Global black tea production surges in 2013
Latest numbers from tea producing countries suggest that black tea production increased by almost 22% during the first four months of 2013. Global output jumped by 73.25 million kilograms to 412.94 million kilograms between January and April, compared to 339.69 million kilograms last year. Biggest increase came from Kenya, the world's largest black tea exporter, which almost doubled its capacity to 155.49 mkg, compared to the same period last year. Local experts attribute this surge to timely showers and expect Kenya's numbers to be revised upward later on in the year. Sri Lanka also added a healthy 10% to its output, with a total of 113.48 mkg produced so far this year. India's production figures, which are only up to March, show that the country harvested 5% more tea this year, also due to favorable weather conditions.