On International Tea Day, FAO highlights tea’s role in inclusion, resilience, and sustainable development

Rome – At a ceremony marking International Tea Day 2025, FAO Director-General QU Dongyu emphasized that tea is far more than a beverage - for millions of people around the world it is a lifeline. 

“More than 60 percent of the world’s tea is produced by smallholders, many of whom are women and young people, and often in some of the world’s most vulnerable places,” the Director-General said. “Income from the tea sector is vital to ensuring food security, supporting rural economies, and strengthening resilience to shocks,” he added. Qu made the remarks at the high-level event held at FAO headquarters, under the theme “Tea for Better Lives.” 

The global value of tea continues to grow. In 2023, the tea industry was worth over $50 billion, and it is projected to surpass $90 billion in the next five years. With this growth comes greater responsibility to promote sustainable practices, protect livelihoods, and reduce inequalities across the tea value chain. 

Despite its potential, the tea sector faces a range of significant challenges—from volatile prices and limited access to finance, to insufficient technology and climate-related risks. The Director-General called for collective action to transform the sector and realize its full potential. 

“We must turn these challenges into opportunities. Innovation, investment and inclusive policies are essential,” Qu said. “We must champion a tea sector that is resilient, economically viable and socially responsible,” he added. 

A platform for inclusive growth 

The event in Rome was part of a global observance led by FAO, following the 2019 UN General Assembly resolution that proclaimed 21 May as International Tea Day. The occasion serves to raise awareness of tea’s role in reducing poverty, empowering women, and promoting sustainable land use, in line with the FAO Strategic Framework 2022-31 and FAO’s Four Betters: better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life, leaving no one behind. 

“International Tea Day is our moment to honour the hands and hearts behind every cup of tea,” Qu said, “and to reaffirm our commitment to a fair and sustainable tea future for generations to come.” 

This year’s celebration spotlighted tea-producing communities designated by FAO as Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS), recognizing traditional practices that preserve agrobiodiversity and cultural identity. 

The ceremony at FAO Headquarters welcomed delegations from several countries where tea plays a significant role across various levels of society and the economy,  offering traditional tea tasting and showcasing the beverage’s deep cultural roots and global diversity. 

From Rome to Osaka and beyond 

Participants at the ceremony at FAO explored a variety of tea-related traditions and innovations, including: 

• Markets and Trade Talks on sustainability and inclusive value chains;
• A Tea and Traditions space showcasing teas from FAO Members and heritage regions;
• A photo gallery celebrating the cultural and environmental value of tea landscapes. 

International Tea Day was also being observed at Expo 2025 Osaka, with events held around the world by governments, producer associations, and civil society. 

At the heart of this year’s observance is the message of #FarmedWithCare — a call to recognize the craftsmanship, environmental stewardship and cultural meaning that tea represents. 

As FAO continues its work to build more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, tea stands as a symbol of how innovation and tradition can work hand in hand to improve lives — from cultivation to the cup.