From the field to the cup - International Tea Day

Tea is an aromatic beverage that is in great demand on the world market. After water, it is the second most used drink in the world and for some people, tea is an integral part of life and culture.

Tea is believed to have originated in northeastern India, northern Myanmar (Burma) and southwestern China, but the exact location where the plant first grew is unknown. There is evidence that tea was consumed in China 5000 years ago and we can conclude that tea has been with us for a long time.

However, growing tea requires intensive care and effort. Therefore, to draw the attention of the governments and the public to the issues surrounding tea production and how tea plantations, small tea producers, and consumers affect the global tea trade, International Tea Day is celebrated every year.

Importance

Throughout history, tea has been a valuable economic commodity and the goal of this day is to promote and encourage collective action to carry out activities in favor of sustainable production and consumption of tea, and to raise awareness of its importance in the fight against hunger and poverty.

The tea industry is a major source of income and export earnings for millions of families in some of the poorest countries and, as a labor-intensive sector, provides jobs, especially in remote and economically disadvantaged areas. Tea can play a significant role in rural development, poverty reduction and food security in developing countries, as it is one of the most important cash crops.

The day also focuses on addressing important issues such as tea production residues, climate change, technology and production and consumption trends in the tea industry. To mark this day, over 150 representatives of tea organizations are gathering and holding a seminar to discuss the pervasive issues of the tea industry as well as the issues their countries are facing.

Date and history

International Tea Day was first mentioned and celebrated in New Delhi, India in 2005. Since then, countries like Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Tanzania and others have celebrated International Tea Day on December 15 every year, along with India.

The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) recognized the great importance of tea and designated May 21 as the day when the world celebrates International Tea Day. The reason why May 21 was chosen is that the tea production season starts in May in most tea-producing countries.

According to the UN, tea has medicinal value and brings many health benefits to the human body.

Try the teas from our collection and let their flavors and aromas permeate all your senses.