2015 Shanghai Coffee Expo: Dates, Location & What to Expect

If you’re looking to connect with coffee professionals, discover new suppliers, or explore the latest in coffee equipment and beans all in one place, trade shows offer a focused, efficient way to do it. For those in the Chinese market—or anyone seeking a major regional hub—the 2015 Shanghai Coffee Expo was a key event in the calendar.

The 10th China (Shanghai) Coffee Expo took place June 10–12, 2015, at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre in Pudong, Shanghai, with an expected 50,000 attendees. Organized by the China Coffee Expo Organizing Committee and Shanghai Dongchi Exhibition Services Co., Ltd., this was the tenth edition of the country’s largest dedicated coffee trade event.

What Was the 2015 Shanghai Coffee Expo?

Held under the official title “The 10th Chinese (Shanghai) Coffee Expo,” this event was positioned as one of Asia’s largest coffee exhibitions. It brought together exhibitors and professional buyers from over 20 countries and regions. The show combined product displays, trade matchmaking, and procurement opportunities in a single venue—serving as a critical platform for companies aiming to expand their market reach.

Exhibition Details and Location

The expo was hosted at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre, located at 2345 Longyang Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai. The dates were firmly set for June 10 to 12, 2015. With over 400 exhibitors across previous editions and strong international buyer attendance, this edition continued that legacy as a central meeting point for the industry.

Organizers, Supporters, and Key Partners

The event was jointly organized by the China Coffee Expo Organizing Committee and Shanghai Dongchi Exhibition Services Co., Ltd. It received backing from major industry associations including the Asian Coffee Association, China Specialty Coffee Association, Yunnan Coffee Industry Association, Shanghai Food Association Coffee Professional Committee, T.C.A. Taiwan Coffee Association, and Guangzhou Coffee Industry Association. Notably, Starbucks China was also among the invited organizations.

Target Audience and Visitor Profile

This expo wasn’t aimed at the general public. Instead, it targeted professional buyers and commercial operators, including dealers, distributors, retailers, chain franchisees, e-commerce platforms, corporate procurement officers, and club members. Institutional buyers such as hotels, restaurants, cafes, bars, and western-style food outlets were core attendees, alongside supermarket chains and import/export companies. A special VIP program included executives from retail giants like Carrefour, Metro, Lotus, Tesco, Walmart, RT-Mart, and Auchan.

Visitor Numbers and Media Coverage

Organizers projected 50,000 visitors over the three days. The event benefited from promotional support by more than 100 domestic and international media partners. These included major outlets like Dragon TV, CCTV, Shanghai Media Group, and print publications such as the Shanghai Evening Post and Liberation Daily. Online platforms like Alibaba Food, (HC360 Food Industry Network), and popular food industry sites also amplified coverage.

Exhibitor Categories and Products on Show

The show featured four main exhibit zones:

• Coffee & Coffee Products: whole beans, brewed coffee, coffee blends, coffee foods, and beverages.
• Coffee Equipment & Tools: espresso machines, grinders, brewers, pour-over sets, kettles, and all manner of manual and automated brewing devices.
• Processing & Production Technology: coffee bean handling machinery, roasting and grinding equipment, hulling machines, sorting systems, and drying units.
• Auxiliary Supplies: cafe interior design services, shop management software, and smart retail systems for cafes.

Why Attend? Key Advantages for Exhibitors and Visitors

The expo offered several benefits:

• Access to a pre-qualified database of 500,000 industry professionals, with targeted invitations issued.
• Strong media exposure through 100+ supporting outlets.
• Official sponsorship and participation from leading coffee associations and multinational companies.
• Integrated business functions: product display, B2B meetings, and on-site procurement all in one location.

Special Event: The Imported Food Exhibition

Running alongside the coffee expo was the 10th Shanghai International Import Food Exhibition. This complementary event expanded the sourcing options for café and restaurant operators, linking coffee supply with broader F&B trends.

Networking and Buyer Matchmaking

A key feature was the “Invited Buyers Business Matching” program. Organizers proactively invited potential buyers from target industries to meet exhibitors face-to-face. In 2014, this resulted in hundreds of on-site procurement meetings, saving time and travel costs while increasing deal efficiency—a format that proved highly popular and was continued in 2015.

Marketing and Promotion Strategy

The organizers leveraged years of accumulated data to attract both domestic and international attendees. With support from major coffee and food industry media—including Shanghai Media Group, Dragon TV, and platforms like Alibaba and HC360—the show maintained broad visibility ahead of and during the event.

How to Exhibit: Application Process

Companies interested in exhibiting could request a floor plan and application form directly from the organizing committee. Once the completed and stamped form was submitted (via fax or email), the application was confirmed on a first-come, first-served basis. Early application was strongly recommended to secure preferred booth locations.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the 2015 Shanghai Coffee Expo held?

The 2015 Shanghai Coffee Expo took place from June 10 to June 12, 2015, at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre in Pudong, Shanghai.

Where was the 2015 China (Shanghai) Coffee Expo located?

The event was hosted at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre, located at 2345 Longyang Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai.

Who organized the 2015 Shanghai Coffee Expo?

The expo was organized by the China Coffee Expo Organizing Committee and Shanghai Dongchi Exhibition Services Co., Ltd.

How many people attended the 2015 Shanghai Coffee Expo?

The event expected around 50,000 visitors over the three-day show.

What kinds of products were exhibited at the 2015 Shanghai Coffee Expo?

The show included coffee beans and drinks, brewing equipment, coffee grinders and machines, processing technology, and cafe operation systems such as software and interior design services.

Which organizations supported the 2015 Shanghai Coffee Expo?

Supporters included the Asian Coffee Association, China Specialty Coffee Association, Yunnan Coffee Industry Association, Shanghai Food Association Coffee Committee, T.C.A. Taiwan Coffee Association, Guangzhou Coffee Industry Association, and Starbucks China, along with multiple media partners.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Coffee Trade Events

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