Dubai, July 29, 2025 (Qahwa World) – The second edition of the “Taste of China” Global Specialty Green Coffee Bean Competition concluded on Sunday in Shanghai, offering the world a deeper look into the unique and evolving coffee flavor preferences of Chinese consumers.
Organized by Hongqiao International Coffee Harbor, the two-day event featured 82 premium green coffee samples from 16 countries, including established coffee powerhouses like Brazil, Ethiopia, Colombia, and Vietnam, as well as rising origins such as Thailand, El Salvador, Ecuador, and Burundi. China’s domestic producers were also strongly represented, particularly from Yunnan and Hainan.
As China’s coffee industry expands, consumers are developing flavor preferences that differ significantly from those in Western and Southeast Asian markets. While coffee imports have surged, many international producers are still unfamiliar with the specific taste profiles favored in China—a gap this competition seeks to close.
The competition has received ongoing support from embassies, consulates, and specialty coffee associations of major producing nations based in Shanghai. The judging panel included industry leaders from top coffee chains such as Luckin Coffee, Starbucks, and Cotti Coffee, as well as national champions in brewing and cupping, and coffee professionals from across the country.
In a first for the event, the top 10 coffees were auctioned both online and offline, drawing strong interest from roasters, café owners, and buyers across China. Furthermore, the top 30 winning coffees will go on a nationwide cupping tour, visiting major cities and engaging directly with local consumers. The tour will culminate in the announcement of the “Most Popular Coffee Award”, based on public feedback.
The results of the competition offer valuable insight into Chinese consumer trends, providing data that roasters and producers can use to adapt their offerings for better alignment with the domestic market.
Hongqiao International Coffee Harbor has emerged as a leading platform in China’s growing coffee trade. It currently partners with over 200 international coffee enterprises, sources beans from more than 60 countries, and manages trade volumes exceeding 3 billion yuan annually.
With its blend of global collaboration and local insight, the “Taste of China” competition is becoming a key force in shaping the country’s specialty coffee landscape.