Tea market - Brazil

1.1 Market presentation

The tea market refers to the economic activity related to the production and sale of tea. With 1.5 billion cups consumed every day, tea is the second most consumed drink in the world after water. Created in China, introduced to Japan at the end of the 8th century and an integral part of British culture, tea also has a special place in Middle Eastern cultures. The global nature of tea is reflected in the long list of countries in which it is consumed. Even today, China is by far the world's largest producer, followed by India, Kenya and Sri Lanka.

Tea is a drink made from the leaves of the tea plant (of which there are around 200 species), infused with hot water. Traditionally, the leaves are infused for 3 minutes for green teas and 4 minutes for black teas, in water at a temperature of between 75 and 80°C. Teas are distinguished by their colors (black, green, oolong, yellow, white and post-fermented), which differ depending on how the leaves are processed. Rooibos or "red tea" is actually an infusion made from the leaves of Aspalathus linearis, found only in South Africa, and not from the tea plant.

The market can also be segmented according to:

• The form of the tea (loose leaf tea and CTC tea)
• The type of tea (black, green, etc.)
• Tea distribution channels

The Brazilian tea market has a wide range of varieties, from traditional black and green teas to herbal and fruit options. As reported by the Brazilian Tea Industry Association (ABIC), this market recorded a financial turnover of approximately R$10 billion in 2019, before the pandemic. Tea consumption reaches all age groups in the country and is valued as much for its healthy properties as for its taste.

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the tea market in Brazil. There has been a growth in demand for teas with healthy and functional properties, and those that promote relaxation, due to the increased search for products that help with well-being and immunity. However, mobility restrictions and changes in consumption patterns have resulted in a drop in sales in some channels, such as coffee shops and restaurants.