Vietnam sees robust growth ahead for its tea sector
Government officials plan to increase tea exports to 117 thousand tonnes in 2009, generating a revenue of $167 million, equal to a 13% jump. Despite the economic slowdown, new markets such as Germany, the Netherlands, Poland and the United Arab Emirates are expected to provide growth, as well as a research boost to diversify varieties and adapt to customer taste. Vietnam ranks fifth in the world in terms of tea output and exports, having exported over $140 million worth of tea last year.