Tea market worldwide - statistics & facts
Tea consumption has been around since as early as 1500 BC, originating as a medicinal beverage in the Yunnan province of China, also known as the birthplace of tea. Tea is produced using the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant and the harvesting process has a significant impact on the resulting product. There are thousands of varieties of tea, the four main types being black, green, white, and oolong, all of which are produced from the same plant. China has, by far, the largest tea market worldwide, valued at over 91 billion U.S. dollars. India and Japan rank in distant second and third places.
China is the top global tea producer, producing an annual volume of nearly 3.1 million metric tons in recent years. The British introduced tea consumption and production to India in the early 1800s, in order to create a competing market for China. India is the second largest producer of tea worldwide, followed by Kenya, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia. Sustainable farming practices within tea production have become more important in recent years; the estimated global production of UTZ certified tea has increased by almost 90 percent since 2012, although 2020 and 2021 saw a significant decline.
Ready-to-drink (RTD) tea is a segment of the market which is set to experience strong growth in the future; the RTD tea market is forecast to reach almost 30 billion U.S. dollars worldwide by 2024. RTD tea beverages can be still or sparkling, and with additional flavorings. In terms of volume sales, ready-to-drink tea was one of the top-selling liquid refreshment beverages worldwide. Some niche categories also exist within the market, including healthier options. The size of the kombucha market worldwide, a fermented tea beverage consumed for its health benefits, is also estimated to grow in coming years.
China is the top global tea producer, producing an annual volume of nearly 3.1 million metric tons in recent years. The British introduced tea consumption and production to India in the early 1800s, in order to create a competing market for China. India is the second largest producer of tea worldwide, followed by Kenya, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia. Sustainable farming practices within tea production have become more important in recent years; the estimated global production of UTZ certified tea has increased by almost 90 percent since 2012, although 2020 and 2021 saw a significant decline.
Ready-to-drink (RTD) tea is a segment of the market which is set to experience strong growth in the future; the RTD tea market is forecast to reach almost 30 billion U.S. dollars worldwide by 2024. RTD tea beverages can be still or sparkling, and with additional flavorings. In terms of volume sales, ready-to-drink tea was one of the top-selling liquid refreshment beverages worldwide. Some niche categories also exist within the market, including healthier options. The size of the kombucha market worldwide, a fermented tea beverage consumed for its health benefits, is also estimated to grow in coming years.
