Rising Coffee Culture Amid Taiwan’s Tea Traditions
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Despite being known for its long-standing tea culture, Taiwan’s coffee market has been expanding rapidly — especially among young consumers in major cities. This growing preference reflects a blend of tradition and modern lifestyle, highlighting a sophisticated and evolving coffee culture.
According to data from the Taiwan International Trade Administration (TITA), in 2024, Taiwan imported 45,088 tons of coffee (HS code 0901: Coffee, whether or not roasted or decaffeinated; coffee husks and skins; coffee substitutes containing coffee in any proportion) from 64 global suppliers, with a total import value of USD 285.68 million — up 4.22% in volume and 3.03% in value compared with 2023.
Brazil Leads the Market, Vietnam Rises to 7th Place
Brazil remained Taiwan’s largest coffee supplier in 2024, exporting 14,005 tons (31.06% market share), worth USD 58.44 million, representing 13.82% growth in volume and 18.67% in value year-on-year.
Other top suppliers included Ethiopia, Colombia, Guatemala, Indonesia, and the United States.
Vietnam ranked 7th, exporting 1,813 tons of coffee (4.02% market share), valued at USD 8.58 million — marking 61.04% growth in volume and a remarkable 106.69% increase in value compared to 2023.
Coffee Becomes an Everyday Essential in Taiwanese Life
Coffee has become a daily ritual across Taiwan — from 24/7 convenience stores to boutique coffee shops styled with Japanese-inspired minimalism. Major convenience chains such as 7-Eleven and FamilyMart offer ready-to-drink coffee at affordable prices, making coffee accessible to all consumers.
Meanwhile, small independent cafés nestled in quiet lanes have become urban sanctuaries for those seeking a peaceful coffee experience.
In bustling cities like Taipei, it is now common to see office workers emerging from MRT stations with a latte or cappuccino in hand. On average, Taiwanese consumers drink three cups of coffee per day, usually lighter and less sweet compared to other markets.
Specialty Coffee and Roastery Chains on the Rise
The most popular trend in Taiwan’s coffee scene is on-site roasting and brewing — allowing aromas to draw in customers from streets away. Local chains such as Louisa Coffee, Cama Coffee, and Fika Fika Café have become household names.
In addition, drip bag coffee (portable coffee filter packs) is gaining strong popularity, offering consumers the convenience of brewing fresh coffee at home or at work.
Promoting Vietnamese Coffee in Taiwan
Vietnamese coffee brands are also making their mark.
At the Vietnamese Goods Week 2024, held at the Breeze Center in Taipei, Vietnam’s drip filter coffee (phin paper coffee) received positive feedback from Taiwanese consumers for its unique flavor and convenience.
Upcoming Trade Exhibitions for Coffee Exporters
To further promote Vietnamese coffee in Taiwan, exporters are encouraged to participate in the following major trade fairs:
1. Taipei Int’l Bakery Show (TIBS)
March 14–17, 2025 | 📍 Nangang Exhibition Center, Hall 1, Taipei
https://www.tibs.org.tw/en/
Focus: Bakery ingredients, food raw materials
2. Taipei Food Mega Show (Food Taipei)
June 25–28, 2025 | 📍 Nangang Exhibition Center, Hall 1 & 2, Taipei
https://www.foodtaipei.com.tw/en/
Focus: All food and beverage sectors
3. Taichung Int’l Tea, Coffee & Bakery Show (TCFB Taichung)
July 11–14, 2025 | 📍 Wuri Exhibition Center, Taichung
https://www.tcfb.com.tw/en/
Focus: Tea, coffee, bakery, and food products
4. Kaohsiung Int’l Tea, Coffee & Food Show (KIBS)
August 8–11, 2025 | 📍 Kaohsiung Exhibition Center
https://www.chanchao.com.tw/en/expoDetail.asp?id=DKFTC2025
Focus: Tea, coffee, bakery, and food ingredients
5. Kaohsiung Food Show (KFS)
October 23–26, 2025 | 📍 Kaohsiung Exhibition Center
https://www.foodkh.com.tw/en/
Focus: Comprehensive food and beverage industry
Conclusion
With its strong market growth and evolving coffee culture, Taiwan represents a promising destination for Vietnamese coffee exporters.
By leveraging high-quality products, sustainable branding, and participation in key trade events, Vietnam can further expand its coffee footprint in Taiwan’s dynamic and sophisticated market.