Shandong Coffee Chamber of Commerce Officially Founded in 2015

In early 2015, as coffee culture rapidly expanded across China, a key moment unfolded in Jinan—not in a roastery or café, but in a business hub where over 80 professionals gathered to officially launch a new industry body. This meeting marked the birth of structured representation for the growing coffee economy in Shandong Province.

On January 29, 2015, the Shandong Coffee Chamber of Commerce was founded at Jinan Zhongheng Mall, with 80 attendees from 17 cities in Shandong, including coffee processors, café owners, educators, researchers, and media representatives. Liu Lei, General Manager of Jinan Zhongheng Mall, was elected as the first president of the chamber.

Why the Shandong Coffee Chamber of Commerce Was Formed

Coffee is the world’s most consumed among the big three plant-based beverages—ranking above tea and cocoa—and is the second-most traded global commodity after oil. In China, coffee became a major cultural and economic force following the country’s reform and opening-up. Over just a decade, the sector evolved rapidly, attracting global attention from coffee-growing nations and equipment producers.

This boom created demand for organized industry support. Local professionals, especially youth, showed strong enthusiasm for coffee creation and culture. With increasing competitions in latte art, brewing techniques, and roasting, the domestic scene rivalled international activity. The national momentum made provincial representation essential.

The Founding Event and Key Figures

The founding event took place at Jinan Zhongheng Mall, a central node in Shandong’s commercial coffee ecosystem. More than 80 participants representing diverse parts of the coffee value chain attended from all 17 prefecture-level cities in the province. These included coffee producers, retailers, F&B outlets, universities, research units, and media.

Liu Lei, General Manager of the host venue Jinan Zhongheng Mall, was unanimously chosen as the first president. The establishment had been in preparation for years, driven by collaborative efforts among local stakeholders. It formally united leading platforms such as Jinan Zhongheng Mall and the Shandong International Coffee & Pastry Trading Centre with educational institutions like Shandong Tourism Vocational College and the Shandong Wannwu Coffee Technology Research Institute.

The Role and Impact of the Chamber

The chamber was designed to support the development of Shandong’s coffee industry through structured collaboration. Its foundation laid the groundwork for commodity trading, talent cultivation, and scientific research in coffee. By bringing together producers, trainers, researchers, and vendors, it aimed to drive the local industry forward in a coordinated and informed manner.

Coffee’s role in China extends beyond beverages. Its growth has spurred innovation in other drinks like milk tea, juice, and sparkling water, influencing wider food culture. As preferences evolve, coffee is expanding from cafés into homes and offices, promising long-term scalability given China’s massive population base.

Numerous provinces, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Yunnan, and Hainan, had already formed coffee industry associations. Shandong’s entry into this network added a critical regional hub, leveraging existing commercial and educational infrastructure to advance both commerce and education in coffee.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Shandong Coffee Chamber of Commerce?

The Shandong Coffee Chamber of Commerce is an industry organization established in 2015 to support the development of coffee-related businesses, education, and research in Shandong Province. It was founded in Jinan and includes members from across the coffee supply chain.

When was the Shandong Coffee Chamber of Commerce founded?

The Shandong Coffee Chamber of Commerce was officially founded on January 29, 2015, during its inaugural meeting at Jinan Zhongheng Mall.

Who was the first president of the Shandong Coffee Chamber of Commerce?

Liu Lei, General Manager of Jinan Zhongheng Mall, was elected as the first president of the Shandong Coffee Chamber of Commerce at its founding meeting.

How many people attended the founding meeting?

More than 80 people attended the founding meeting of the Shandong Coffee Chamber of Commerce, representing various sectors of the coffee industry across Shandong’s 17 cities.

What cities in Shandong were represented at the meeting?

Delegates came from all 17 prefecture-level cities in Shandong Province, covering coffee processors, retailers, cafés, academic institutions, and research bodies.

What organizations supported the founding of the chamber?

The chamber was supported by key local entities including Jinan Zhongheng Mall, the Shandong International Coffee & Pastry Trading Centre, Shandong Tourism Vocational College, and the Shandong Wannwu Coffee Technology Research Institute.

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