Tea production sets new record
Last year almost 5.7 million tons were produced worldwide, more than ever before. "After water, tea is by far the most consumed beverage in the world," said Maximilian Wittig, Managing Director of the German Tea Association in Hamburg. According to figures from the International Tea Committee (ITC), China was also the largest producer last year, with more than 2.5 million tonnes, and Kenya the largest exporter with more than 400,000 tonnes.
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India was again the most important supplier for Germany in 2017. A total of more than 53,000 tonnes were imported into Germany from 63 countries, only slightly more in 2016. "A good 25,000 tonnes of these were processed here in Germany for export alone and then exported to over 100 countries around the world," said Wittig.
Black tea remained the favourite for the Camellia sinensis tea shrub products in Germany and in 2017 even managed to increase slightly, the ratio currently being 73:27. Mixtures such as the "Echte Ostfriesen Mischung", "English Breakfast" and "Earl Grey" are ahead. In previous years, green tea had been able to significantly increase its market share nationwide.
According to the Wirtschaftsvereinigung Kräuter- und Früchtetee (WKF), peppermint, chamomile and fennel are traditionally the leading varieties of the more than 39,000 tonnes of herbal and fruit tea consumed. "The trend roots turmeric and ginger currently set the tone, but many also resort to so-called winter teas with spices such as cinnamon, clove, cardamom and chocolate to suit the time of year," says Kyra Schaper, PR Officer at Teeverband and WKF./pkr/DP/zb (dpa).
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