A blindfolded barista demonstrates latte art during the London Coffee Festival in London, Britain, May 17, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhao Jiasong)
The London Coffee Festival recently took place at the Truman Brewery in east London, where the delightful aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air. Running from Thursday to Sunday, this celebrated event brought together a diverse array of roasters, baristas, café owners, equipment manufacturers, and packaging suppliers from across the coffee industry.
Among the busy booths and tasting stations, Chinese exhibitors distinguished themselves with not only their coffee beans but also their innovative tea drinks, sustainable packaging solutions, and advanced coffee machinery. Their participation underscores the evolution of Chinese companies as they expand beyond single-product offerings, engaging with multiple facets of Europe’s coffee consumption landscape.
Chinese Coffee Roasters Going Overseas
Chinese specialty coffee roasters garnered significant attention at the festival. Ji Hengtao, founder of Shanghai’s Terraform Coffee Roaster, shared insights on the burgeoning Chinese specialty coffee market and how it’s encouraged roasters to explore international avenues.
“Previously, it was mainly international brands entering China. Now we are eager to demonstrate that Chinese brands can hold their ground internationally,” he remarked.
Ji emphasized that the strength of Chinese specialty coffee roasters lies not only in their use of homegrown coffee beans but also in an enhanced capability to source high-quality beans, refine roasting processes, and showcase a broad spectrum of flavors.
He believes that China’s storied tea culture has enriched consumers’ appreciation for specialty coffee. “Both specialty coffee and tea share a similar focus on flavor complexity. Chinese customers are naturally attuned to flavor layers and brewing nuances,” he observed.
Jin Lusha, TENETtea’s chief financial officer, pours a cup of tea at the exhibition stall during the London Coffee Festival in London, Britain, May 17, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhao Jiasong)
According to Liu Yujia from Coffee Buff, a prominent Chinese roaster, the rapid growth of China’s specialty coffee industry has attracted international interest towards Yunnan Province, a celebrated coffee-growing area. This dynamic has also motivated local roasters to source premium green beans from around the world.
British visitor Jennifer Brown expressed her enthusiasm after tasting the coffee at a Chinese booth, saying, “It’s not merely about the beans. The roasting is polished, and the flavors are vibrant and intriguing.”
Zhao Lu, founder of Mobydick Coffee Roasters in Shanghai, noted that China is emerging not just as a source of coffee beans but also as a country boasting its own roasting styles and coffee culture. He advocated for increased international collaboration to enhance the visibility of Chinese specialty coffee on the world stage.
Matcha and New Tea Trends
In recent years, matcha has gained significant popularity in London, particularly among younger consumers. This trend was prominently featured at the London Coffee Festival, marking matcha as a hot commodity.
Raphael Chow, founder of the British tea brand brut tea, explained that matcha’s footprint in the UK has rapidly expanded, stating, “Just two years ago, cafes were on the fence about adding matcha to their offerings. Now, the concern is more about sourcing high-quality matcha.”
According to Chow, most British consumers enjoy matcha in milk-based beverages, such as matcha lattes. Consequently, his brand pays careful attention to how matcha interacts with both milk and oat milk, aiming to avoid overly bitter or grassy flavors.
The Financial Times reported that matcha drinks are priced about 20% higher than standard lattes in UK cafes, with several coffee chains attributing their rising sales to matcha and launching new menu items inspired by its vibrant color and perceived health benefits, such as purple sweet potato beverages.
Founders of British tea brand brut tea make matcha during the London Coffee Festival in London, Britain, May 17, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhao Jiasong)
Chow also noted that Chinese producers are enhancing their matcha quality, exploring the unique characteristics of various tea-growing regions and cultivars across China. For instance, a Zhejiang matcha showcased by brut tea combines China’s Longjing 43 tea variety with Japan’s Yabukita cultivar, resulting in a more nuanced aroma and flavor.
As reported by the China Tea Marketing Association, China produced 12,000 tonnes of matcha in 2025, firmly establishing itself as the top producer and consumer of matcha globally.
“China’s advantages lie not only in its production and supply chain capabilities but also in its ability to offer unique, high-quality matcha products,” Chow added.
In addition to matcha, some Chinese pure-tea brands are exploring innovative, convenient formats to appeal to young British consumers.
Chen Zhiliang, CEO of the Chinese tea brand TENETtea, shared that their focus includes three varieties of Chinese tea: oolong, jasmine, and lapsang souchong. The brand utilizes freeze-drying technology to maintain the rich flavors of loose-leaf teas, making them suitable for cold-water brewing and mixable with tonic or sparkling water for diverse drink options.
Chen highlighted the deep-rooted tea-drinking tradition in Britain, noting that many locals still associate Chinese tea with traditional tea houses or high-sugar bubble tea.
“For Chinese tea to secure a place in the daily consumption habits of overseas markets, it must retain the unique characteristics of its origin, traditional processing methods, and cultural aesthetics while simultaneously catering to the preferences of younger consumers for iced drinks, portability, and customizable mixes,” stated Jin Lusha, TENETtea’s chief financial officer.
Key Takeaways
- The London Coffee Festival showcased a diverse mix of exhibitors, including notable Chinese brands.
- Chinese specialty coffee roasters are increasingly competing in international markets.
- Matcha is gaining popularity in the UK, particularly among younger consumers.
- Chinese tea producers are innovating to make their products more appealing to Western markets.
- Collaboration and international exchange can enhance the visibility of Chinese coffee and tea cultures.
FAQ
What is the significance of the London Coffee Festival?
The festival highlights the growth and diversity of the coffee industry, showcasing innovations from various international exhibitors.
How are Chinese coffee roasters expanding their market?
Many Chinese roasters are showcasing their products abroad and demonstrating their competitive edge in sourcing and roasting techniques.
What trends are emerging in tea consumption in the UK?
Matcha drinks have gained significant traction among consumers, particularly in milk-based forms, and new products inspired by matcha’s color are being introduced.
How are Chinese tea brands adapting for international markets?
Chinese tea brands are focusing on convenience, quality, and innovation to appeal to the tastes of young consumers in Western markets.
What role does tea culture play in the appreciation of coffee in China?
China’s rich tea culture enhances consumers’ awareness and appreciation for the complexities of specialty coffee.
