Global Coffee Consumption on the Rise
A Shift in Consumption Patterns
China’s coffee consumption has surged almost 150% in the last decade, driven by changing habits in a country that has traditionally been associated with tea.
Economic Transformation and Changing Consumption Patterns
The evolution of Chinese society has undergone profound economic change over the last 20 years, epitomised by a nine-fold increase in GDP per capita over the last 25 years. This has lifted some 745 million people out of poverty, leading to new consumption patterns and habits that were not necessarily traditionally associated with the country, such as drinking coffee.
From Tea to Coffee
China has been a land of tea for millennia, producing a number of highly sought-after teas, such as the famous pu-erh produced in Yunnan Province. However, coffee drinking has surged, rising by almost 150% over the last 10 years, according to the agricultural magazine Réussir.
Quality Coffee on the Rise
Coffee lovers are showing a preference for quality coffee, in line with the same trend seen in Europe, where specialty coffee is filling new coffee shops, popular with consumers prepared to pay more for their morning fix. High-quality coffee accounts for 60% of China’s imports.
Global Coffee Consumption on the Rise
It is estimated that global coffee consumption will rise by 5.1 million bags to 168.1 million for 2024/2025. This growth is driven by demand from countries like China, where coffee consumption is expected to reach 6.3 million bags (60kg per bag) in 2024/2025, up from around two million in 2014/2015. Over the last decade, imports have tripled.
Challenges in the Coffee Industry
The coffee market is becoming tense, both in terms of demand and climatic disruption. Severe droughts have seriously reduced Robusta and Arabica harvests in the last season, making it challenging for Brazil to meet global demand. Europe is the world’s biggest coffee consumer, and demand is set to increase by 6% this year.
Conclusion
The rise of coffee consumption in China is a significant trend that is expected to continue, driven by changing consumption patterns and a preference for quality coffee. However, the coffee industry faces challenges, including climatic disruption and global warming, which may impact supply and demand.
FAQs
Q: What is driving the growth of coffee consumption in China?
A: Changing consumption patterns and a preference for quality coffee.
Q: How much has coffee consumption in China increased over the last decade?
A: Almost 150%.
Q: What percentage of China’s coffee imports are high-quality coffee?
A: 60%.
Q: What is the estimated global coffee consumption in 2024/2025?
A: 168.1 million bags.