The Hongqiao International Central Business District has been instrumental in bringing international coffee brands to China, thanks to its thriving conference and exhibition industry.
A highlight is the annual China International Import Expo (CIIE), which serves as a platform for premium coffee beans from around the world to enter the Chinese market.
Favorable policies such as zero tariffs and expedited customs clearance have reduced the cost of importing high-quality coffee, drawing more global coffee resources to China.
Coffee-themed forums at the expo have also helped forge links between international coffee producers and Chinese buyers, resulting in new procurement agreements.
Platforms such as Hongqiao 365 and G-Hub in Hongqiao have further contributed to making these showcased products into sought-after commodities among Chinese consumers.
Through the expo, China's leading coffee chain, Luckin Coffee, has strengthened its partnership with the Brazilian coffee industry. In 2022, Luckin announced a plan to buy about 45,000 metric tons of coffee beans from Brazil over three years. By June 2024, they had signed an agreement to purchase 120,000 metric tons over the next two years. This large-scale buying has led to a 186.1 percent rise in Brazil's coffee bean exports to China during the 2023-24 period, compared to the previous year.
Rwandan coffee companies are using the expo to strengthen their brand presence and customize their products to suit Chinese preferences. The exposure and marketing efforts at the event have notably increased the recognition of Rwandan coffee in China, leading to a growing interest among Chinese consumers to try it.
In recent years, the expo has highlighted Peruvian coffee for Chinese coffee enthusiasts. This year, Peruvian specialty coffee beans will appear at the eighth CIIE and be available for buyers and industry professionals.
