India's tea output to generate $5.5bn by 2015
India's tea industry is expected to generate $5.5 billion in sales by 2015, according to a report by an industry association. Current tea sales amount to $3.7 billion. India has 600,000 hectares of land under tea cultivation and its tea industry is growing at a compound annual growth rate of about 15%. 3.5 million people work in the industry and more than 90% of Indian households drink tea. According to the report, increasing awareness about health benefits associated with moderate intake of tea is a significant factor behind this upsurge in demand. Another factor driving sales in the upcoming years will be the penetration of iced tea, as well as technological advancements in agriculture. India currently is the world's largest consumer, second largest producer and fourth largest exporter of tea.