China's CH-7 high-altitude, high-speed, long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) has successfully completed its maiden flight at an airport in northwest China.
The CH-7 made a notable appearance at the 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, also known as Airshow China, in 2024.
Adopting a high-aspect-ratio flying-wing aerodynamic configuration, the CH-7 can carry a variety of high-performance mission payloads such as visible light and infrared sensors. Boasting long endurance, high flight ceiling, fast cruise speed and strong mission capability, it meets the high-end ground observation and data support requirements under complex conditions, according to its developer.
It is reported that the UAV will subsequently undergo further tests, including flight performance testing and payload functionality verification.
China's CH-7 high-altitude, high-speed drone successfully completes maiden flight
Brazilian coffee suppliers are seeking to make inroads into the Chinese market, as Chinese consumers have shown a growing taste for good-quality coffee from around the world.
After last year’s successful harvest, the third largest on record, Brazil's coffee plantations are now being cultivated in preparation for the next crop due in the coming months.
Helio De Almeida Leite, a local coffee farmer, said Chinese consumers, historically tea drinkers, began drinking coffee in higher volumes a couple of decades ago, and more recently have developed a taste for higher-quality products.
"There has been a shift in consumption patterns, especially among younger people in China, which has made this market very promising. China has moved from being a small consumer of low-quality coffee to becoming one of the world's biggest potential markets for high-quality coffee," he said.
A new field, planted last December, features a specialty coffee variety called "Catucaí" — a yellow bean developed in a local research center, known for its high sugar content.
The agronomical engineer in charge said the farm adopts sustainable practices that are good for both the coffee and the land.
In the farm's laboratory and tasting room, expert tasters ensure the coffee delivered meets quality standards and help develop new blends.
Jorge Jose, quality control manager of Monte Alegre Coffees, a well-known coffee producer, has been in the business for about 35 years. As Chinese consumers developed a taste for coffee in recent years, he has learned to understand their preferences.
"They are very demanding, especially when it comes to quality. They like naturally processed coffee, which is fuller-bodied, with sweetness and flavors that are more chocolatey and caramelized. They demand that sweetness," said Jose.
To reach the Chinese market, Brazilian coffee has to travel halfway around the world. And as trade between the two countries has grown, efforts have been made to make that long journey more efficient and cost effective, marked by more shipping routes and fewer bureaucratic hurdles along the way.
Five Star Service, a major customs broker who handles about 10 percent of Brazil's coffee exports, said the time needed to obtain export licenses for shipments to China has already dropped from years to months, noting that more still needs to be done to take full advantage of the expanding trade.
"Expectations are high for Brazil, not only for coffee but for many other products. But I believe the bureaucratic process still needs to become faster, a step beyond what has already been done, so approvals can come more quickly, and we can create strong business opportunities in the future," said Ronaldo Taboada, a staff member of the customers broker.
Brazilian coffee suppliers eye inroads into fast growing Chinese market
