While many are familiar with the rich traditional cuisine of the vast Asian nation, have you ever explored Coffee beans from China? The People’s Republic is currently one of the fastest-growing nations in coffee consumption globally. It’s also rapidly emerging as a notable coffee producer, now ranked 13th worldwide.
This rising trend points to China’s evolving coffee culture and potential to shape global coffee narratives.
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Annual Production | 116,820 tonnes |
| World Producer Ranking | 13th |
| Main Varieties | Caturra, Bourbon, Typica, Catimor |
Origin Of Coffee Beans From China
Coffee has been a part of Chinese culture for over two centuries, and its origin dates back to around 1800. This was when a French missionary from Vietnam is believed to have brought coffee beans to Yunnan Province, now the leading coffee-producing area in China. Initially, coffee plants were supposedly planted in Zhukula village, but it took more than a hundred years for the coffee culture to evolve significantly, expanding to 4,000 hectares of cultivation by 1950.
However, this growth was severely impacted by the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976), which reduced plantations to about 270 hectares.
The pivotal year for Chinese coffee production was 1988, marking the beginning of a developmental phase driven by government efforts in collaboration with the World Bank, the United Nations Development Programme, and Nestlé. Nestlé’s establishment in mainland China and opening a factory in Guangdong Province to produce Nescafé for the Asian market was a parallel development.
Since then, China’s coffee production has gradually but steadily increased, significantly accelerating in the last two decades. China advanced from being the 30th-ranked coffee producer in the 1990s to 13th place.
This remarkable growth is due primarily to the increasing coffee consumption among the Chinese population. By 1999, just a decade after significant reforms, Starbucks opened its first café in Beijing. Today, there are over 2,000 Starbucks across the country, with plans to exceed 3,000 outlets in the coming years, highlighting the booming coffee culture in China.
Are Chinese coffee beans good?
An appealing sweetness and fruitiness characterize the flavor profile of coffee beans from China
, although some may still carry hints of woody or earthy notes. These coffees are known for their relatively low acidity and often boast a whole body, making them a unique and pleasant experience for coffee enthusiasts looking to explore different tastes from around the globe.
Do coffee beans grow in China?
Yes, coffee beans do grow in China. The country cultivates three main Arabica varieties: Caturra, Bourbon, and Typica, along with the Catimor variety, a cross between Caturra and the Timor Hybrid. Initially, the Bourbon and Typica varieties from Myanmar were predominantly cultivated, but following Nestlé’s involvement, Catimor became favored for its rust resistance and higher productivity.
Although Catimor, which currently dominates China’s coffee cultivation, is less valued in the specialty coffee market, it is gradually being replaced by higher-quality coffee beans. The “Made in China” label typically does not convey value or quality to consumers in the context of coffee, but this perception is slowly changing.
Efforts are being made to carve out a niche in the specialty coffee market. Generally, Chinese coffee plantations produce simple, defect-free beans.
Where is coffee grown in China?
| Region | Contribution to Total Production | Annual Production | Main Varieties | Economic Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yunnan | 95% | Over 30,000 tons | Catimor | Leading in coffee production |
| Fujian | 5% (with Hainan Island) | Minor part | Robusta (among others) | Semiconductors, electronic devices |
| Hainan Island | 5% (with Fujian) | Minor part | Robusta | Rice, rubber, and coffee |
China’s coffee production is predominantly concentrated in a few key regions, each with a unique climate and cultivation practices that contribute to the country’s growing presence in the global coffee market.
Yunnan Province
Yunnan is the heartland of China’s coffee production, contributing to about 95% of the country’s total output. Annually, this region produces over 30,000 tons of coffee beans, a number that is rapidly increasing. Most crops here are of the Catimor variety, known for its high yield and disease resistance, making Yunnan a significant player in China’s coffee sector.
Fujian Province
As the second coffee-producing region in China, Fujian, along with Hainan Island, accounts for the remaining 5% of the country’s coffee production. Coffee plays a minor role in Fujian’s economy, focusing on producing electronic devices and semiconductors.
Hainan Island
Located south of China, Hainan Island enjoys a tropical climate ideal for coffee cultivation. Like Fujian, Hainan primarily grows Robusta coffee beans. The island is also known for other tropical crops, such as rice and rubber. These regions collectively showcase China’s diverse agricultural landscape and its potential to expand its coffee cultivation to meet domestic and international demand.
Conclusion
As the global coffee community turns its gaze towards China, the surge in coffee consumption is astonishing, with Coffee beans from China nearly tripling in just four years. Leading this trend is Starbucks, which has significantly contributed to fostering the country’s burgeoning coffee culture, opening a new outlet approximately every 15 hours.
Furthermore, the expansion of other international chains like the UK’s Costa Coffee has catalyzed a boom in local cafes across Chinese cities. Shanghai alone boasts around 6,500 coffee establishments.
This remarkable growth not only underscores the dynamic evolution of China’s coffee scene but also marks its burgeoning influence within the global coffee industry, signaling a promising future for Coffee beans from China on the international stage.
If you enjoyed this article, don’t miss “India Coffee Beans” to explore another exquisite Asian coffee. Continue your coffee adventure with us!
Frequently Ask Questions About Coffee Beans from China
1. What kind of coffee is favored by the Chinese?
Preferences for coffee in China diverge significantly with age. Older Chinese enjoy softer, fuller coffees reminiscent of those from Sumatra or India. In contrast, the youth are leaning towards brighter, acid-forward coffees typical of third-wave preferences, especially those originating from Ethiopia.
2. What makes Starbucks notably pricier in China?
The elevated prices of Starbucks in China can be attributed to the less developed transport infrastructure, resulting in high operational costs due to taxes and fees. When adjusted for the average income, a large latte’s cost in China equates to an American spending $27 for the same drink.
3. Is coffee cultivation present in Taiwan?
Taiwan does cultivate coffee beans. Though not popularly known for coffee production, the volcanic terrain of Yunlin County and the lush, mountainous regions of Pingtung County provide optimal conditions for growing coffee.