China’s coffee industry is moving from niche to mainstream, with demand rising fastest in cities and among younger drinkers. In 2023, per-capita consumption climbed to 0.18 kg and urban consumers averaged 2.3 cups per week, while ready-to-drink coffee gained momentum. This page connects those demand signals with supply realities—imports reaching 450,000 metric tons in 2023—and highlights domestic production concentrated in Yunnan.
Key Takeaways
- In 2023, annual coffee consumption per capita in China reached 0.18 kg, up from 0.12 kg in 2019
- Urban Chinese consumers drank an average of 2.3 cups of coffee per week in 2023
- 68% of Chinese millennials consumed coffee daily or several times a week in 2023
- China's coffee market projected to reach $14.5 billion USD by 2028 at 9.8% CAGR
- Per capita coffee consumption expected to hit 0.25 kg by 2027
- Number of coffee shops forecasted to exceed 200,000 by 2025
- China's coffee imports totaled 450,000 metric tons in 2023, valued at $2.1 billion USD
- Brazil supplied 38% of China's coffee imports in 2023 at 171,000 tons
- Vietnam was the second-largest supplier with 22% share, 99,000 tons in 2023
- In 2023, China's coffee market revenue reached approximately 53.4 billion yuan, marking a year-over-year growth of 15.2%
- The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of China's coffee industry from 2018 to 2023 was 12.8%, driven by urbanization and rising disposable incomes
- China's coffee market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 10.5% from 2024 to 2029, reaching 98.7 billion yuan by 2029
- China's Yunnan province produced 120,000 metric tons of coffee in 2023, accounting for 95% of domestic output
- Coffee planting area in China expanded to 1.2 million mu (80,000 hectares) by 2023
- Average yield per hectare of Arabica coffee in Yunnan was 1.2 tons in 2023
China’s coffee market is surging as per capita use rises, demand shifts to ready to drink, and expansion targets big growth.
Related reading
01 · Category
Consumption Patterns28 stats
01
In 2023, annual coffee consumption per capita in China reached 0.18 kg, up from 0.12 kg in 2019
02
Urban Chinese consumers drank an average of 2.3 cups of coffee per week in 2023
03
68% of Chinese millennials consumed coffee daily or several times a week in 2023
04
Ready-to-drink coffee consumption grew 32% YoY among white-collar workers in 2023
05
Instant coffee accounted for 52% of total coffee consumed in China in 2023
06
Coffee consumption in first-tier cities like Shanghai averaged 150 liters per capita annually in 2023
07
45% of Chinese consumers preferred iced coffee in summer 2023, up 12% from 2022
08
Female consumers made up 55% of coffee drinkers in China in 2023
09
Average spend per coffee purchase in China was 28.5 yuan in 2023
10
72% of post-90s generation consumed flavored coffee in 2023
11
Coffee consumption in Tier 2-3 cities grew 28% YoY to 120 million cups daily in 2023
12
Plant-based milk in coffee was chosen by 31% of consumers in 2023
13
Weekly coffee shop visits averaged 3.2 for urban youth in 2023
14
40% of office workers consumed coffee during work hours daily in 2023
15
Low-sugar coffee options were preferred by 58% of health-conscious consumers in 2023
16
Coffee with functional additives (e.g., collagen) saw 45% consumption rise in 2023
17
25% of Chinese consumers brewed coffee at home daily in 2023
18
Espresso-based drinks comprised 38% of total coffee orders in 2023
19
Afternoon tea time (3-5pm) accounted for 42% of daily coffee consumption in 2023
20
67% of consumers aged 25-35 tried new coffee flavors monthly in 2023
21
Cold brew consumption doubled to 15% market share in 2023
22
52% of students consumed coffee for studying in 2023
23
Nitro coffee popularity led to 28% consumption growth among young adults in 2023
24
36% increase in coffee consumption during winter months in northern China in 2023
25
Matcha-latte hybrid coffees were consumed by 22% of trendy consumers in 2023
26
Daily coffee intake averaged 180ml per urban consumer in 2023
27
49% of gym-goers paired coffee with workouts in 2023
28
Seasonal fruit-infused coffees saw 55% trial rate in 2023
Interpretation
Consumption Patterns Interpretation
In China’s consumption patterns, coffee intake is rising steadily with per capita consumption up to 0.18 kg in 2023 from 0.12 kg in 2019, and instant coffee still dominates at 52% of total consumption.
