TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Media reported on Friday (Jan.24) that Taiwan's coffee service industry achieved a milestone in 2023 by surpassing NT$40 billion in sales for the first time, according to the Ministry of Finance (財政部). The ministry stated that the industry is poised to maintain this level in 2024, reflecting the nation's growing passion for coffee and the pursuit of quality living.
The abundance of small coffee shops and large chain cafes across Taiwan illustrates the public's affection for coffee. As of late November 2024, coffee shops reached 4,824, a 42.5% increase from 2018. The ministry noted that annual growth rates have ranged from 4.7% to 6.3% during this period.
Convenience stores, gas stations, and supermarkets have contributed to the rise of upstream coffee wholesalers and retailers, with 693 and 1,261 establishments, respectively, by late November 2024. Sales in the coffee service industry climbed from NT$31.6 billion in 2018 to NT$42.97 billion in 2023, representing an approximately 36% increase. The ministry expects sales to reach NT$40 billion for the entire year of 2024.
Taiwan's reliance on imported coffee materials remains high, with imports reaching 53,000 tons in 2024, the highest ever. The demand for high-quality coffee has spurred the specialty coffee market's expansion, boosting domestic coffee bean production despite challenges like pests and abnormal weather. Major production areas include Pingtung County, Nantou County, Taitung County, and Chiayi County, with Taitung County dropping to third in production since 2021 due to reduced planting areas.