China’s Coffee Chain Growth 2014–2018 Report

In recent years, the world has watched China’s coffee industry expand—from planting to consumption. International giants like Maxwell House, Nestlé, and Café de Columbia set up local operations to serve the growing demand. But beyond global brands, what do the numbers say about China’s domestic coffee market, cafés, and future trends?

By 2018, China’s coffee retail volume is projected to reach nearly 6,500 tonnes, with retail sales topping 12 billion yuan. Chain cafés alone will account for 490 million transactions and 35 billion yuan in sales.

China’s Coffee Planting Landscape in 2013

In 2013, China had around 93,500 hectares of coffee farms, producing over 100,000 tonnes of coffee. Over 98% of that production came from Yunnan Province, which grew more than 93,300 hectares that year. This makes Yunnan the dominant region for domestic coffee cultivation, particularly known for its small, high-quality Arabica beans.

Growing Coffee Consumption Trends

As production and trade expanded, so did consumption. From 2013 onward, China’s coffee retail volume grew steadily at around 9% annually. That year, retail sales hit 8.119 billion yuan from 44,100 tonnes sold. The market was still small compared to global standards, but the upward trend was clear and consistent.

The Rise of Coffee Shops and Chains

Coffee shop culture took root quickly. By the end of 2013, China had approximately 28,000 coffee shops, including more than 8,400 chain outlets. These establishments drove both transaction volume and retail value—8400+ chain cafés recorded nearly 300 million transactions and 20 billion yuan in sales for the year. The number of cafés continued to rise, and with it, overall trading activity and retail scale expanded accordingly.

Future Projections for 2018

Looking ahead to 2018, industry forecasts predicted strong growth. Total coffee retail volume was expected to approach 6,500 tonnes, with retail value surpassing 12 billion yuan. The number of chain coffee shops/bars was forecast to exceed 12,000 nationwide. Transaction numbers were projected to jump to nearly 490 million, and total retail sales for chain cafés were expected to hit 35 billion yuan.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much coffee was China producing in 2013?

In 2013, China produced over 100,000 tonnes of coffee from roughly 93,500 hectares of planted area. Yunnan Province accounted for over 98% of this production with more than 93,300 hectares under cultivation.

What was China’s coffee retail volume in 2013?

In 2013, China’s coffee retail volume was 44,100 tonnes, with retail sales valued at 8.119 billion yuan. Annual growth in retail volume was running at around 9%.

How many coffee shops and chain cafes were there in China by 2013?

By the end of 2013, China had around 28,000 coffee shops, including more than 8,400 chain outlets. These chain cafés handled nearly 300 million transactions and generated about 20 billion yuan in retail sales.

What were the 2018 projections for China’s coffee market?

By 2018, retail coffee volume was forecast to reach nearly 6,500 tonnes, and retail sales were expected to exceed 12 billion yuan. Chain cafés were projected to grow to over 12,000 locations, with 490 million transactions and 35 billion yuan in sales.

Why is Yunnan important in China’s coffee story?

Yunnan produces over 98% of China’s coffee and offers ideal growing conditions for Arabica, especially in regions like Baoshan. Its elevation, climate, and soil closely match global coffee-growing regions, making it central to the domestic supply.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Exploring Yunnan Coffee

Try FrontStreet Coffee’s Yunnan Arabica, a washed-process coffee with bright acidity and a rounded body, featuring notes of caramel and mild fruit. For a more traditional profile, their 2013 Yunnan Typica is sun-dried and offers heavier mouthfeel with citrus, berry, and a creamy finish. Both highlight the terroir of Yunnan’s high-altitude farms. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.