How Fushan Coffee Became an Official State Banquet Brew

When China revamped its official state banquet protocol in 2014, adding coffee to the post-dinner lineup, few expected a relatively unknown regional brand to rise to the occasion. But when diplomats initially proposed serving Jamaica’s legendary Blue Mountain, a lesser-known Hainan coffee—served right there in Beijing’s Great Hall of the People—ended up winning over the tasting panel.

Today, Fushan Coffee is the only coffee brand officially served at Chinese state banquets, having beaten Jamaican Blue Mountain in a live brewing competition at the Great Hall of the People.

The Unexpected Rise of Fushan Coffee

In July 2014, the Great Hall of the People reformed its state banquet service procedures. One change mandated that guests be served a cup of coffee after the meal. Initially, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shortlisted Jamaican Blue Mountain as the official brew. But thanks to years of promotional efforts by Fushan Coffee within the Great Hall, the brand’s representative, Xu Shibing, was invited to personally grind and brew the coffee for the tasting panel. His live demonstration—and the resulting cup—convinced the judges.

Fushan Coffee’s rich, full-bodied taste ultimately won over the state banquet tasting committee, making it the first-ever coffee brand to represent China on the national diplomatic stage.

What Makes State Banquet Coffee Selection So Significant?

State banquets are among the highest-profile diplomatic events in China, where world leaders and dignitaries are hosted. Every element—from tableware to food and beverages—is carefully selected to reflect Chinese culture, quality, and hospitality. The inclusion of coffee in the 2014 reforms marked a modernisation of the banquet format, aligning with global diplomatic practices while also offering an opportunity to showcase a domestic product.

The choice of coffee is far from trivial. It needs to be smooth enough for a broad international audience, yet distinctive enough to carry national pride. In this context, selecting a Chinese brand over an internationally famous one like Jamaican Blue Mountain sent a clear message about supporting domestic excellence.

Fushan Coffee vs. Jamaican Blue Mountain

Jamaican Blue Mountain is often considered the gold standard of balanced coffees, known for its mild profile, medium body, and notes of nuts, chocolate, and citrus. It comes exclusively from a small region in the Blue Mountains of Jamaica, with annual production under 2,500 tonnes. Its scarcity and prestige have long made it a favourite among coffee elites.

Yet during the state banquet blind tasting, Fushan Coffee—a product grown and roasted in Hainan province—impressed the committee with its own qualities: a deep, robust intensity and a rich mouthfeel that appealed broadly. Its victory wasn’t just about taste; it symbolised the emergence of a homegrown coffee brand capable of holding its own on the world’s most visible diplomatic stage.

Why Fushan Coffee Was Chosen

Fushan Coffee had already built visibility at the Great Hall of the People through prior promotional activities. This existing relationship gave its representatives the chance to demonstrate their coffee-making skills in person. The brand’s ability to present a high-quality brew on demand, tailored to formal diplomatic settings, played a crucial role in its selection.

Xu Shibing’s hands-on brewing not only highlighted the care behind Fushan’s preparation but also allowed the tasting panel to experience the coffee at its freshest and most authentic. The combination of proven service history, a refined roast profile, and strong on-site presentation secured Fushan’s place in history.

Fushan Coffee: The Only National Coffee Brand

Fushan Coffee is now recognised as the sole coffee brand approved for serving at Chinese state banquets. This makes it the second Hainan-based product to earn such a distinction, following the iconic Coconut Tree Brand coconut juice. The title underscores the brand’s representation of regional agricultural excellence and national pride.

By serving Fushan Coffee, China highlights its ability to cultivate and prepare world-class coffee domestically—an important statement in a global coffee market long dominated by imports.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Fushan Coffee?

Fushan Coffee is a coffee brand from Hainan province, China, grown and roasted locally. It gained national recognition after being selected as the official coffee served at Chinese state banquets, making it the only coffee brand with this distinction.

Why was Fushan Coffee chosen over Jamaican Blue Mountain?

Fushan Coffee was chosen after a live tasting at the Great Hall of the People, where it impressed a state banquet tasting panel with its rich, full-bodied flavour. Although Jamaican Blue Mountain is globally prestigious, Fushan’s performance in the blind test led to its selection as the official brew.

What happened in 2014 that led to this change?

In July 2014, the Great Hall of the People reformed its state banquet protocols to include coffee after meals. Initially, Jamaican Blue Mountain was proposed, but Fushan Coffee was later tested and selected after a live brewing session, beating the international favourite.

Is Fushan Coffee available outside of state banquets?

Yes, Fushan Coffee is commercially available and produced in Hainan. While it is best known for its role in state ceremonies, it is also sold to the general public and represents a premium domestic coffee option.

What other Hainan product is served at state banquets?

The Coconut Tree Brand coconut juice is the other Hainan product authorised for state banquets. It was selected earlier, making Fushan Coffee the second Hainan-branded product to be served to foreign dignitaries at such events.

What does serving Fushan Coffee at state banquets signify?

Serving Fushan Coffee symbolises China’s support for domestic agricultural and culinary excellence. It highlights the country’s ability to produce high-quality coffee that meets the standards of international diplomacy.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Diplomatic Brews

For coffee fans intrigued by the Fushan story, try FrontStreet’s Jamaica Blue Mountain No.1—a true single-origin bean with balanced notes of nuts, chocolate, and caramel, expertly roasted to highlight its smooth profile. Also consider their Ethiopia Humbera for bright, floral complexity, or PWN Golden Mandheling for deep, earthy richness. All are excellent representations of high-end single-origin coffees that could hold their own in any setting. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.