Russian tea imports poised for growth in 2009
Russia plans to increase its purchases of tea by 5% this year, as the economic slowdown takes its toll on beverage consumption patterns, according to an industry lobby group. The world's largest tea importer is said to raise imports from 178,000 to 187,000 tons in 2009 due to falling demand for more expensive drinks, such as juices and energy drinks. Russia hopes to increase export volumes by up to 2,000 tons in the same period.