15/10/2026
Tea is the world’s most popular beverage after water, with around five billion cups enjoyed every day. Although tea is grown in more than 35 countries, almost 75% of the world’s 4.5 million tonnes of production comes from just four: China, India, Sri Lanka and Kenya.
Behind this global industry, however, there are significant social and economic challenges. Millions of people depend on tea for their livelihoods, yet many farmers and workers continue to face low incomes and challenging working conditions. From large tea estates to small family-run farms, opportunities to improve livelihoods can be limited, and many still struggle to achieve a living wage.