Every year on May 21, the United Nations (UN)’s International International Tea Day(ITD) is celebrated to recognise the cultural, economic, and social significance of tea across the world.
- This day offers an opportunity to promote sustainable production and fair trade, whilst honouring millions of livelihoods dependent on this ancient beverage.
- 21st May 2025 marks the observance of the 6th ITD.
Background:
i.International Tea Day (ITD) was first observed on 15th December 2005 in New Delhi, India, initiated by a group of tea workers.
ii.Over the years, this grassroots initiative gained momentum and was celebrated annually on December 15 in several tea-producing countries, including Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Vietnam, Indonesia, Kenya, Malawi, Malaysia, Uganda, India, and Tanzania.
iii.The Government of India(GoI) proposed the idea of a globally recognized International Tea Day during a meeting of the FAO Intergovernmental Group (IGG) on Tea in October 2015.
iv.Acknowledging tea’s cultural significance and socio-economic value, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the proposal and officially declared May 21 as International Tea Day in December 2019.
v.The first UN-recognized International Tea Day was celebrated on 21st May 2020, marking a shift from the earlier December observance to a more globally unified celebration
About Tea:
i.Derived from the Camellia sinensis plant, tea is the world’s most consumed drink after water.
ii.As a cash crop, it supports an estimated 13 million people worldwide and contributes to rural development, poverty reduction, and food security.
Origin:
i.Legend credits Emperor Shen Nung of China (circa 2737 BC) with discovering tea when leaves blew into his boiling water, creating the first cup of tea.
ii.To break China’s monopoly, the British introduced commercial cultivation in India in 1824, giving rise to famed regions like West Bengal(Darjeeling), Tamil Nadu,TN(Nilgiri) and Assam.
2025 Event:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) headquartered in Rome (Italy) hosted a joint observance of World Bee Day and International Tea Day on 21 May 2025 at the FAO Atrium.
- The event titled “Tea for Better Lives”was inaugurated by FAO Director-General(DG) Mr Qu Dongyu.
Keyfacts:
- According to the FAO, global tea production reached 6.5 million metric tons(MT) in 2021, with China accounting for nearly half of that output. India, Kenya, and Sri Lanka followed as major producers.
- As per the Tea Board of India, India became the world’s second-largest tea exporter in 2024, surpassing Sri Lanka, with record exports of 255 million kilograms, a 10% rise from 2023. However, Kenya continued to lead globally, exporting over 500 million kilograms of tea.
- Also, India is the largest consumer of tea in Volume in the world. India consumes around 30% of global tea output.
- The top three tea-producing states in India are: Assam, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu.
