In brief
Chamarel Coffee, the only local coffee brand on Mauritius, is taking its Arabica and Liberica beans to Shanghai’s China International Import Expo to tap China’s expanding specialty coffee market. Development manager Thomas Lehoux, who has 20 years of experience in coffee production, hopes to forge long‑term trade links with Chinese importers, roasters, and upscale restaurants. The expo is viewed as a first step to understand Chinese consumer preferences and tailor products to the region.
Chamarel Coffee is set to showcase its rare volcanic‑grown beans at the China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai on October 31, 2026, according to Xinhua. The company, headquartered in the Chamarel 7 Colored Earth Geopark in the Black River District, will bring both its Arabica and Liberica varieties to the event, marking the first time Mauritius‑produced coffee will appear on an international trade platform.
Thomas Lehoux, the development manager of coffee operations, told Xinhua, "We would love the Chinese market to discover a rare coffee specialty from Mauritius,". The bean is produced entirely on the 16‑hectare plantation, where humid conditions, gentle sunlight and mineral‑rich volcanic soil combine to give a balanced, rich flavor profile.
"I believe there can be a strong link between us as a small producer on a small island and a big market like China," Lehoux added, explaining that coffee’s character is linked to its origin, similar to wine.
Lehoux highlighted that China’s coffee consumption has grown in recent years, with increased interest in flavor profiles, bean varieties and places of origin. He sees the expo as a chance to connect with Chinese importers, specialty coffee shops, upscale restaurants, and roasters while learning how to tailor products to local tastes.
Expo Goals and Future Plans
Chamarel Coffee aims to establish long‑term trade links and explore ways to adapt its offerings to the Chinese market. In preparation for potential business opportunities following the CIIE, the company is expanding its plantation and increasing hand‑processing capacity to preserve the distinctive flavor of its beans.
According to Xinhua, the brand’s participation reflects Mauritius’s broader efforts to promote its natural products abroad and attract foreign investment in the food and beverage sector.
