Taiwan Chain Stores Sell 300 Million Cups of Coffee Annually

When you walk past any convenience store, office building, or shopping mall in Taiwan, you’re likely to see long lines at the coffee counter. That’s not a coincidence. Taiwan isn’t just known for its vibrant café culture—it’s also home to an astonishing volume of coffee consumed through major retail chains every single day.

Last year alone, major coffee chains in Taiwan—like 7-ELEVEN, FamilyMart, Starbucks Taiwan, and 85°C—sold more than 300 million cups of coffee. That works out to over 820,000 cups per day, making coffee one of the country’s most in-demand daily purchases.

The Scale of Taiwan’s Coffee Chain Sales

Despite broader economic challenges, the coffee market in Taiwan remains resilient. Data compiled from major retail coffee sellers shows consistent annual volumes. In 2023, chains including 7-ELEVEN, FamilyMart, unified Starbucks locations under President Chain Store Corp., and 85°C Bakery Café collectively sold over 300 million cups. This activity contributes to an estimated coffee economy exceeding NT$20 billion (approximately $600 million USD).

Sales figures for 2024 are expected to remain stable, indicating that coffee remains a daily staple for millions of Taiwanese consumers regardless of wider economic shifts.

What’s Driving Daily Coffee Consumption?

The sheer volume of coffee sold reflects both convenience and habit. For many Taiwanese, coffee is an essential part of the workday, study routine, or commute. Coffee sold through convenience stores and bakeries offers a quick, affordable option without sacrificing quality.

The data doesn’t break down individual chain performance, but the overall volume suggests high turnover across all major players. Whether it’s a takeaway espresso at a 7-ELEVEN or a sit-down latte at 85°C, consumers have multiple pathways to satisfy their coffee needs daily.

Latte: The Top-Selling Coffee Drink

Among all coffee beverages sold, the latte emerged as the most popular choice. Its creamy texture, approachable flavour, and visual appeal make it a favourite for a wide demographic, from students to office workers.

While the report does not specify exact numbers for each drink type, industry insiders confirm that milk-based drinks—especially lattes—consistently outsell black coffee and other espresso-based beverages across these retail networks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which coffee chains in Taiwan sell the most cups annually?

The major contributors to Taiwan’s annual coffee sales include 7-ELEVEN, FamilyMart, Starbucks Taiwan (operated by President Chain Store Corp.), and 85°C. Combined, these chains sold over 300 million cups in 2023, with lattes being the top-selling drink.

How many cups of coffee are sold per day in Taiwan through chains?

Taiwan’s major coffee retail chains sell an average of over 820,000 cups of coffee per day, adding up to more than 300 million cups annually.

What is the most popular coffee drink sold at Taiwan coffee chains?

The latte is the best-selling coffee drink among Taiwan’s chain retailers, favoured for its creamy texture and mass appeal across different age and consumer groups.

Is coffee consumption in Taiwan affected by the economy?

Despite economic fluctuations, coffee sales through major chains have remained stable, with 2023 seeing around 300 million cups sold and 2024 expected to be similar, showing consistent demand.

How big is Taiwan’s coffee economy from chain sales?

Taiwan’s coffee chain sales contribute to an estimated NT$20 billion (about $600 million USD) coffee economy annually, based on over 300 million cups sold through major retail outlets.

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