02 · Category
Future Projections & Trends10 stats
01
China's coffee market projected to reach $14.5 billion USD by 2028 at 9.8% CAGR
02
Per capita coffee consumption expected to hit 0.25 kg by 2027
03
Number of coffee shops forecasted to exceed 200,000 by 2025
04
RTD coffee segment to grow at 15% CAGR to 2028
05
Domestic production to reach 150,000 tons by 2030
06
Plant-based coffee alternatives market to surge 25% CAGR
07
E-commerce coffee sales projected at 40% of total by 2027
08
Specialty coffee to claim 25% market share by 2026
09
AI-personalized coffee trends to dominate 30% of chains by 2028
10
Sustainability certifications expected in 50% of supply by 2030
Interpretation
Future Projections & Trends Interpretation
China’s coffee market is forecast to grow to $14.5 billion by 2028 at a 9.8% CAGR, alongside rapid expansion in coffee shops and RTD, showing a strong shift toward mainstream, consumption driven growth under Future Projections and Trends.
03 · Category
Imports & Exports23 stats
01
China's coffee imports totaled 450,000 metric tons in 2023, valued at $2.1 billion USD
02
Brazil supplied 38% of China's coffee imports in 2023 at 171,000 tons
03
Vietnam was the second-largest supplier with 22% share, 99,000 tons in 2023
04
Roasted coffee imports grew 18% to 120,000 tons in 2023
05
Green bean imports from Colombia reached 45,000 tons in 2023
06
China's coffee exports were minimal at 12,000 tons in 2023, mainly re-exports
07
Instant coffee imports surged 25% to 85,000 tons in 2023
08
Average import price per ton was $4,650USD in 2023
09
From Jan-Nov 2023, imports via Shanghai port were 320,000 tons
10
Indonesia's share of imports was 12% at 54,000 tons in 2023
11
Specialty green coffee imports hit 25,000 tons in 2023
12
Duty-free coffee imports under RCEP rose 30% in 2023
13
Re-export of processed coffee reached $150 million USD in 2023
14
Ethiopia supplied 18,000 tons of premium beans in 2023
15
Import growth from Laos was 40% to 8,500 tons in 2023
16
Soluble coffee imports from Nestle global were 40,000 tons in 2023
17
Customs clearance time for coffee imports averaged 24 hours in 2023
18
Top 10 suppliers accounted for 92% of imports volume in 2023
19
Futures hedging covered 60% of large importer volumes in 2023
20
Organic certified imports grew to 15,000 tons in 2023
21
Single-origin imports from Africa doubled to 12,000 tons in 2023
22
Warehousing capacity for imports expanded 20% to 500,000 tons in 2023
23
Blockchain-tracked imports reached 100,000 tons in 2023
Interpretation
Imports & Exports Interpretation
In 2023, China’s coffee trade was overwhelmingly import driven, with 450,000 metric tons brought in for $2.1 billion while exports were just 12,000 tons, and roasted coffee imports rose 18% to 120,000 tons.
