How Big is the Tea Market?

by Susan Hill Business Consultant

The global tea market size is expected to reach USD 18.42 billion by 2025, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. It is projected to expand at a CAGR of 5.5% during the forecast period. Rising popularity of carbonated drinks coupled with rise in consumer disposable income, especially in emerging economies such as India, China, and Brazil will create robust product demand.

Tea, being a widely consumed beverage especially across Asia Pacific (APAC) and Middle East and Africa (MEA). It has gained immense popularity in other parts of the world as well, owing to its antioxidant properties. Presence of polyphenols, antioxidants, vitamins, and a variety of amino acids make it help strengthen the immune system. Additionally, it helps lower cholesterol levels, increase metabolism, and may help prevent cancer. It also contains a small amount of caffeine, which boosts its consumption as a mild stimulant.

Changing demographics, rise in disposable income of middle class population, especially in urban areas is anticipated to drive the product consumption and in turn drive the market. Millennials are anticipated to register the strongest growth, especially in countries such as China, Japan, Brazil, and India. Rising awareness regarding the benefits of drinking tea coupled with willingness to shell out money on the product is anticipated to bode well for the demand. Hence, to leverage this trend, a number of manufacturers are repositioning the product like a lifestyle brand to reach more consumers. They engage in social media campaigns and celebrity advertising to promote their new and premium flavors.

In 2018, black tea held the largest market share of about 39%. The product is predominantly produced and consumed in countries like India, China, Sri Lanka, and Kenya. Green tea is also anticipated to hold a significant market share over the forecast period. The product is a natural and organic detoxifying agent and hence, along with food and beverage, it also finds application in skin care and wellness products. It that has therapeutic properties to cure scars, helps manage weight, and to improves skin texture.

Oolong is a premium-quality product that apart from being used as a weight loss remedy, has innate properties to help prevent type 2 diabetes. Herbal tea includes hibiscus, tulsi, jasmine, and chamomile among numerous other flavors. These products are popular among consumers from European countries such as Germany and U.K. Typhoo, the British packaged tea brand currently owned by Kolkata, India-based, Apeejay Surrendra Group, which manufactures non-tea infusions, including organic herbal mixes due to declining black tea market, especially in the European countries.

Hypermarkets and supermarkets distribution channel segment held the market share of more than 38% in 2018, while convenience stores held the market share of around 32% in the same year. Specialty stores, such as Fabindia and Teafloor provide consumers with premium and exquisite brands and flavors. On the other hand, online channel is expected to expand at the fastest CAGR of 5.9% over the forecast period due to ease of payment methods and availability of a wide variety of products.

Most companies operating in the market engage in product innovation and R&D. They also focus on innovative advertising and social media campaigns to attract more target consumers. Tata Global Beverages entered into Ready-to-Drink segment with the introduction of green tea based drink, led by Tata Tea in India and Tetley in Canada.

Further key findings from the report suggest:

Asia Pacific is projected to generate a revenue of USD 6.33 billion by 2025
Green tea constituted about 30.54% of the total market share in 2018 and is projected to exhibit a significant rise in the next few years
MEA is anticipated to lead the global tea market with the fastest CAGR of 7.3% over the forecast period
The market is highly competitive in nature with the main players including Tata Global Beverages; Unilever; Associated British Foods Plc.; TAETEA; Nestlé S.A.; Barry's Tea; Apeejay Surrendra Group; Bettys & Taylors Group Ltd.; McLeod Russel; and ITO EN Inc.; Mighty Leaf Tea Company; Numi Organic Tea; The Republic of Tea; Tazo Tea Company; Teavana; Celestial Seasonings, Inc.; Fukujuen; Harney and Sons; Kazi Tea; M. M. Ispahani Limited; DavidsTea; Tim Hortons; and Godrej Group

Access full research report on global tea market:
www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/tea-market