The industry anticipates strong, continuous growth, with a CAGR of 5-6%. This growth will come from all segments driven by convenience, interest in the health benefits of tea, continued innovation and the discovery of unique, flavorful and high-end Specialty Tea. Future success also relies on the adoption of tea by new consumers who are looking for healthy beverage options.
Varieties:
Black, Green, Oolong, Dark and White teas all come from the same plant, a warm-weather evergreen named Camellia sinensis. Differences among the five types of tea result from the various degrees of processing and the level of oxidization. Black tea is fully oxidized and Oolong teas are partially oxidized. After withering and rolling, the tea leaves undergo natural chemical reactions resulting in taste and color changes and that develop the teas distinguishing characteristics. Green & White teas are not oxidized after leaf harvesting. Oolong tea is midway between Black and Green teas in strength and color. Dark teas are fermented after manufacture.