Decoding the EU tea market: black tea is in power

YuanJia131

Why do we always think of black tea first when it comes to Europeans drinking tea? The latest data shows that among the nearly 120,000 tons of tea imported by the EU annually, black tea accounts for a dominant share.

The import volume of black tea is more than three times that of green tea, which means that out of every four imported teas, three are black tea. This clearly reflects the substantial consumption base and stable rigid demand for black tea in the EU market.

The tradition of tea consumption in Europe dates back to the 17th century, when black tea was introduced from China and India. Subsequently, the British Empire vigorously developed black tea cultivation in its colonies, establishing a robust supply chain that profoundly influenced tea-drinking habits across Europe. Additionally, black tea's rich and mellow flavor exhibits remarkable versatility, seamlessly blending with additives such as milk, sugar, and lemon, aligning perfectly with the drinking preferences and taste preferences of local consumers. This has ensured the enduring popularity of black tea among Europeans throughout the years.

Sri Lanka, India, and Kenya are its top three import sources (accounting for 78.22% of black tea imports). The black tea from these three major production regions collectively forms the cornerstone of the EU market, meeting diverse market demands—from premium consumption to mass blended beverages—with their distinct flavor profiles.