The London Coffee Festival brings together coffee aficionados from around the globe, showcasing everything from creative brewing methods to innovative beverage trends. As the festival unfolds, the highlight this year is the impressive participation of Chinese exhibitors, who are making waves with their unique offerings in coffee, tea, and sustainability.
LONDON, May 19 (Xinhua) — The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the Truman Brewery in east London, where the London Coffee Festival ran from Thursday to Sunday, bringing together roasters, baristas, cafe owners, equipment makers, and packaging suppliers from across the industry.
Amid the busy booths and tasting counters, Chinese exhibitors stood out not only for their coffee beans but also for their tea drinks, sustainable packaging, and coffee machines. Their presence highlighted how Chinese companies are expanding beyond single-product offerings and becoming involved in multiple segments of Europe’s coffee consumption chain.
Chinese Coffee Roasters Going Overseas
At the festival, specialty coffee roasters from China attracted considerable attention. Ji Hengtao, founder and roaster of Shanghai-based Terraform Coffee Roaster, noted that as China’s domestic specialty coffee market rapidly matures, many Chinese roasters are now exploring international opportunities.
“Previously, it was mainly overseas brands entering the Chinese market. Now, we aim to demonstrate that Chinese brands can also compete effectively abroad,” he remarked.
Ji emphasized that the edge of Chinese specialty coffee roasters lies not only in their use of locally grown beans but also in their advancing skills in sourcing, roasting, and developing a diverse range of flavors.
He also mentioned that China’s rich tea culture has enhanced consumers’ appreciation for specialty coffee.
“The complexity of specialty coffee is quite close to that of tea. Chinese consumers naturally have a sensitivity to layered flavors, ingredient differences, and brewing methods,” Ji explained, noting that this cultural background has motivated domestic roasters to refine their sourcing and roasting techniques, aiding their international expansion.
Liu Yujia, representing Chinese coffee roaster Coffee Buff, remarked that the burgeoning specialty coffee scene in China has garnered greater international focus on Yunnan Province, renowned for its coffee production. This trend has also motivated Chinese roasters to seek high-quality green beans globally.
“I am delighted to see Chinese roasters here,” British visitor Jennifer Brown shared after sampling coffee at a Chinese booth. “It’s not merely about Chinese coffee beans; the roasting is exceptionally refined, resulting in bright and intriguing flavors.”
Zhao Lu, founder of Mobydick Coffee Roasters from Shanghai, highlighted that China should be recognized not just as a coffee-growing region, but also as a country rich in distinct roasting styles and coffee shop culture. He advocated for enhanced international collaborations to elevate the global visibility of Chinese specialty coffee.
Matcha and New Tea Trends
In recent years, matcha drinks have gained significant traction in London, particularly among younger consumers. Matcha was notably popular at the London Coffee Festival this year.
Raphael Chow, founder of British tea brand brut tea, stated that matcha’s popularity has surged in the British market. “Just two years ago, many cafes were deliberating on whether to include matcha on their menus; now, the focus has shifted to sourcing high-quality matcha,” he remarked.
British consumers typically enjoy matcha in milk-based formats like matcha lattes. Consequently, his brand focuses on the compatibility of matcha with milk and oat milk, ensuring the taste is neither excessively bitter nor grassy.
According to the Financial Times, matcha beverages in British cafes are, on average, about 20% pricier than standard lattes. Several coffee chains have reported sales increases attributed to matcha offerings and have expanded their menus to include new drinks inspired by matcha’s vibrant color and assumed health benefits, including purple sweet potato drinks.
Chow remarked that Chinese matcha producers are enhancing the quality and exploring unique features of China’s various tea-producing regions. For example, a Zhejiang matcha showcased by brut tea combines the Longjing 43 tea cultivar from China with Japan’s Yabukita cultivar, resulting in a more layered aroma and flavor profile.
According to a report by the China Tea Marketing Association, China’s matcha production reached 12,000 tonnes in 2025, with the domestic market consistently expanding. China has emerged as the largest producer and consumer of matcha worldwide.
“China has not only strengths in output and supply chains, but can also provide distinctive and high-quality matcha products,” Chow added.
In addition to matcha, some Chinese pure-tea products are reaching out to young British consumers in more convenient formats.
Chen Zhiliang, CEO of Chinese tea brand TENETtea, explained that the brand currently emphasizes three types of Chinese tea: oolong, jasmine, and lapsang souchong.
Using freeze-drying technology, the brand preserves the flavor of loose-leaf tea, making it suitable for cold-water brewing. Consumers can also mix the tea powder with tonic water, milk, or sparkling water to create various beverages.
Chen noted that while Britain has a rich tea-drinking culture, many local consumers still link Chinese tea predominantly with traditional teahouses or high-sugar bubble tea.
“To further integrate Chinese tea into everyday consumption overseas, it must retain the characteristics of its regions, traditional processing techniques, and Oriental aesthetic elements, while adapting to the preferences of younger local consumers for iced drinks and mixable options,” stated Jin Lusha, CFO of TENETtea.■
Key Takeaways
- Chinese exhibitors at the London Coffee Festival showcased diverse coffee and tea products.
- Many Chinese coffee roasters are gaining international attention as they expand their offerings.
- Matcha drinks are growing in popularity in the UK, particularly among younger consumers.
- Chinese matcha producers are improving quality and exploring unique flavors from different regions.
- Innovative tea brands like TENETtea are adapting traditional Chinese teas for modern consumers.
- The integration of Chinese tea into everyday consumption requires balance between tradition and contemporary tastes.
FAQ
What is the London Coffee Festival?
The London Coffee Festival is an annual event that celebrates coffee culture, bringing together roasters, baristas, and industry professionals.
Why are Chinese coffee roasters gaining international interest?
Chinese coffee roasters are becoming more competitive by refining their roasting techniques and focusing on unique flavors sourced from Chinese-grown beans.
What trends are emerging in tea consumption?
Matcha drinks are increasingly popular, especially in milk-based forms, while brands are also exploring innovative ways to present traditional teas.
How is Chinese tea adapting for young consumers in the UK?
Chinese tea brands are developing convenient formats and flavors that appeal to the preferences of a younger audience.
What is TENETtea’s focus?
TENETtea specializes in three types of Chinese tea and utilizes modern techniques to enhance flavor and convenience for consumers.
