China
China has emerged as one of the fastest-growing coffee markets globally, transitioning from a traditionally tea-dominated culture to a rapidly expanding coffee economy. Total coffee consumption in China exceeded 5 million 60-kg bags in 2023 (International Coffee Organization), having more than doubled over the past decade. Although per-capita consumption remains low at approximately 0.15–0.2 kg per person per year (ICO; FAOSTAT), growth rates are among the highest worldwide, driven by urbanisation, rising disposable incomes and changing lifestyle preferences among younger consumers.
The market is characterised by strong momentum in major metropolitan areas such as Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou and Shenzhen, where café density and specialty coffee awareness continue to rise. China is now home to tens of thousands of branded and independent coffee shops, with both international chains and domestic operators expanding aggressively (industry estimates). Alongside out-of-home consumption, packaged coffee, ready-to-drink beverages and e-commerce sales have become key drivers of volume growth.
China relies heavily on imported green coffee despite limited domestic production in Yunnan province. Imports of coffee reached approximately USD 1.1 billion in 2023 (OEC, 2023), reflecting strong demand for both commercial-grade and higher-quality Arabica coffees. Specialty coffee, traceability and origin storytelling are gaining importance, particularly among urban consumers and premium café operators, while large-scale buyers continue to prioritise consistency and supply security.
Despite its scale and momentum, the Chinese coffee market remains complex and regionally fragmented. Success depends on understanding local distribution structures, pricing dynamics and consumer preferences, which vary significantly between cities and provinces. Nevertheless, China's sustained consumption growth and expanding professional coffee ecosystem position it as a central market within the global coffee landscape.
Cafe Show China
Cafe Show China is a major international coffee and beverage exhibition held annually in Beijing and forms part of the globally recognised Cafe Show series. The event brings together a broad cross-section of the coffee industry, including roasters, green bean suppliers, equipment manufacturers, café brands and service providers. According to official show data, the 2025 edition covered 20,000 square metres of exhibition space, hosted 300 exhibiting companies, and attracted over 50,000 visitors, with expectations rising to 350 exhibitors and 60,000 visitors for subsequent editions
The exhibition features a comprehensive programme of product showcases, professional cupping sessions, brewing demonstrations and industry forums, reflecting both commercial and specialty segments of the Chinese coffee market. Dedicated areas highlight green coffee, roasting technology, café equipment and beverage innovation, alongside educational content addressing quality, processing and market trends. Hosted in Beijing's China International Exhibition Center (Chaoyang Hall), Cafe Show China has established itself as a recurring meeting point for domestic and international coffee professionals engaging with the Chinese market