Introduction – China’s Coffee Market by the Numbers
China might be known as the land of tea, but coffee is brewing a storm here—literally. Over the last few years, the Chinese coffee market has exploded, both in terms of domestic consumption and international exports. And if you’re a coffee importer, distributor, or café chain looking to source from China, understanding the numbers behind this growth is a must.
Let’s dive into the statistics.
Yunnan Province is the heart of China’s coffee scene, producing over 98% of the country’s beans. In 2023 alone, Yunnan cultivated around 80,000 hectares and harvested 146,000 tonnes of raw coffee beans. Even more impressive? In 2024, coffee exports skyrocketed by 358%, reaching 32,500 tonnes and shipped to 29 countries, including powerhouses like the U.S., Germany, and the Netherlands.
Despite this rapid growth, China’s global coffee market share remains relatively modest—0.5% for green beans, 2.6% for soluble coffee, and 2.4% for roasted and ground coffee. But given the trends, this is just the beginning.
The domestic market is also booming. With nearly 400 million coffee drinkers, the industry hit a market valuation of 265.4 billion yuan ($37.3 billion) in 2023. Shanghai itself houses over 9,500 coffee shops—the highest number in any city worldwide.
Big brands are taking notice. In November 2025, Starbucks sold a 60% stake in its China operations to Boyu Capital for $4 billion, signaling confidence in the long-term market potential. Local brands like Luckin Coffee are making waves too, operating over 20,000 stores and challenging international heavyweights.
Bottom line? China’s coffee market is heating up. And if you’re looking to source top-tier coffee products, knowing who’s dominating the export scene is crucial.
Deep Dive – Key Production, Export Statistics & Current Demand Data
Let’s break down the numbers a little more. In 2024, Yunnan Province—the backbone of China’s coffee industry—produced 146,000 metric tons of beans. That’s a 13% jump from the previous year.
Exports? Equally impressive.
Green coffee exports reached 41,000 tons in 2024. Germany (6,900 tons), the Netherlands (6,000 tons), and the U.S. (4,400 tons) collectively consumed about 42% of those exports. That’s a clear indicator that Chinese coffee is gaining global traction.
And the domestic demand? Off the charts.
In 2024, China consumed over 350,000 tons of coffee—a 167% increase over the last decade. The freshly ground coffee segment alone is worth over 120 billion yuan. That’s not even counting the 191,107 tons imported in 2024 to keep up with demand, with Brazil leading the way as a key supplier.
In terms of purchasing behavior, platforms like Freshdi have noted a sharp rise in coffee-related RFQs (requests for quotations), particularly for espresso machines, grinders, and eco-friendly coffee packaging. This aligns with what we’re seeing from the numbers—growing interest, more consumption, and a hunger for innovation.
Top 4 Verified Coffee Suppliers in China – Proven Export Performers
Here’s where things get actionable. If you’re looking to source high-quality coffee products from China, these are the top suppliers to watch in November 2025. These companies have proven export records, strong reviews, and are listed as verified sellers on Freshdi.
1. Hejian Shinelong Glass Products Co., Ltd
- Specialty: Heat-resistant glass coffee pots and carafes
- Why they stand out: Known for high-quality Nordic-style coffee accessories
- Certifications: SGS, CE, and ISO-compliant
- Export destinations: Europe, North America, Southeast Asia
2. Guangzhou Garbo International Trading Co., Ltd.
- Specialty: French press coffee makers and borosilicate carafes
- Why they stand out: Focused on design innovation and durability
- Certifications: FDA, LFGB, and BSCI
- Export destinations: Germany, Spain, Canada
3. Dongguan Jinsen Craft Technology Co., Ltd.
- Specialty: Electric espresso machines, smart Turkish coffee makers
- Why they stand out: Tech-forward coffee appliances with sleek design
- Certifications: CE, RoHS, EMC
- Export destinations: Middle East, USA, Europe
4. Good Seller Co., Ltd
- Specialty: Fully automatic coffee machines for commercial and home use
- Why they stand out: Large-scale manufacturing, OEM/ODM services
- Certifications: ISO9001, CCC, ETL
- Export destinations: USA, Australia, UK
Dynamic Ranking Note: B2B platforms like Freshdi regularly update their supplier rankings based on RFQ volume, buyer ratings, and export performance. Keep an eye out for “Supplier of the Month” features to spot emerging leaders.
