Why Are Chinese People Drinking More Coffee?

In Tianjin, the home of the iconic Goubuli steamed bun, a surprising business move made headlines: the local brand acquired Australia’s largest coffee chain. But this isn’t just a quirky corporate story. It signals a deeper shift—Chinese consumers are embracing coffee like never before.

Chinese coffee consumption is growing at around 15% per year, more than seven times the global rate of 2%. That rapid expansion explains why coffee is showing up everywhere—from KFC and McDonald’s to banks, malls, and office towers.

A Rapid Rise in Coffee Culture

Just a few years ago, tea was still China’s dominant daily beverage. Today, coffee is spreading rapidly across urban China. It’s not just international chains expanding; coffee shops have become essential in shopping malls, business districts, and co-working spaces. For many young Chinese, opening a café is a lifelong dream. This cultural shift feels sudden—but it’s backed by hard data.

How China’s Coffee Consumption Compares Globally

Despite the boom, China’s per capita coffee consumption is still low—just 4 cups a year nationwide. In tier-one cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, that number rises to around 20 cups annually. Compare that to Japan’s 200 cups per person per year, or South Korea’s astonishing 298 cups. Weekly, the average South Korean drinks coffee 12.2 times—the most frequently consumed single food item in the country. By contrast, coffee in China is only now entering the daily routine for many.

Why Is Coffee Growing So Fast in China?

Several factors explain the boom. First, China’s sheer market size means even small adoption rates create massive opportunities. The country’s coffee market is expected to hit 300 billion yuan (about $40 billion) by 2020. Second, coffee isn’t just about caffeine—it’s becoming a symbol of modern, urban, and international lifestyles. Drinking coffee is associated with productivity, socialising, and sophistication. Third, international players like Starbucks and Costa have spent years cultivating that image locally.

The Global Brands Competing for China

Major international coffee chains are battling for dominance in China. Starbucks, which opened its first China store in Beijing in 1999, had nearly 1,500 outlets by 2019 and plans to reach 3,400. Its cafes are now so common some say they’re easier to find than public toilets in big cities. Costa Coffee, a UK brand, entered China in 2008 with a stated goal: “Beat Starbucks or go home.” Meanwhile, Korean brands like Café Bene and Mammoth Coffee have aggressively expanded, opening over 700 stores and offering diverse menus with up to 76 different products—including non-coffee items like smoothies, ice cream, and sodas, which make up nearly half their offerings.

Korea’s Coffee Obsession vs China’s Emerging Trend

South Korea offers a contrast. Its citizens drink coffee at least 12.2 times per week, far outpacing other food items. With 20,000+ coffee shops nationwide, the country’s coffee culture is deeply embedded in daily life. Adults there consume 298 cups per year on average, often drinking coffee multiple times a day. In China, despite rapid growth, coffee is still finding its place—more as an emerging trend than an established habit.

Frequently Asked Questions

How fast is China’s coffee market growing compared to the rest of the world?

China’s coffee market is growing at approximately 15% per year, which is more than seven times faster than the global average growth rate of 2%.

How much coffee does the average Chinese person drink per year?

The average person in China drinks just 4 cups of coffee per year, though in major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, that number increases to around 20 cups annually.

How does South Korea’s coffee consumption compare to China’s?

South Koreans drink significantly more coffee, averaging 298 cups per person per year—about 12.2 times per week—compared to China’s national average of just 4 cups.

Which international coffee chains are expanding the most in China?

Starbucks, Costa Coffee, and various Korean brands like Café Bene and Mammoth Coffee are aggressively expanding in China, with Starbucks planning to operate 3,400 stores by 2020.

Why is coffee becoming popular in China?

Coffee is seen as a symbol of modern, urban life. It’s associated with productivity, social status, and a Westernised lifestyle, and is bolstered by the presence of global coffee chains and a large, untapped market.

What types of coffee drinks are popular in Korean cafes?

Korean cafes offer a wide variety of drinks, including non-coffee options like smoothies, sodas, and ice cream. About 49% of their menu items are non-coffee beverages, which helps them stand out in a competitive market.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Coffee Pairings

Try pairing your Goubuli steamed bun with FrontStreet’s 2013 Yunnan Typica, a balanced medium roast with notes of chocolate, nuts, and tea—perfect for a mild start. For a bolder match, Lintong Mandheling offers herbal depth with spice and caramelised toast in a medium-dark roast. Both beans showcase Asia’s unique coffee character and complement savoury bites. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.