Today we talk about 10 Biggest Tea Producing Countries in the World. Tea is among most popular beverages in the world. It came from Asia, where people knew about healing aspects of its consummation from ancient times. Tea became national drink in many countries, as you can see in our list of biggest tea drinking countries in the world.
gresei/Shutterstock.com
Around 4,5 million tons of tea is consumed annually, which is why tea is second most consumed beverage worldwide. Every day around 6 billion cups of tea is consumed around the globe, with Asian and European countries leading, followed by Scandinavian Peninsula. The production of tea is at rise every year, as the market keeps expanding and growing worldwide. Today we bring you the countries that produce tea the most, ranked by metric tons.
10. Japan
Green tea originally came from Japan, and its cleansing impact on the body made it popular in recent years, raising the demands. This tea is among the healthiest brews of tea known to man today. Japan’s climate is perfect for tea production, and tea is a major beverage in this country, consumed almost as water. Japanese tea manufacturers don’t export a lot (near 3%) of the domestic production; near 90,000 tons annually.
9. Argentina
The biggest tea producer in South America: near 110,000 tons is produced annually in Argentina. Low prices and delightful taste made tea a significant part of Argentinian culture. Climate conditions are good for tea production; endless fields of tea spans across many Argentinian provinces. Mate and black tea are the most popular domestic brews, combining yerba mate and traditional Camellia Sinensis to a perfect (and a bit strong) taste.
8. Indonesia
Tea is the #1 beverage in Indonesia, and a high-developed industry; over 155,000 tons of the tea plants are produced annually in this country. Exporting to many countries worldwide, 65% of the product goes abroad. Tea came to Indonesia from China, and for the last 200 years, built his way up to the consumers. Black tea is produced the most, followed by green tea.
7. Iran
Iran developed its tea industry from the influence of India; tea replaced coffee as a most favorite beverage in 1900s, as the Iranians started to produce their own blend. Since it came to the country from India, it was considered as a luxury until common people started consuming it. Today, around 164,000 tons of tea is produced in Iran every year, and a big percentage is exported.
6. Vietnam
Vietnam’s tea industry is third in the country by the power and scale; around 220,000 tons of the tea plants and brews are produced in the country. French colonists brought tea in Vietnam in 1880, and started the first plantation in Pho Tho province. From then, they have seen the potential of expanding and growth, and the industry started developing. Special tea blends of jasmine and lotus from Vietnam are among the most expensive in the world.
5. Turkey
Tea is an important part of the Turkish culture; when you come to somebody’s house, it is traditional custom to offer you a cup of tea. Tea farming is very developed in Turkey, with around 190,000 hectares planted, and, naturally, production of tea is at a high level too, with around 230,000 tons a year. Turkish national tea is black, with a strong flavor, served with small sweets called Rahat-Lokum.
4. Sri Lanka
Professional tea manufacturers in Sri Lanka took advantage of the climate and 190,000 hectares of fertile land; plantations contain black, green, and white tea the most. This industry is a major segment of the Sri Lanka’s economy and GDP. The production of tea varies from 325,000 tons to 360,000 tons a year.
3. Kenya
Kenya might surprise as a third place on our list of biggest tea producing countries in the world, but this fact is proven by annual production of 373,000 tons. Production in Kenya is consisted of small farming plantations owned by locals, and some owned by companies. They are mostly exporting, and green tea is the most exported breed
2.India
Gaining popularity as a beverage and industry in India, tea herb is planted on million hectares. Many blends and trademark teas are produced in India, with spicy Chai being the most popular one. This tea is served with milk, and its popularity in the States is very high. Over 1,000,000 tons of tea is produced in India every year, earning a great second place on our list.
1. China
This is the country where tea came from. From ancient times, Chinese people enjoyed herbal blend beverages, knowing the health benefits of tea consumption. Most improved techniques and technologies in tea brewing, and long history make China the ultimate tea producer. Over 1,730,000 tons of tea is produced in China a year, a staggering number that earns a first place on the list of the biggest tea producing countries in the world.
