In this piece, we will take a look at the five countries that produce the best tea in the world. For more countries, head on over to 12 Countries that Produce the Best Tea in the World.
5. Republic of Kenya
Insider Monkey’s Score: 5
Tea Exports in 2021: $1.1 billion
The Republic of Kenya, or simply Kenya, is an African country that is the largest tea exporter in the world. Kenya exported $1.1 billion of tea in 2021, which weighed in at 556,652 tons. Crucially, Kenya, unlike some other tea countries, exports the bulk of its production, and the industry as a whole is dominated by small farmers. The bulk of its tea production is black tea, and other variants are also produced but in small quantities. When it comes to the large players, the Kenya Tea Development Agency Holdings (KTDA), with a variety of different subsidiaries, is a key part of the tea industry.
4. Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
Insider Monkey’s Score: 5
Tea Exports in 2021: $1.3 billion
Sri Lanka is an Asian country that is a central player in the global tea market. Tea is grown in the country primarily in the central and southern foothills. Additionally, Sri Lanka’s Ceylon tea, which inherits the country’s old name, is its most famous tea. The Ceylon brand is owned by the Sri Lanka Tea Board, and tea production began after the coffee industry collapsed in the wake of the British takeover of Ceylon. The Tea Board has strict standards for Ceylon tea, such as those requiring that it must only be grown in Sri Lanka and not be mixed with other teas.
3. Republic of India
Insider Monkey’s Score: 8
Tea Exports in 2021: $687 million
The Republic of India is one of the largest economies in the world, and also a major player in the global tea industry. India was the world’s second largest tea producer in 2021, having churned out a massive 1.3 million tons of tea. However, most of it was consumed internally, with exports being a mere 196 million kilograms. Assam Tea and Darjeeling Tea are some of India’s most famous teas, with large tea companies being Tata Consumer Products Limited (NSE:TATACONSUM.NS) and Hindustan Unilever Limited (NSE:HINDUNILVR.NS).
2. Japan
Insider Monkey’s Score: 9
Tea Exports in 2021: $189 million
Japan is an East Asian country and an economic powerhouse. At the same time, Japan’s tea is famous all over the world. Japan has several different kinds of teas such as Matcha, Hojicha, Sencha, Kombucha, Gobocha, and Gyokuro. These differ on the bases of the plant used, as some, such as Gobocha, are made from plant roots. Some large Japanese tea companies are Ito En, Ltd. (TYO:2593.T), and Harada Tea Processing Co., Ltd.
1. People’s Republic of China
Insider Monkey’s Score: 13
Tea Exports in 2021: $2.2 billion
The People’s Republic of China, or simply China, is the world’s most populous country and the largest economy in purchasing power parity terms. Tea is widely believed to have first originated in China, and therefore, it’s no surprise that China is the largest producer of tea as well. Name any tea variety, and you’ll find it in China as all popular tea types such as black tea, oolong tea, green tea, white tea, yellow tea, and dark tea are consumed in the country.
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