A barista prepares coffee at the 2023 Hongqiao International Coffee Culture Festival. [Photo/WeChat account: hongqiaoshangwuqu]
In a resounding victory, Shanghai has once again clinched the title of the city with the highest number of coffee shops worldwide, according to the highly anticipated 2023 China Urban Coffee Development Report. The report was unveiled during the ongoing Coffee Culture Week, marking a significant milestone for the thriving coffee scene in the metropolis.
The remarkable achievement can be attributed to the Hongqiao International Coffee Port, which recently launched its ambitious "hundred stores" program at the esteemed 2023 Hongqiao International Coffee Culture Festival.
This pioneering initiative aims to unite 100 partners from various brands and companies across the coffee industry's value chain. Their collaborative efforts will focus on formulating industrial standards, building iconic landmarks, and propelling the overall development of the coffee sector.
Positioned as a prominent hub for international coffee trade and investment, the Hongqiao International Coffee Port consistently draws professionals and enthusiasts alike, fostering a vibrant environment for the exchange of ideas and commerce. An impressive array of over 20 internationally renowned brands and high-quality coffee beans sourced from 16 countries are regularly displayed and available for purchase at the port, elevating Shanghai's status as a global coffee capital.
Moreover, the visionary minds behind the Hongqiao International Coffee Port have laid out ambitious plans for the future. They intend to establish a whole-industrial-chain trading service platform that encompasses the entire coffee industry chain, catering to the unique needs of individual cafés. This ambitious venture will cover a range of crucial services, including coffee bean baking technology, personnel training, financing options, and policy support. By providing these essential resources, the port aims to empower and nurture the growth of local coffee businesses.
For example, the Shanghai branch of the Construction Bank of China has taken a proactive stance by offering loans of up to 5 million yuan ($704,354) for companies that set up operations at the Hongqiao Import Commodity Exhibition and Trading Center, where the coffee port is located.
As an essential part of the Shanghai Coffee Culture Week, the Shanghai Coffee Industry Summit and the 2023 Hongqiao International Coffee Culture Festival kicked off on May 26 in the bustling Hongqiao International Central Business District.
At the grand opening ceremony, the Hongqiao International Coffee Port secured a strategic cooperation agreement with the esteemed Yunnan Coffee Exchange, marking a significant milestone in their pursuit of excellence. As part of the celebrations, a captivating promotional event showcasing Yunnan-produced coffee beans took place at the Hongqiao Import Commodity Exhibition and Trading Center.