How Suzhou Became a Major Exporter of Coffee Mate Products

In 2013, Suzhou’s agricultural exports hit $510 million—a year-on-year rise of 8.4% and the province’s top spot for the third straight year. But this wasn’t just about fresh produce. The majority of those exports were processed foods, including frozen vegetables, dairy items, and plant oils. Among them: a key product many coffee drinkers use daily without realizing its origins.

The answer? Suzhou-based companies exported over $510 million worth of processed agricultural goods in 2013, with one firm alone producing enough “coffee mate” to make 100 million cups of coffee per day.

What Is ‘Coffee Mate’ and Why Does Suzhou Dominate Its Production?

“Coffee mate” here refers to non-dairy creamers, specifically powdered whitener used in coffee and other beverages. In Suzhou, the leading producer is Jiahe Food Industry Co., Ltd., based in Wujiang. Founded in 2001, the company manufactures Crystal Flower-brand plant-based creamer , a key ingredient for coffee, tea, and ice cream. Their factory uses what they claim are the world’s most advanced creamer production lines, making them Asia’s largest such producer. Daily output is sufficient to prepare around 100 million cups of coffee.

Which Cities in Suzhou Export the Most Processed Agricultural Goods?

Across Suzhou, export volume is heavily concentrated in just three districts. In 2013:

• Wujiang: $113 million
• Zhangjiagang: $105 million
• Kunshan: $92 million

Together, these three areas accounted for more than half of Suzhou’s total agricultural exports. Additionally, 200 local companies exported over $10,000 worth of goods, with 24 surpassing $500,000 and 13 topping $1 million in annual exports.

Where Do Suzhou’s Processed Food Exports Go?

Suzhou’s agricultural exports reached multiple global markets in 2013:

• Asia (50% of total): Japan ($54.35 million), Philippines ($30.87 million), Singapore ($24.56 million), Vietnam ($22.44 million)
• Europe: $92.12 million total, with Germany ($28.02 million), Italy ($14.07 million), and Russia ($10.29 million)
• North America: $111.57 million, nearly all from the United States ($96.61 million)

These exports included over 100 countries and featured processed items such as frozen foods, dairy alternatives, and plant oils—key among them being non-dairy creamer.

How Did Suzhou Boost Its Agricultural Export Capacity?

To strengthen its export profile, Jiangsu Province (of which Suzhou is a part) promoted the certification of Export Agricultural Product Demonstration Bases. In 2013, during the fifth round of provincial certifications, eight Suzhou companies applied, and five passed:

• Wuzhong Dafu Foreign Trade Food Co., Ltd.
• Taicang Haijiang
• Changshu Jintang
• Changshu Xinwei
• Zhangjiagang Liangfeng

One notable example is Suzhou Dafu Foreign Trade Food Co., Ltd. (in Wuzhong District), which processes frozen vegetables and grain products. Most of its goods go to the U.S., Japan, Canada, France, Italy, and Hong Kong. In 2013, the company introduced new processing techniques for Xishan chestnuts, increasing its annual export value by 48.4%. By that year, Jiangsu had a total of nine provincial-level export demonstration bases.

How Does Suzhou Promote Its Processed Food Exports Internationally?

To raise global awareness, the Suzhou Agricultural Commission organized participation in major international food expos. In 2013, companies attended shows including:

• Japan International Food & Beverage Exhibition
• Korea International Food Industry Expo
• U.S. Summer Fancy Food Show
• Russia International Food Expo

These efforts helped promote Suzhou-made products—including non-dairy creamers and other processed agricultural goods—on the world stage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main product exported by Jiahe Food Industry in Suzhou?

Jiahe Food Industry, based in Wujiang, primarily exports Crystal Flower-brand plant-based creamer , a non-dairy whitener used in coffee, tea, and ice cream. Their production lines are considered the most advanced globally, and the company is Asia’s largest producer of this product.

How much coffee can be made daily with Suzhou’s plant-based creamer output?

Suzhou’s leading producer, Jiahe Food Industry, manufactures enough plant-based creamer daily to prepare approximately 100 million cups of coffee.

Which cities in Suzhou contribute most to agricultural exports?

In 2013, Wujiang, Zhangjiagang, and Kunshan were the top contributors, with exports of $113 million, $105 million, and $92 million respectively—making up over half of Suzhou’s total agricultural exports.

Where are Suzhou’s processed food exports mainly sent?

Suzhou’s processed food exports go primarily to Asia (especially Japan, the Philippines, Singapore, and Vietnam), Europe (Germany, Italy, Russia), and North America (mainly the United States), totaling over 100 countries.

What role do Export Agricultural Product Demonstration Bases play in Suzhou?

These bases are certified facilities that boost the quality and volume of agricultural exports. In 2013, five Suzhou companies became certified, helping improve standards and expand international sales of products like frozen foods and non-dairy creamers.

How does Suzhou promote its food products overseas?

Suzhou’s Agricultural Commission organizes participation in international food expos such as the Japan International Food & Beverage Exhibition, the Korea International Food Industry Expo, and the U.S. Summer Fancy Food Show to showcase local processed food products.