Traditional Cuppa Lukewarm, Specialty Teas
According to the analysts at Mintel International Group, sales of standard tea bags in the U.K. sank by 16 per cent and loose tea by 9 per cent between 2002-2004, while sales of herbal and fruit teas rose by 30 per cent during the same period. Specialty varieties such as green tea sold a whopping 50 per cent more over the same period. While tea overall remains the U.K.s beverage of choice, the Mintel findings suggests traditional tea varieties are facing tough competition from other hot beverages such as coffee, and also soft drinks, bottled waters and fruit juices.