First China Fushan Cup International Barista Championship Set for 2012

In 2012, the specialty coffee world turned its eyes to a new destination: Fushan, Hainan. For the first time ever, an international barista championship was set to unfold in China—not in a major metropolitan hub, but in a growing coffee region aiming to put itself on the global map. This was no casual meet-up; it was the debut of a serious platform for the world’s best baristas.

The first China Fushan Cup International Barista Championship took place over June 22–23, 2012, in Fushan Coffee Culture Town, Haikou, Hainan. Top baristas from 14 countries and regions competed, including champions from Italy, Brazil, Colombia, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Puerto Rico, New Zealand, and multiple areas of China.

What Was the Fushan Cup?

The China Fushan Cup International Barista Championship was established to showcase elite barista talent from around the globe. Its goal was clear: bring together the world’s best baristas to compete, share skills, and celebrate coffee excellence in the historic setting of Fushan. More than just a contest, it aimed to spotlight Fushan coffee’s cultural roots while elevating China’s presence in the international specialty coffee scene.

Who Competed in the First Fushan Cup?

The inaugural event featured champion baristas from a diverse group of countries and Chinese regions:

• Italy
• Brazil
• Colombia
• Thailand
• Vietnam
• South Korea
• Japan
• Indonesia
• Puerto Rico
• New Zealand
• China (including Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Beijing, Shanghai, Sichuan, Fujian, Guangzhou, Yunnan, Hangzhou, and Hainan)

This wide representation underscored the competition’s international scope and its role as a meeting point for global coffee cultures.

Where and When Was It Held?

The competition was hosted at the Fushan Coffee Culture Town in Haikou, Hainan Province. The dates were set for June 22–23, 2012. This location was chosen not only for its growing reputation as a coffee hub in China, but also for its potential to become a long-term home for high-level coffee competitions.

Why Was the Fushan Cup Created?

The competition had several clear objectives:

• To gather elite baristas from China and abroad for a high-level skills competition (“、，”)
• To expose both international and local competitors to the history and culture of Fushan coffee
• To allow coffee fans and the public to witness world-class barista performances
• To increase Fushan coffee’s international visibility
• Ultimately, to establish China’s highest-level barista competition in Fushan and support the development of China’s coffee industry

Who Supported the Event?

The Fushan Cup was backed by a strong coalition of official and supporting organizations:

Organizers

• CPC Chengmai County Committee
• Chengmai County People’s Government

Event Operators

• Fushan Coffee Culture Town Management Committee
• Hainan Chengmai Fushan Coffee United Company
• Hainan Coffee Industry Association

Supporting Institutions

• China Barista Competition Committee
• Beijing Coffee Industry Association
• Guangzhou Coffee Industry Association
• Hangzhou Coffee & Western Food Industry Association
• Yunnan Coffee Industry Association
• Fujian Coffee Industry Association
• Shandong Wannwu Coffee Technology Research Institute
• Hong Kong Coffee Industry Association
• Macau Coffee Industry Association
• Taipei Specialty Coffee Business Development Association
• Columbia Coffee Producers Association Beijing Office
• Specialty Coffee Association of America
• Columbia Coffee Association
• Italian San Marco Coffee Equipment Manufacturing Company
• Ji Ming Coffee Laboratory
• Coffee Salon
• China Coffee Mall Network

Media Partners

• Coffee Salon (www.coffeesalon.com)
• Coffee Tea & I Magazine (http://www.coffeetandi.com)

Frequently Asked Questions

When did the first China Fushan Cup International Barista Championship take place?

The first China Fushan Cup International Barista Championship was held on June 22–23, 2012.

Where was the Fushan Cup competition located?

The competition took place in Fushan Coffee Culture Town, Haikou, Hainan Province, China.

Which countries participated in the first Fushan Cup?

Baristas from Italy, Brazil, Colombia, Thailand, Vietnam, South Korea, Japan, Indonesia, Puerto Rico, New Zealand, and various regions of China (including Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Beijing, Shanghai, Sichuan, Fujian, Guangzhou, Yunnan, Hangzhou, and Hainan) competed in the first Fushan Cup.

What was the purpose of the Fushan Cup?

The Fushan Cup aimed to bring together international and Chinese barista champions to compete, promote Fushan coffee culture, showcase barista talent, increase Fushan’s global coffee profile, and establish a premier coffee competition in China.

Who organized and supported the Fushan Cup?

The event was organized by the CPC Chengmai County Committee and Chengmai County People’s Government, operated by the Fushan Coffee Culture Town Management Committee, Fushan Coffee United Company, and Hainan Coffee Industry Association, and supported by numerous national and regional coffee associations, research bodies, equipment manufacturers, and media partners.

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