Celebrating the 2nd International Tea Day

It is hard to believe that a year has passed and tomorrow, we will be celebrating our second International Tea Day. If you have not already heard, the United Nations, through resolution 74/241 declared 21 May, International Tea Day. The day itself is to “…promote and foster collective actions to implement activities in favour of the sustainable production and consumption of tea and raise awareness of its importance in fighting hunger and poverty.” (United Nations)

The beverage we all know and love is not only the second most consumed beverage on the planet, but it plays a critical role in the lives of millions of people around the world. This is why we are the only beverage that has been honoured with its own day by the United Nations. And I think that is important to remember the millions of lives that are impacted by tea. That alone should be what we focus on 21 May and every single day you make a cup of tea for yourself.

Through necessity and the inability to be in person last year, the Tea and Herbal Association of Canada celebrated International Tea Day with the first Sofa Summit. It was an 11-hour extravaganza with 24 guests across 14 time zones representing all parts of the tea industry. It was both exhausting and exhilarating but it also made me truly grateful to be a small cog in this wheel of tea.

For some of my guests, tea was a chosen profession, some were born into it and for others it felt like a calling. But the common thread for all was their deep love and connection to this beverage we call tea. This year, the Tea and Herbal Association of Canada will be hosting the second Sofa Summit on 21 May. We have an entirely different panel of guests from 13 countries who I know will be as inspiring as last year.

James Norwood Pratt has said, “Tea is quiet and it takes a quiet palate to appreciate something that calls so little attention to itself.” I would agree with him, but sometimes, I think, we are a little too quiet in the world of tea, and sometimes it is good to make some noise. Our event will be streamed live on our YouTube channel and I truly hope you find a moment to pop in, say hi and be inspired. Access the Sofa Summit here.

  • Shabnam Weber spent 18 years in the tea business as an entrepreneur before assuming the position of president of the Tea and Herbal Association of Canada (THAC) in 2018.

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