Barbara Dufrêne
Black tea remains trendy in Europe
After ending some 250 years of China’s imperial tea trade monopoly in 1842, Europeans have continued to drink black teas, but grown in their own colonial areas; the big buzz created by the arrival of green teas from China and Japan from 1980 onwards has boosted cup consumption but has not eroded the dominance of black tea.
Consumers favour ‘new’ teas for mind & body
The pandemic and the sanitary restrictions, with less travel and much working out of home have generated increased demand for cups that bring additional benefits and invite new discoveries.
The 2020 global tea market report
Tea production continues to increase, with robust consumption growth in origin and Muslim countries. However, lagging demand in Western markets, the division between black and green teas, rising production costs, and social responsibility requirements erode company profits, while farm gate prices remain low. Furthermore, adverse weather patterns impact supply and herald climate change.
South Korea’s fine teas aim to attract Western consumers
While the urban millennials indulge in Western coffee habits, the revival of ancestral tea traditions continues to gain ground in South Korea together with innovative blends and ready-to-drinks cups by local brands, which are keen to enter the international scene. By Barbara Dufrêne
Vietnam is working to improve its reputation in tea
Poor processing methods, low quality standards, and heavy pesticide use saddled Vietnam with a “bad tea reputation.” But with new laws, higher standards and committed producers, Vietnam’s tea industry is looking to shed that tainted image and show the quality teas the country has to offer. By Vanessa L Facenda
Indochina’s less traditional tea producers raise their profiles
Sharing some of the Eastern Himalayan foothills with tea giants China and India as well as Vietnam and Bangladesh, Thailand, Myanmar and Laos – newcomers to the global tea market – are upping their profile and visibility. By Barbara Dufrêne
Moringa: the “miracle tree” is now a trendy new cup
Used for many centuries as a traditional herbal medicine in its origin countries, the moringa tree’s leaves, seeds, roots and flowers all offer highly nutritious components and relief from health disorders.