Introduction
The London Coffee Festival served as a vibrant showcase for the coffee industry, drawing together enthusiasts, roasters, and various stakeholders. Amidst the bustling atmosphere, Chinese exhibitors notably highlighted their unique contributions to coffee and tea culture, demonstrating a growing influence in the global beverage landscape.
LONDON — The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the Truman Brewery when the London Coffee Festival took place there earlier this month, 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 moving beyond single-product offerings and becoming involved in more segments of Europe’s coffee consumption chain.
At the festival, specialty coffee roasters from China attracted attention. Ji Hengtao, founder and roaster of Shanghai-based Terraform Coffee Roaster, noted that as China’s domestic specialty coffee market has grown rapidly and matured, some Chinese roasters have begun looking overseas.
“In the past, it was mostly overseas brands entering the Chinese market. Now we also want to prove that Chinese brands can be competitive overseas,” he said.
Ji emphasized that the competitiveness of Chinese specialty coffee roasters stems not only from their use of locally grown coffee beans but also from their improving ability to source beans, enhance roasting techniques, and showcase a broader range of flavors.
In his view, China’s long-standing tea culture has also fostered a consumer appreciation for specialty coffee.
“The concentration of specialty coffee is relatively close to that of tea. Chinese consumers are naturally sensitive to layers of flavor, differences in ingredients, and brewing methods,” he stated, noting that such traditions have driven domestic roasters to improve their sourcing, roasting, and flavor development, facilitating their overseas expansion.
Liu Yujia, a representative of Chinese coffee roaster Coffee Buff, shared that the booming specialty coffee industry in China has not only attracted international attention to Yunnan province—China’s renowned coffee-growing region—but has also spurred Chinese roasters to seek high-quality green beans from abroad.
“I am very happy to see Chinese roasters here,” said Jennifer Brown, a British visitor, after tasting coffee at a Chinese booth. “It is not just about Chinese coffee beans. The roasting is very refined, and the flavors are bright and interesting.”
Zhao Lu, founder of Mobydick Coffee Roasters, a Shanghai-based company, remarked that China can be recognized not only as a coffee-growing region but also as a country with distinct roasting styles, roasters, and coffee shops. He noted that increased international exchanges, competitions, and collaborations are essential for elevating the visibility of Chinese specialty coffee within global coffee culture.
In recent years, matcha drinks have gained popularity on London’s streets, especially among younger consumers. At the London Coffee Festival, matcha was recognized as a popular segment.
Raphael Chow, founder of the British tea brand brut tea, shared that matcha’s momentum in the British market has surged. “Two years ago, many cafes were still discussing whether to add matcha to their menus. Now, people are more concerned about how to find better matcha,” he explained.
British consumers primarily enjoy matcha in milk-based forms, such as matcha lattes. To address this preference, his brand focuses on how matcha interacts with milk and oat milk, aiming to avoid excessive bitterness or an overly grassy taste.
The Financial Times reported in April that matcha drinks in British cafes were, on average, about one-fifth more expensive than regular lattes. Several coffee chains have attributed their sales growth to matcha products, expanding their menus with new offerings inspired by the color and perceived health benefits of matcha, including drinks made from purple sweet potatoes.
Chow noted that Chinese matcha producers are enhancing quality and exploring the unique characteristics of China’s tea-producing regions and varieties. For instance, a Zhejiang matcha showcased by brut tea blends China’s Longjing 43 tea cultivar with Japan’s Yabukita cultivar, resulting in a more complex aroma and flavor.
According to a report released by the China Tea Marketing Association, China’s matcha output is projected to reach 12,000 metric tons by 2025, with the domestic market continuing to expand. Consequently, China has positioned itself as the world’s largest producer and consumer of matcha.
Key Takeaways
- The London Coffee Festival highlighted the growing influence of Chinese coffee and tea culture.
- Chinese roasters are increasingly competitive on the international stage.
- China’s tea culture enhances consumer appreciation for specialty coffee.
- Matcha drinks are becoming increasingly popular in the UK, particularly among younger consumers.
- Quality improvements and unique blends are helping elevate Chinese matcha in the global market.
FAQ
What is the significance of the London Coffee Festival?
The festival showcases innovations and trends within the coffee industry, bringing together various stakeholders.
How are Chinese coffee roasters gaining international attention?
Chinese roasters are improving their techniques and showcasing unique flavors, making them competitive globally.
What trends are emerging in the UK regarding matcha?
There is a growing interest in matcha, particularly in milk-based drinks like matcha lattes, among British consumers.
What role does tea culture play in coffee appreciation in China?
China’s rich tea culture enhances consumers’ sensitivity to flavors and brewing methods in specialty coffee.
How is Chinese matcha evolving?
Chinese matcha producers are focusing on quality and innovative blends, significantly enhancing their market presence.
