Why Most European Cafés Offer Decaf Espresso — But Chinese Cafés Rarely Do | Specialty Coffee Market Analysis
Over the past decade and more of visiting cafés, I’ve accumulated quite a large mental sample size. Along the way, I’ve noticed certain recurring patterns and regional differences. One observation stands out in particular: in most European and American cafés, there is almost always a decaf espresso bean among the regular offerings behind the bar. In contrast, it’s rare to see a café in China consistently stocking a decaf option for espresso drinks. Today, I’d like to use this contrast as a starting point to explore what drives such different market demands. In reality, the types of drinks a café offers reflect the true needs of its local community. These visible differences speak to deeper distinctions in consumption habits and cultural stages between domestic and international coffee markets. At the core of it all lies a difference in consumer awareness and demand. In mature coffee markets across Europe and North America, coffee is as routine as drinking water. Many people con...