Note: This article’s statistics come from third-party sources and do not represent the opinions of this website.
China is known as the home of tea. Many of the people in this country drink tea daily and are used to it being a part of their lives. While coffee isn’t foreign in China, it has not experienced the popularity that it has in other parts of the world. Fortunately, for the Chinese people, and the world’s coffee industry, this is changing. Coffee is now being seen as a growing force in China and many people are taking notice.
Learning more about China’s coffee consumption is the perfect way of keeping track of trends in the coffee industry and how they affect those who aren’t accustomed to having a cup of coffee daily. Below, you’ll find 10 coffee consumption facts and statistics centered around China that you should know. Take a look and see how coffee is steadily making a home in this country.
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The 10 China Coffee Consumption Statistics and Facts
- Starbucks is aiming to have more than 9,000 stores in China by the end of 2025.
- In 2017, it was reported that Starbucks was opening a new store every 15 minutes on average in China to keep up with the high demand.
- In 2019, Starbucks reported a 92% revenue increase in China.
- 60% of China’s coffee was produced in Yunnan in the year 2020.
- Instant coffee accounts for 63% of coffee consumption by the Chinese people.
- Per capita, coffee consumption in mainland China is reported at only 6.2 cups per year.
- In 2018, Nestle led the ready-to-drink coffee sector in China and accounted for 68.3% of sales.
- The fresh-ground coffee market in China grew by 37% year on year in 2018.
- Chinese coffee consumption rates are growing by 30% each year.
- In the past 14 years, China’s overall coffee consumption has risen more than 1,000%.
Starbucks and China
1. Starbucks is aiming to have more than 9,000 stores in China by the end of 2025.
(World Coffe Portal)
Starbucks has become a phenomenon in China. Projections show that Starbucks will have more than 6,000 stores in over 230 cities in 2022, and is aiming at 9,000 by the end of 2025.
2. In 2017, it was reported that Starbucks was opening a new store every 15 minutes on average in China to keep up with the high demand.
(CNBC)
The demand for Starbucks coffee in China grew by such a huge margin that in 2017, new shops were opening every 15 minutes around the country to keep up with the huge demand of the local coffee consumers.
3. In 2019, Starbucks reported a 92% revenue increase in China.
(Starbucks Investor Relations)
Starbucks’ profits in China are constantly increasing. From December 31, 2017, thru December 30, 2018, the company’s revenues increased from $340.2 million to $651.8 million. This is a 92% increase in profits in just 364 days.
What Chinese Consumers Are Drinking
4. 60% of China’s coffee was produced in Yunnan in the year 2020.
(Mordor Intelligence)
China is not well known for its coffee production. In 2020, 60% of the country’s coffee was produced in the country’s southern province of Yunnan. Still, most coffee consumed in China was imported from other countries.
5. Instant coffee accounts for 63% of coffee consumption by the Chinese people.
(CTGN)
On average, the people of China consume 14 billion cups of coffee a year. Recent research by CTGN shows 63% of this coffee consumption is instant coffee.
6. Per capita coffee consumption in mainland China is reported at only 6.2 cups per annum.
(Statista)
While the Western countries of China remain the leaders when it comes to per capita coffee consumption, mainland China reported per capita consumption of only 6.2 cups. This is in stark contrast to Hong Kong, with an average of 250 cups per capita annually.
7. In 2018, Nestle led the ready-to-drink coffee sector in China and accounted for 68.3% of sales.
(Statista)
Ready-to-drink or instant coffee is the favored coffee type in China. In 2018, the leader of the pack, Nestle, raked in 68.3% of the instant coffee market in the country.
The Growing Coffee Market in China
8. The fresh ground coffee market in China grew by 37% year on year in 2018.
(Statista)
While instant coffee is still the preferred form of coffee in China, 2018 saw significant growth for the freshly ground coffee market with an increase of 37%.
9. Chinese coffee consumption rates are growing by 30% each year.
(SupChina)
While the international growth rate of coffee consumption is 2%, coffee consumption rates in China are steadily growing by 30% each year.
10. In the past 14 years, China’s overall coffee consumption has risen more than 1,000%.
(International Comunicaffe)
Over the past few years, the consumption of coffee in China has seen staggering growth. In the past 14 years, consumption has skyrocketed by more than 1,000%.
Frequently Asked Questions About China Coffee Consumption
Will people in China still choose tea over coffee?
Normally, the answer to this question is yes. Tea is still the most popular drink in China but coffee is steadily growing in popularity.
Yes. On the menu at most Starbucks in China, you’ll find several coffee drinks but you’ll also find a multitude of tea-infused drinks.
What age group drinks the most coffee in China?
The rising trend in coffee consumption in China is largely thanks to the younger generations. Many find coffee a great way to stay awake for studying and spend time in local coffee shops nursing their coffee while they work.
China’s Favorite Coffee
When taking a look at the statistics and facts above, it’s clear to see China has a preferred coffee type: instant coffee. The leader of this pack is the Nestle company and their Nescafe, which is the most popular coffee in China. While Nescafe is still a powerhouse in the region, its popularity has opened the Chinese market up to more instant coffee brands, including those that offer specialty coffees on the go.
You may wonder why the people of China prefer instant coffee in comparison to a freshly brewed pot. Let’s take a look at the answers to that question below.
Affordability
The majority of people in China do not feel it is economical to rush out and buy coffee brewing machines for their homes. This is especially true for those who rarely drink coffee or aren’t sure if they would enjoy the beverage in the first place. Instead of spending money they may regret, the people of China prefer to try various types of instant coffees. With so many specialty instant coffees now available on the market, they can try different flavors and slowly work their way toward buying the coffee machines they may decide are needed in their kitchens.
Convenience
Convenience is the other reason most coffee drinkers in China prefer instant coffee. With the majority of those drinking coffee being the younger generation, this makes complete sense. Younger people are always on the go. It is easier for them to whip up a cup of their favorite instant coffee at home before beginning their day. If they decide to visit a local coffee shop, instant coffee is both faster and cheaper, making it a better buy for younger people who are always keeping an eye on their bottom line.
Conclusion
The coffee industry in China is still on the path to stardom. While many of the people in this country haven’t opened their hearts to the perfection of coffee, it is only a matter of time before they try it. With Starbucks being the giant it is in China, and Nescafe being so convenient for this busy country, don’t be surprised if over the next few years the Chinese coffee industry explodes. With its rapid growth and trendsetters reaching for a cup of their favorite brew, it’s only a matter of time until the people of China love coffee as much as the rest of the world.
Table of Contents
- The 10 China Coffee Consumption Statistics and Facts
- Starbucks and China
- What Chinese Consumers Are Drinking
- 4. 60% of China’s coffee was produced in Yunnan in the year 2020.
- 5. Instant coffee accounts for 63% of coffee consumption by the Chinese people.
- 6. Per capita coffee consumption in mainland China is reported at only 6.2 cups per annum.
- 7. In 2018, Nestle led the ready-to-drink coffee sector in China and accounted for 68.3% of sales.
- The Growing Coffee Market in China
- Frequently Asked Questions About China Coffee Consumption
- China’s Favorite Coffee
- Conclusion
