International Tea Day 2025; May 21st.

FORUM: “Tea for Better Lives.” International Tea Day 2025. The origins of tea stretch back more than 5 000 years, but its contributions to health, culture and socioeconomic development are still as relevant today. Tea is currently grown in very localized areas, and supports over 13 million people, including smallholder farmers and their households, who depend on the tea sector for their livelihoods.The observance aims to raise awareness of the key role, the sector plays in reducing extreme poverty (SDG1), fighting hunger (SDG2), empowering women (SDG5), supporting the sustainable use of the terrestrial ecosystem (SDG15), and in contributing to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #InternationalTeaDay; #tea, #21May, #tealovers, #teaconsumers, #teadrinkers, #Farmedwithcare.

EVENTS: On Wednesday, 21 May 2025 from 9.30 to 16.00 (CEST); Join us virtually to mark the World Bee Day and International Tea Day at FAO headquarters (Atrium). Under the theme ‘‘Tea for Better Lives.’’; The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has the pleasure to inform Members that the celebration of the International Tea Day 2025 will be held through a joint observance with World Bee Day, which is officially celebrated on Tuesday, 20 May. The event will be inaugurated by the FAO Director-General, Mr QU Dongyu, and will highlight tea’s significant contributions to livelihoods, sustainability, and well-being. The inauguration will be followed by an exclusive tea tasting experience,. as well as a special edition of Markets and Trade Talks—a series of short, speaker’s corner-style sessions where participants will share insights about their tea heritage, culture, and tradition. Watch the livestream Part I and Part II!

On May 21st, 2025 from 3.30 to 5pm EST, hosted by the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations and Tea Board of India will held a high-level event entitled “Tea for Livelihoods, Tea for SDGs” ‘in the Conference Room 08, at the UNHQ, This event will highlight how the global tea industry supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in promoting economic and livelihood opportunities, fostering sustainable agriculture, and ensuring environmental sustainability. The event will bring together relevant stakeholders of this sector for discussions aimed at : Highlighting the role of the tea industry in eradicating poverty (SDG 1) and ensuring decent work and economic growth (SDG 8) by providing employment and income to millions, especially women and small-scale farmers. Promoting sustainable agricultural practices contributing to zero hunger (SDG 2) and responsible consumption and production (SDG 12). Showcasing the tea sector’s role in climate action (SDG 13) through sustainable farming practices that mitigate environmental impact. Emphasizing gender inclusivity and empowerment in tea-producing regions, advancing gender equality (SDG 5). Strengthening global partnerships (SDG 17) to promote fair trade and sustainable tea production. Panel discussions will be followed by a curated Tea tasting Experience. Read the concept note and Watch the livestream!

LIVESTREAM: Commemoration of International Tea Day 2025 at UNHQ.

EXHIBITS: An exhibition will be held in the Atrium, accompanied by tasting events for tea and coffee.

INITIATIVES: Tea cultivation is attractive to smallholders in many low-income countries because it creates jobs and income throughout the year and requires relatively little investment. They are responsible for 60% of global tea production. Learn about the FAO´s Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) programme. For further informations, send a email to International-Tea-Day@fao.org.

International Tea Day 2024, May 21st.

FORUM: “Honoring women around the world, from crop to cup.” International Tea Day 2024. The observance aims to raise awareness of the key role, the sector plays in reducing extreme poverty (SDG1), fighting hunger (SDG2), empowering women (SDG5), supporting the sustainable use of the terrestrial ecosystem (SDG15), and in contributing to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #InternationalTeaDay; #tea, #21May.

The World Tea Day is celebrated annually on May 21st to promote and raise awareness about the importance of tea and its cultural, historical and health significance around the world. According to archaeological and historical records, China is considered the birthplace of tea. The earliest documented use of tea dates back to the Zhou Dynasty (c.11th century-771 BC), while tea as a beverage became popular during the Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220). With trade along the Silk Road, tea spread from China to various parts of the world, profoundly influencing global tea culture. China boasts the most diverse range of teas globally, including green tea, black tea, oolong tea, white tea, yellow tea and dark tea, each with its unique production method and flavor.

EVENT: On May 21th, 2024 starting at 10:00 (GMT) a virtual event will be held to celebrate the International Tea Day 2024 by the FAO from Sheikh Zayed Centre. The event will provide an opportunity to promote international cooperation in tea industry in order to contribute to global green development and to achieve the Global goals. This year, we will highlight women and their role in the tea sector. Following the inauguration, there will be a dialogue featuring the participation of the FAO Director-General Mr. QU Dongyu and women representatives from the tea and coffee sectors. Watch the livestream!

 

EXHIBITS: An exhibition will be held in the Atrium, accompanied by tasting events for tea and coffee.

 

INITIATIVES: Tea cultivation is attractive to smallholders in many low-income countries because it creates jobs and income throughout the year and requires relatively little investment. They are responsible for 60% of global tea production. Learn about the FAO´s Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) programme. For further informations, send a email to International-Tea-Day@fao.org.

International Tea Day 2023; May 21st.

FORUM: “Bringing people together over a cup of tea.” International Tea Day 2023. This year, the observance will focus on smallholder tea producers. The Day aims to raise awareness of the deep cultural, heritage and economic significance of tea around the globe. This year’s celebration will be an occasion to reaffirm the commitment of all stakeholders to support smallholder tea producers and help them overcome the challenges they are facing. The Day will also provide governments and other actors at global, regional and national level an excellent opportunity to exchange experiences and discuss collective actions for a resilient, sustainable and inclusive tea sector, to the benefit of both producers and consumers. Follow the conversations with the hashtags #InternationalTeaDay; #tea, #21May.

