From Traditional Coffee to Lifestyle Drinks
China’s coffee consumption has surged over the past decade. According to the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), coffee imports into China rose from 59,100 tonnes in 2015 to 230,700 tonnes in 2025, an increase of over 290 percent. This growth is driven by younger consumers who view coffee as a daily lifestyle choice rather than an occasional luxury.
The market structure has also shifted significantly. Foreign brands like Starbucks once dominated the premium segment, but local players have gained ground by combining speed, competitive pricing, and strong digital integration.
Local Chains Lead the Way
By 2025, Luckin Coffee leads the market with more than 25,000 branches, followed by the fast-growing Cotti Coffee with over 14,000 outlets, despite being founded only in 2022. Starbucks remains the largest foreign brand with around 7,800 branches.
Top 10 Coffee Brands in China by Branch Count (2025)
| Rank | Brand | Branches | Founded |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luckin Coffee | 25,266 | 2017 |
| 2 | Cotti Coffee | 14,337 | 2022 |
| 3 | Starbucks | 7,798 | 1971 |
| 4 | Lucky Cup | 4,793 | 2017 |
| 5 | NOWWA | 2,407 | 2019 |
| 6 | Manner | 1,969 | 2015 |
| 7 | K Coffee | 1,580 | 2015 |
| 8 | Tim Hortons | 868 | 1964 |
| 9 | M Stand | 556 | 2017 |
| 10 | Pull-Tab | 513 | 2022 |
Fruit-Blended Coffees: A New Product Category
To attract young and experimental consumers, Chinese coffee brands are continuously innovating with seasonal menus. Fruit-blended coffees, tea-coffee hybrids, and coconut-based beverages have become key trends. These drinks rely heavily on high-quality fruit ingredients such as purees, frozen fruit, and flavor bases.
Coconut milk has gained particular popularity as a dairy alternative, further increasing demand for tropical ingredients.
Opportunity for Thai Exporters
Thailand is well positioned to benefit from this trend. Fruits like durian and coconut already enjoy strong demand among Chinese consumers. Exporters can expand beyond fresh produce into value-added segments such as:
- Fruit purees for coffee blending
- Frozen or chilled fruit for beverages
- Customized ingredients for coffee chains
This approach also helps utilize lower-grade fruit more efficiently, increasing overall export value.
Strategic Recommendations for Thai Businesses
- Partner with Chinese coffee chains for direct supply agreements
- Develop co-branded products highlighting Thai origin
- Align with digital ordering and delivery ecosystems
- Invest in processing and packaging that meets Chinese standards
Conclusion
As China’s coffee market continues to grow in both scale and innovation, Thai exporters have a unique opportunity to move up the value chain. Supplying ready-to-use fruit ingredients could position them as key players in one of the world’s most dynamic beverage markets.