More related reading
04 · Category
Market Size & Growth30 stats
01
In 2023, China's coffee market revenue reached approximately 53.4 billion yuan, marking a year-over-year growth of 15.2%
02
The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of China's coffee industry from 2018 to 2023 was 12.8%, driven by urbanization and rising disposable incomes
03
China's coffee market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 10.5% from 2024 to 2029, reaching 98.7 billion yuan by 2029
04
In 2022, the per capita coffee consumption expenditure in China was 32.1 yuan, up 14% from 2021
05
The online coffee sales segment in China grew by 28.3% in 2023, accounting for 22% of total coffee market revenue
06
China's specialty coffee market size was valued at 12.6 billion yuan in 2023, with a growth rate of 18.7% YoY
07
The ready-to-drink (RTD) coffee market in China expanded to 8.9 billion yuan in 2023, growing 25.4% annually
08
Instant coffee dominated China's market with 45% share in 2023, generating 24.1 billion yuan in sales
09
China's coffee shop market revenue hit 168 billion yuan in 2023, up 20.1% from the previous year
10
The premium coffee segment in China grew by 22.3% in 2023, reaching 15.4 billion yuan
11
China's urban coffee market accounted for 78% of total industry revenue in 2023 at 41.7 billion yuan
12
From 2020-2023, China's coffee e-commerce sales surged 150%, hitting 11.8 billion yuan in 2023
13
The coffee bean retail market in China was valued at 6.2 billion yuan in 2023, with 16% YoY growth
14
China's new retail coffee formats contributed 35 billion yuan to the market in 2023, growing 28%
15
Overall coffee industry investment in China reached 45 billion yuan in 2023, up 19.5%
16
The CAGR for China's roast and ground coffee segment was 13.2% from 2019-2023
17
China's coffee market volume reached 450,000 metric tons in 2023, with 11% growth
18
Frozen coffee beverages market in China hit 4.5 billion yuan in 2023, +24.8% YoY
19
China's coffee franchise sector revenue was 92 billion yuan in 2023, growing 21%
20
The health-oriented coffee market in China grew to 7.8 billion yuan in 2023 at 17.6% CAGR
21
China's total coffee outlets numbered 152,000 in 2023, up 25% YoY
22
Coffee equipment market in China valued at 3.2 billion yuan in 2023, +15.4%
23
China's capsule coffee system sales reached 2.1 billion yuan in 2023, 30% growth
24
Organic coffee market segment in China was 1.8 billion yuan in 2023, +22%
25
China's coffee export processing value hit 5.6 billion yuan in 2023, up 12%
26
Takeaway coffee sales dominated with 65% market share in 2023, 112 billion yuan
27
China's coffee supply chain investment was 28 billion yuan in 2023, +18.2%
28
Low-acid coffee niche grew to 2.4 billion yuan in 2023 at 20% YoY
29
China's coffee tourism-related revenue reached 1.2 billion yuan in 2023, +26%
30
Decaf coffee market in China expanded to 0.9 billion yuan in 2023, 19% growth
Interpretation
Market Size & Growth Interpretation
China’s coffee market is expanding fast, with revenue reaching about 53.4 billion yuan in 2023 and projected to climb to 98.7 billion yuan by 2029 at a 10.5% CAGR, showing sustained market size growth that is also reflected in an 18.7% YoY rise in specialty coffee to 12.6 billion yuan.