EVENTS: The 74th Session of the General Assembly decided to designate 21 May as the International Tea Day. As an important economic crop, tea can play a significant role in rural development, poverty eradication and food security around the world. 

At the United Nations Headquarters to mark the day, a thematic event will be held on May19th, 2023 from 16.30 to 18:00 (EDT), Conference Room 6.

On the commemoration of the International Tea Day 2023, the Permanent Mission of China to the United Nations and the FAO Liaison Office in New York co-host this thematic event entitled "A magic Leaf: Tea for Green Development.". The event will provide us with a good opportunity to promote international cooperation in tea industry and exchange of tea culture, so as to contribute to global green development and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

HYBRID EVENT: At FAO Headquaters, for the Internationak Tea Day 2023, a webinar will be held on the theme "Bringing People together over a cup of tea."

International Tea Day 2022; May 21st.

FORUM: ''Celebrating Tea around the world, from field to Cup.'' International Tea Day 2022.

The International Tea Day is an opportunity to celebrate the cultural heritage, health benefits and economic importance of tea, while working to make its production sustainable “from field to cup” ensuring its benefits for people, cultures and the environment continue for generations. Follow the conversation with the hastags #InternationalTeaDay; #TeaDay; #21May

Key messages

• Tea production and processing represent a source of livelihoods for millions of families, including millions in least developed countries.
• Tea export earnings help to finance food import bills, supporting the economies of major tea-producing countries.
• The specific agro-ecological conditions where tea thrives occur in areas which are highly vulnerable to climate change.
• Global trade in 2020 was affected by logistics issues and measures imposed to contain COVID-19.
• Trade recovered in 2021 as shipments from major exporters resumed
• During the COVID-19 pandemic tea sales remarkably increased spurred by purchases for in-home consumption, as tea brought comfort to millions around the world
• Increasing in-home consumption of tea more than offset declining out-of-home consumption in many instances.
• In order to ensure benefits for both people and the environment, the tea value chain must be sustainable at all stages, from field to cup.

EVENTS: Celebrate International Tea Day with us!

The event, to be opened by FAO Director-General, QU Dongyu, will highlight the vital role the tea sector plays for Members as well as its broader economic and social impacts around the world. 

The event will be an occasion focus on the contribution of tea to the food systems transformation that is needed to ensure better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.

The opening ceremony will be followed by a panel discussion that will complement the celebration and touch on issues affecting the tea sector.

High-level segment
12:00-13:00 hours CEST

Panel discussion
13:30-14:30 hours CEST

International Tea Day 2021, May 21st

 FORUM: Tea: Resilient; Sustainable; Healthy, From Field to Cup. International Tea Day 2021.

Re-emphasizing the call from the Intergovernmental Group on Tea to direct greater efforts towards expanding demand, particularly in tea-producing countries, where per capita consumption is relatively low, and supporting efforts to address the declining per capita consumption in traditional importing countries. Join the conversation on twitter by using the hashtags  #Tea or  #InternationalTeaDay.

CAMPAIGN

1.  Raising awareness of its importance in fighting hunger and poverty.
2. Drinking Tea for its Health benefits

Key messages

• Tea production and processing represent a source of livelihoods for millions of families, including millions in least developed countries.
• Tea export earnings help to finance food import bills, supporting the economies of major tea-producing countries.
• The specific agro-ecological conditions where tea thrives occur in areas which are highly vulnerable to climate change.

• Global trade in 2020 was affected by logistics issues and measures imposed to contain COVID-19.

• Increasing in-home consumption of tea more than offset declining out-of-home consumption in many instances.
• During the first weeks of lockdown, in home tea sales surged, increasing by 75 percent in some consuming countries.
• In order to ensure benefits for both people and the environment, the tea value chain must be sustainable at all stages, from field to cup.

Tea has been with us for a long time. There is evidence that tea was consumed in China 5,000 years ago.Throughout the years, the aroma of their millenary tea varieties has made its way into the hearts and minds of many tea drinkers around the world, one leaf at a time.

Tea per capita consumption increased by 2.8 percent per year over the last decade.

Tea consumption can bring health benefits and wellness due to the beverage's anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and weight loss effects. It also has cultural significance in many societies.

Tea production and trade contribute to livelohoods; export earnings food security and incomes 

Moreover, there is an urgent need to raise public awareness of the importance of tea for rural development and sustainable livelihoods and to improve the tea value chain to contribute to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Tea thrives in bery specific agro-ecological conditions and in certain environments which today are often impacted by climate change.

Changes in temperature and rainfall patterns, with more floods and droughts, are already affecting yields, tea product quality and prices, lowering incomes and threatening rural livelihoods. These climate changes are expected to intensify, calling for urgent adaptation measures. In parallel, there is a growing recognition of the need to contribute to climate change mitigation, by reducing carbon emissions from tea production and processing.

Report of the Working Group on Climate Change

The FAO Intergovernmental group on tea leads multilateral efforts to support the world tea economy.

The United Nations General Assembly decided to designate 21 May as International Tea Day in order to promote and foster collective actions in favour of the sustainable production and consumption of tea.