Review on Challenges and Opportunities in Global Tea Industry

Review on Challenges and Opportunities in Global Tea Industry

Tea is one of the most frequently consumed beverages across the world, second only to water, and it is known to have originated in China. As a natural beverage, tea is popular for its classic brew, flavor, and medicinal properties and offers a range of health benefits. Tea has been consumed over the world and it is grown in more than 35 countries. On the other hand, the top eight countries including China, India, Sri Lanka, Kenya, etc. contributed 86.5% of the total world tea production. The global tea industry has increased continuously in production and export, with significant changes in some producing and exporting countries and global tea market segments have been presented based on the type, packaging, distribution channel, application, and geography. Currently, the global tea industry has a significant role in the economy of tea producing countries in terms of foreign exchange earnings, employment, and government revenue. According to tea industry professionals, the world tea growing countries are facing sustainability challenges in the global tea industry. The global tea industry has faced several unprecedented issues or challenges related to climate change and vulnerable production systems, and rapidly changing markets for tea. Increasing productivity and remaining competitive are two major challenges in the global tea industry. Consequently, production has been affected significantly and the future of the industry is uncertain. Therefore, this study examined the challenges and state of the global tea industry with the possible opportunities for the sustainable development of the global tea industry. The present review compiled the recent trends, challenges, and opportunities in the global tea market based on the public industrial reports and journal publications collected from reliable sources, including the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. In conclusion, the global tea sector must identify good practices for sustainable tea production that may enhance productivity, market value, and environmental and social aspects as well as remain competitive. Finally, outstanding strategies must be adopted to meet the challenges in the global demand for tea in the coming years.