has pushed the country’s coffee culture and industry to new heights, and it doesn’t look like it will be slowing down anytime soon.
Health Benefits of Coffee Consumption in China
The health benefits of coffee consumption have made it increasingly popular among Chinese people. Studies have shown that regular consumption of coffee can reduce the chances of developing Type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer’s by more than 30%.It has also been found to reduce the risk of developing certain cancers, as well as aiding in weight management.
Coffee also contains essential vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamin B12, Magnesium, and Potassium. Furthermore, coffee has a high concentration of antioxidants, which helps to reduce oxidative stress on the body.
Due to the numerous health benefits that come with coffee consumption, it is becoming increasingly popular among Chinese people. The increasing number of studies on the health benefits also helps to raise awareness and encourage people to consume coffee on a regular basis.
Overall, while it is true that not all Chinese people drink coffee, it is slowly becoming more and more accepted as a hot beverage in China. With the growing trend of coffee consumption, more Chinese people are experiencing firsthand the joy of a cup of coffee, and the increasing number of innovative coffee products is proving to be an appealing factor. In the future, with the continuing integration of coffee into Chinese culture, the coffee industry is expected to take off and become an even more important part of the Chinese economy.