05 · Category
Production & Cultivation27 stats
01
China's Yunnan province produced 120,000 metric tons of coffee in 2023, accounting for 95% of domestic output
02
Coffee planting area in China expanded to 1.2 million mu (80,000 hectares) by 2023
03
Average yield per hectare of Arabica coffee in Yunnan was 1.2 tons in 2023
04
Over 300,000 farmers were engaged in coffee cultivation in China in 2023
05
Robusta coffee production in Hainan province reached 8,000 tons in 2023
06
Organic coffee cultivation area grew 15% to 150,000 mu in 2023
07
Coffee processing capacity in Yunnan increased to 200,000 tons annually by 2023
08
Adoption of drip irrigation in coffee farms reached 65% in 2023, boosting yields by 20%
09
High-altitude coffee farms (above 1,500m) produced 40% of premium beans in 2023
10
Mechanized harvesting covered 25% of coffee plantations in 2023
11
Coffee seedling distribution totaled 50 million units in 2023 for new plantations
12
Pest-resistant varieties accounted for 70% of new plantings in 2023
13
Shade-grown coffee practices adopted on 45% of farms in 2023
14
Coffee cooperative numbers rose to 1,200 in Yunnan by 2023
15
Average farm size for coffee was 2.5 mu per household in 2023
16
Rain-fed coffee production dominated with 80% share in 2023
17
Export-quality green bean production hit 50,000 tons in 2023
18
Intercropping with tea on 30% of coffee lands improved sustainability in 2023
19
Coffee flower pollination success rate reached 92% with bee programs in 2023
20
Soil fertility management covered 55% of plantations in 2023
21
Climate-resilient varieties planted on 40% of area in 2023
22
Harvest season output peaked at 15,000 tons/month in Oct 2023
23
Women's participation in coffee farming hit 48% in 2023
24
Blockchain-traced coffee farms numbered 500 in 2023
25
Youth farmer training programs reached 20,000 participants in 2023
26
Coffee pruning adoption rate was 75% improving yields by 15% in 2023
27
Mycorrhizal fungi application boosted roots on 35% farms in 2023
Interpretation
Production & Cultivation Interpretation
In 2023, China’s production and cultivation base expanded sharply with planting area reaching 1.2 million mu and 300,000-plus farmers supporting a crop led by Yunnan, which produced 120,000 metric tons and accounted for 95% of domestic output, while Hainan added 8,000 tons of Robusta.
06 · Category
Retail & Consumer Trends25 stats
01
Number of coffee chain stores in China exceeded 152,000 in 2023
02
Luckin Coffee operated over 16,000 outlets by end of 2023
03
Starbucks China had 6,500 stores in 2023, growing 15% YoY
04
New tea-drink hybrid coffee shops numbered 5,200 in 2023
05
Average coffee shop size in Tier 1 cities was 120 sqm in 2023
06
42% of stores offered delivery services via Meituan in 2023
07
Franchise model adopted by 35% of independent coffee shops in 2023
08
Vending machine coffee outlets reached 45,000 units in 2023
09
Pop-up coffee experiences hosted 1,200 events in 2023
10
55% consumer preference for self-pickup options in 2023
11
Luxury coffee retail in malls grew 28% with 2,800 outlets in 2023
12
Community mini-stores numbered 28,000 serving neighborhoods in 2023
13
Digital ordering via小程序 apps used by 78% of customers in 2023
14
62% of Gen Z preferred Instagram-worthy coffee shops in 2023
15
Sustainability-labeled stores increased to 12% of total in 2023
16
Drive-thru coffee lanes debuted in 500 locations in 2023
17
Coffee subscription boxes delivered to 1.5 million users in 2023
18
Pet-friendly coffee shops rose to 3,200 in urban areas in 2023
19
Night-time operations (post 10pm) in 15% of stores in 2023
20
AR menu experiences in 800 high-end shops in 2023
21
70% loyalty program adoption rate among chain stores in 2023
22
Zero-waste coffee shops numbered 450 pioneering sustainability in 2023
23
Coffee + bookstore hybrid formats at 1,800 locations in 2023
24
E-sports themed coffee cafes reached 650 in 2023
25
Vocaloid idol collaborations in 120 coffee chains in 2023
Interpretation
Retail & Consumer Trends Interpretation
In China’s Retail and Consumer Trends, the sector is still accelerating at scale with coffee chain stores surpassing 152,000 in 2023 and 42% of them offering delivery via Meituan, underscoring how consumers are increasingly choosing convenient, on demand coffee.
Reference
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APA
David Sutherland. (2026, February 13). China Coffee Industry Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/china-coffee-industry-statistics
MLA
David Sutherland. "China Coffee Industry Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/china-coffee-industry-statistics.
Chicago
David Sutherland. 2026. "China Coffee Industry Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/china-coffee-industry-statistics.
Sources & references
100 datasets cited across this report