The increased consumption of tea in developing economies of India and China has excited the global demand of tea, which increased by 5.6 per cent to 4 million tonnes, as per the figures released by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).
“Total world tea consumption increased by 5.6 per cent in 2010 — the latest year for which figures were available to 4 million tonnes and was underpinned by the rapid growth in per capita income levels, particularly in China, India and other emerging economies,” as per the statement issued by FAO.
The tea consumption in India expanded by 2.4 per cent in 2009 and 1 per cent in 2010 to reach 8,28,890 tonnes, while in China, the consumption increased by 8.2 per cent in 2009 and 1.4 per cent in 2010 to reach 1.06 million tonnes.
The global body on the farm sector opined that the high tea prices which averaged $2.85 per kg in 2011, indicates that the demand for black tea has surpassed supply since 2009.
In 2010, the world tea production increased by 4.2 per cent to 4.1 million tonnes. The production of black tea, increased by 5.5 per cent, while that of green tea climbs to 1.9 per cent.
