China’s Coffee Demand Growth: 2010–2013 Data Breakdown

Curious how China’s coffee habit really started taking shape? While tea has long dominated, the nation’s taste for coffee began appearing along the eastern coast as early as the late Qing Dynasty—referenced even in old Shanghai ballads. But real growth didn’t begin until decades later, when international brands and urban cafes reshaped the landscape. If you’ve wondered just how much coffee the country was drinking in those early years, the hard numbers tell a clear story.

Between 2010 and 2013, China’s coffee demand grew steadily—from 4.68 million kilograms in 2010 to 7.80 million kilograms in 2012—while supply also rose, but not fast enough to close the gap. Each year, the difference between what was supplied and what consumers wanted grew larger.

How China’s Coffee Supply and Demand Evolved (2010–2013)

The data, sourced from China Customs and Liyan Research in 2013, tracks annual supply and demand figures in metric tons. In 2010, supply hit 52,200 tons while demand reached 46,800 tons—leaving a gap of 5,500 tons. By 2011, supply climbed to 67,500 tons and demand to 59,700 tons, with the gap widening to 7,800 tons. In 2012, supply rose further to 87,700 tons and demand to 78,000 tons, creating a 9,700-ton shortfall. Even in the first half of 2013 (Q2), supply stood at 55,400 tons against demand of 49,600 tons, still leaving a 5,800-ton gap.

How the Research Was Conducted

The 2014 report “China Coffee Industry Market Research and Development Forecast” employed multiple rigorous methodologies to ensure accuracy. Researchers conducted over 100 face-to-face or telephone interviews with industry professionals. A continuous tracking system gathered monthly updates on market movements. Official data from business registries, statistical bureaus, and customs records provided authoritative figures. Strategic analyses like SWOT and Porter’s Five Forces evaluated competitive dynamics. Finally, advanced statistical methods—including regression analysis, time series modeling, factor analysis, and composite techniques—were used to forecast future trends.

Coffee Culture in Early 20th Century China

Long before these numbers existed, coffee made early appearances in China. Late Qing Dynasty poetry referenced the drink, such as the popular Shanghai ballad “Kǎo Fēi” (“What Is This Coffee?”), which described it as bean-made, sweet yet bitter, and used by Westerners as a tea substitute. By the 1920s and 1930s, cafes had already opened in cities like Shanghai and Kunming. After a hiatus post-1949, coffee resurfaced in the 1980s with brands like Nestlé popularizing instant coffee. The 2000s then saw rapid expansion of both domestic and international coffee chains, as well as the inclusion of coffee in hotel offerings—yet a cohesive, high-quality coffee culture remained elusive.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was China’s coffee demand in 2010?

In 2010, China’s coffee demand was 46,800 metric tons, according to data from China Customs and Liyan Research.

How much coffee was supplied in China in 2012?

In 2012, China’s coffee supply reached 87,700 metric tons, as reported in the 2013 industry data.

What was the coffee supply-demand gap in 2011?

The supply-demand gap in 2011 was 7,800 metric tons, with supply at 67,500 tons and demand at 59,700 tons.

Did China’s coffee demand grow every year from 2010 to 2012?

Yes, China’s coffee demand increased each year: from 46,800 tons in 2010 to 59,700 tons in 2011, and then to 78,000 tons in 2012.

What research methods were used in the 2014 coffee industry report?

The 2014 report used interviews, monthly tracking, official data, SWOT analysis, Porter’s Five Forces, and statistical forecasting methods like regression and time series analysis.

When did coffee first appear in Chinese cities?

Coffee appeared in eastern coastal cities during the late Qing Dynasty and was mentioned in 19th-century Shanghai poetry. Cafes were present in Shanghai and Kunming by the 1920s and 1930s.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Coffee Trend Exploration

Explore China’s evolving coffee culture with FrontStreet Coffee’s single origins that reflect global tastes. Try the Ethiopia Yirgacheffe for bright citrus and floral notes, ideal for those discovering light roasts. For deeper complexity, the Colombia Huila offers chocolatey and nutty tones with a balanced body. Both showcase the quality that matched China’s growing demand from 2010–2013. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.