INAUGURATION OF INTERNATIONAL TEA DAY 2025 Opening Remarks

Excellences,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Dear Tea Lovers and Friends, 

I am so pleased to open the sixth celebration of International Tea Day!

Around the world, tea is more than a drink – it is a symbol of community, culture, and continuity.

From ancient traditions to modern routines, tea connects generations, crosses borders, and creates moments of connection and calm.

Whether it is the elegance of a ceremonial brew, the comfort of a morning cup, or the warmth of a shared teapot among friends, tea is an everyday ritual that unites us in our diversity.

Tea has a rich history which spans over 5000 years. It originated in China as a medicinal drink before spreading globally through trade routes like the Silk Road, and later colonialism established plantations in India, Sri Lanka, and across Africa.

Today, traditions such as Chinese tea ceremonies, Japanese chanoyu, and British “afternoon-tea” have become cultural cornerstones, and a unifying global phenomenon.

But beyond its cultural richness, tea is a lifeline for millions of people.

It is a pillar of rural economies, especially in low-income countries, and a vital source of employment and income for smallholder farmers and their families.

More than 60% 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.

Supporting them is not only a matter of fairness, but of securing the future of the entire value chain because the economic outreach of the tea sector spans multiple sectors – from cultivation to the cup.

Today, tea is the world’s second most consumed beverage, driven by major producers like China, India, and Kenya.

In 2023, the global tea industry was valued at over USD 50 billion and is projected to surpass USD 90 billion in the next five years.

These numbers tell us the enormous impact this sector has, and the responsibility we share in supporting it.

Yet, even as we celebrate its value, we must also confront the challenges faced by the tea sector: volatile prices, low productivity, limited access to markets and credit, insufficient technology, and extreme weather events.

We must turn these challenges into opportunities!

To do this, the modern tea industry balances health trends - with products such as herbal teas and matcha - with challenges like climate change and fair labour practices.

Innovations in organic farming, tea tourism and strong marketing strategies coexist with struggles against price volatility and environmental threats.

Innovation, investment, and inclusive policies are essential.

We must champion a tea sector that is resilient, economically viable, and socially responsible.

For many low-income countries, income from the tea sector is vital to ensuring food security, supporting rural economies, and strengthening resilience to shocks.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Recognizing tea’s vital role, on 27 November 2019 the UN General Assembly, supported by FAO and its Members, proclaimed 21 May annually as International Tea Day.

On this day, we celebrate tea’s role in connecting cultures, sustaining livelihoods, and enriching daily rituals.

It honours farmers, and diverse traditions, reminding us that every cup carries a legacy of shared humanity.

As the industry evolves, tea’s timeless appeal lies in its ability to adapt while preserving its soul - a simple yet profound beverage that continues to unite the world. 

As we mark this day for the 6th time, let us also reflect on the broader transformation of global agrifood systems, which is a central focus of the FAO Strategic Framework 2022-31.

Building a tea sector that is more efficient, more inclusive, more resilient and more sustainable will contribute directly to achieving the 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 and to reaffirm our commitment to a fair and sustainable tea future for generations to come.

FAO is ready to continue working with all partners to strengthen the role of tea as a catalyst for inclusion and shared prosperity, across cultures and generations.

I wish you all a Happy International Tea Day 2025!

Enjoy a cup of tea and enjoy the richness and fullness of life!

Thank you.