The Boom of Coffee in China – From 2020 to 2025, a Flavor Revolution
- Gabriel Scholze
- Sep 3
- 2 min read
China, the land of ancient tea, is experiencing a cultural transformation with coffee, and Santa Coffee is proud to be part of this revolution! Between 2020 and 2025, coffee consumption in the Asian country skyrocketed, driven by urban youth, digitalization, and a search for quality flavors. As ambassadors of Brazilian specialty coffee, we explore how this growth – from 3.8 million 60kg bags in 2020 to 6.3 million in 2024/25 – is opening doors for Brazilian cafezinho in China.
Consumption Growth: From 9 to 22 Cups Per Year
In 2020, per capita coffee consumption in China was just 9 cups per year, with the market dominated by instant coffee. In 2024, that number jumped to 22.24 cups, a 147% increase, reflecting coffee's adoption as a symbol of modernity among young people aged 25 to 44. The fresh coffee market grew from 82 billion yuan (US$ 12 billion) in 2020 to 193 billion in 2024, with projections to reach 219 billion in 2025. This boom is fueled by urbanization and the rising middle class, seeking global experiences and sophisticated flavors.
From Instant to Specialty: A Shift in Taste
Five years ago, 90% of coffee consumed in China was instant, with "3-in-1" beverages dominating retail. Today, freshly ground coffee is gaining ground, with its share rising from 18.5% in 2020 to 40.2% in 2023, projected to grow at an annual rate of 19.8% until 2028. The Chinese are discovering quality beans, like Brazilian Arabica from Cerrado Mineiro, which offer notes of caramel and chocolate perfect for innovative blends, such as popular lattes with coconut milk or moutai liquor.
Cafes and Digitalization: The New Face of Coffee
China surpassed the US in the number of branded cafes, reaching 49,691 points of sale in 2023, with Shanghai leading globally with 9,500 units. Brands like Luckin Coffee, with over 16,000 stores, democratized coffee with affordable prices and fast deliveries via apps – 70% of orders are for delivery, including innovations like drones in Shenzhen. For Santa Coffee, this is an opportunity to showcase our blends in cafes and cultural events, like the Brazil Center in Shanghai, where we celebrated 51 years of Brazil-China relations.
Brazil's Role: Exports on the Rise
Brazilian exports to China grew from 1.11 million bags in 2022/23 to 2.5 million in 2024, a 65% increase, with China rising to the 3rd largest market for Brazilian coffee. The imposition of 50% tariffs by the US in 2025 further reinforced this redirection, with 183 new Brazilian companies authorized to export to the Asian country. At Santa Coffee, we're capitalizing on this wave, bringing sustainable, high-quality beans to Chinese consumers seeking authenticity.
Santa Coffee: Connecting Cultures
The jump in coffee consumption in China between 2020 and 2025 is more than numbers – it's a story of cultural connection. Every cup of Santa Coffee, with the soul of Brazil, is a celebration of this bridge between nations. Try our blends and join this flavor revolution that's transforming the Chinese market.
Santa Coffee – Where Brazil meets the world.
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