Top Tea-Producing Countries: Production & Varieties
Global tea production is mainly dominated by China and India. This is mainly because of its cultural significance, domestic demand, and favourable geographical conditions. The tea industry is growing across the world and thus impacts several economies. The demand for tea is increasing with awareness of its health benefits. Also, a variety of herbal and specialty teas have boosted interest in tea. Go through this blog to learn about the top tea-producing countries in the world.
Table of Contents
Introduction to the Global Tea Industry
Tea is more than just a beverage. It is deeply rooted in many cultures and is now fuelling economic growth worldwide. Over centuries, it travelled from China to distant countries to become an important global cash crop. The global tea industry is growing at a rapid pace due to a variety of factors, including awareness of its health benefits and specialty teas. In 2023, the total amount of tea consumed globally was around 7.3 billion kilograms. The annual global tea production crossed the mark of USD 17 billion in 2022. Also, the valuation of the tea trade was USD 9.5 billion. So, it is a key source of export earnings for emerging economies.
Which are the Top Tea-Producing Countries?
Some countries have positioned themselves as the leading producer of high-quality tea leaves and unique blends. As per the Tea Board of India (2022), here’re the top tea-producing countries that have a rich culture brewed in tea.
China
China is the top tea-producing country globally with a total production of 3,090 million kg (M. Kg). As a Chinese legend goes, Emperor Shen Nong accidentally invented tea in 2737 B.C. when leaves of camellia bush fell in boiling water pot. The top tea-producing provinces in China are Guizhou, Sichuan, Yunnan, and Fujian. The Chinese government encourages tea fields to promote rural development and strengthen its economy. There are mainly 6 types of Chinese teas: Oolong, Red, Yellow, White, Green, and Dark tea. China has a rich and complex tea culture, which is deeply ingrained in its traditional ceremonies and social gatherings.
India
India is the second largest tea-producing country, with around 1365 million kgs of total tea production. In FY2024, it increased to 1,382.03 million kgs. One of the finest teas is found in India because of a variety of factors like optimum weather & soil condition, strategic market expansion, continuous innovation, and heavy investment in tea processing units. Around 6.19 lakh hectares of land were under tea cultivation in 2022. Not only this, but India is also among the top consumers of tea, as the domestic population consumes 80% of the tea produced. The major states involved in tea production are Assam, West Bengal, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. Assam, Darjeeling, and Nilgiri tea are highly popular across the world. India exports mostly black tea out of the country. In FY24, India exported tea worth 776 USD to more than 25 countries around the world.
Kenya
Kenya is the third largest tea-producing nation, producing a total of 530 million kgs of tea. The tea industry contributes heavily to the Kenyan economy as it is one of the leading foreign exchange earners for the country. Its CTC black tea is renowned worldwide. Other popular tea types are purple, green, white oolong, and yellow tea. Tea is mainly grown in the West of the Rift block and the East of the Rift block. In 1950, the Tea Board of Kenya was established to regulate the industry under the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development. In addition to economic importance, tea also has social and cultural importance in Kenya.
Turkey
Turkey stands fourth on the list with the total tea production of Turkey was 280 million kgs. Tea brings people together and is a symbol of hospitality among the Turkish population. Rize is the major tea-producing city in the country due to its fertile soil, humid, and temperate climate. The popular tea varieties include black, herbal, and fruit-flavoured tea. Turkish black tea, or Çay, is considered the national beverage of Turkey. It is usually served in tulip-shaped glasses and has a smooth and little bitter flavour. Tea is a huge supporter of Turkey’s agricultural economy.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is the fifth tea-producing country, producing 251.50 million kgs of tea. Since 1880, Ceylon Tea has been grown using traditional methods. Sri Lanka Tea Board regulates and monitors the strict quality standards to certify ‘Ceylon Tea’ with the Lion logo. Different tea varieties produced in the country include Cut Tear & Curl, Green, Instant, and Bio tea. Tea cultivation provides employment to most of the population and thus has huge economic significance. The central massif of the island, with its southern foothills, forms the leading tea-growing region of Sri Lanka. Due to adequate rainfall and high elevations, ideal conditions are observed for tea cultivation.
These top 5 tea-producing countries are followed by Vietnam and Indonesia, with a total production of 174 and 125.10 million kgs, respectively. Tea culture is a part of centuries-old customs of several countries. Even though China and India rule the global tea industry, countries like Kenya, Turkey, and Sri Lanka also make significant contributions. With rising tea demand, the tea industry is poised to grow exponentially while preserving the traditional values of cultures worldwide.
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