Starbucks has announced the launch of nine ready-to-drink bottled tea beverages aimed at the huge Chinese tea drinks market. The products include three original-leaf Chinese-style tea drinks, four original-leaf foreign tea drinks, and two handmade special tea drinks. Apart from the beverages, Starbucks has also launched related accessory products such as tea cups and teapots. The launch of tea drinks is in response to the demands of local consumers, according to the company. China is the world's biggest tea market, with around 200 million regular tea drinkers.

A study, conducted by researchers at the University of Washington, has revealed that consumption of black or green tea on a daily basis reduces the risk of ovarian cancer. It analyzed the lifestyle of around 2000 women in different professions. One daily cup of green tea was shown to reduce the risk of suffering from ovarian cancer by 54 percent. Antioxidants found in tea are thought to be responsible for stalling cancer cell growth by substantially reducing the production of numerous proteins that are believed to promote the cells’ survival. Ovarian cancer is the fifth most common cancer among women and fourth leading cause of deaths in women due to cancers.

Sri Lanka has surpassed the $1 billion mark in tea exports for the third consecutive year. As the largest exporter of pre-packaged branded tea, it is also the only country to exceed this symbolic figure. According to the country's Tea Board chairman, the industry will concentrate on re-planting efforts and upgrading tea production. Other initiatives include labor cost reduction and raising the per-head productivity. 96% of Sri Lanka's tea produce is exported.

During the third Global Dubai Tea Forum 2010 it was revealed that Africa and the Middle East account for 13.8 percent of global tea consumption. This puts the region in second place worldwide, after Asia. The biennial forum concluded with discussions of trends in innovation and current market developments, as well as the growing popularity of flavored tea globally. The Global Dubai Tea Forum took place from March 9-10, 2010, at the Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi. The event saw the attendance of over 360 delegates from more 35 countries worldwide.

Cynthia Fazekas, Adagio's US Sales Manager, shares her thoughts on retail and consumer trends for the holiday season and gives some tips to stay ahead of the game in the tea business.

The current year is drawing to a close with the crucial Christmas season upon us. What are some of the trends you have witnessed this year what impact will these may have for the trade in the future?

Emphasis seems to be on quality but affordable teas, and practically reigns supreme in tea wares. Tea shoppers are buying by price point and are seeking less exotics, more tried and true favorites preferable in smartly priced gift sets. They seem to want good looking items, not too expensive and certainly not frivolous.

Gourmet items that the gift receiver might not otherwise splurge on for themselves are trending. Plus the "good health" aspect of tea shows care and concern... read more