Market Navigation – Statistical Trends, Pricing Analysis & Export Dynamics
So, when’s the best time to buy? And what should you be looking at?
Coffee Variant Demand Trends
- Espresso Machines: RFQs for espresso machines are peaking, especially from café chains and office suppliers.
- Sustainable Packaging: There’s a growing interest in eco-friendly coffee bags and single-serve pods.
- Smart Coffee Makers: Tech-enabled brewers with mobile connectivity are trending upward.
Pricing Fluctuations
Coffee pricing typically experiences seasonal swings. For example:
– Prices tend to rise in Q4 due to holiday demand.
– Q2 often sees price dips as harvests begin in Yunnan.
– Historical data suggests that negotiating contracts between March and May can lock in better deals.
Export Strategy Tips
- Diversify Supply: Don’t rely on a single province or supplier. Diversify sourcing to manage risks.
- Monitor Trade Agreements: China’s ongoing deals, like its pact with Brazil, can affect pricing and availability.
- Leverage Analytics: Use tools on platforms like Freshdi to track RFQ trends, supplier performance, and pricing benchmarks.
Conclusion – Leveraging Data for Strategic Sourcing
China’s coffee industry is no longer a niche—it’s a global force in the making. With exports booming, domestic consumption rising, and global players investing billions, the time to tap into China’s coffee supply chain is now.
But smart sourcing isn’t just about finding a good product. It’s about understanding the data, watching the trends, and choosing suppliers with a proven track record.
Here’s a quick buyer’s checklist to help you make informed sourcing decisions:
✅ Coffee Sourcing Checklist for Buyers
- ☐ Verify supplier certifications (ISO, CE, FDA, etc.)
- ☐ Review export history and buyer feedback
- ☐ Compare seasonal price trends
- ☐ Analyze RFQ activity on platforms like Freshdi
- ☐ Choose based on market demand (espresso machines, eco-packaging, etc.)
Future Outlook
Looking ahead, we can expect:
– Continued rise in exports from Yunnan
– Increased investment from foreign and local brands
– Greater demand for smart, energy-efficient coffee appliances
– Expansion into new markets, including the Middle East and Africa
Platforms like Freshdi are becoming essential tools for global buyers. They offer verified supplier listings, RFQ tracking, trade insights, and dynamic performance analytics—all in one place. Whether you’re a small café owner or a large distributor, data-powered decisions will be your secret weapon.
FAQs
1. Why is Yunnan Province so important in China’s coffee production?
Yunnan has the perfect altitude, climate, and soil conditions for growing Arabica beans, making it the epicenter of China’s coffee industry.
2. Are Chinese coffee products good quality for international markets?
Yes! Many Chinese suppliers meet international standards and have certifications like ISO, CE, and FDA. Their products are competitive globally.
3. How can I verify a supplier’s export history?
Use platforms like Freshdi to check verified export records, buyer reviews, and RFQ data.
4. When is the best time to source coffee products from China?
Q2 (March–May) is typically ideal for negotiating better prices due to harvest cycles and lower demand.
5. What are the top coffee product categories trending in 2025?
Smart coffee machines, sustainable single-serve pods, and premium espresso makers are leading the way.
References
- China Daily – Yunnan Coffee Exports
- China Daily – Coffee Consumption Stats
- Scout Asia – China Coffee Market Report
- Indexbox – China Green Coffee Export Data 2024
- Food Navigator Asia – Coffee Import Trends
- El Pais – Luckin Coffee Growth
- AP News – Starbucks Sells China Stake
- Wikipedia – Luckin Coffee Overview
- YouTube – Coffee’s Rise in China
- YouTube – China’s Coffee Exports
