A changing climate, competition for resources and unfair labor practices are just some of the biggest challenges facing the worldwide tea trade. As demand grows across the world, the strain on producers is greater than ever to churn out a great product and keep up with the world’s thirst for tea while trying to ensure a sustainable and ethical chain of supply.
Realizing that the issues facing the tea industry are far too complex for one company to take on alone, a coalition of some of the biggest players in the trade have come together to create a roadmap for the next fifteen years. Their report is called “The Future of Tea: A Hero Crop for 2030” and is part of a larger initiative called Forum for the Future, an independent nonprofit organization engaged in promoting ideas for a more sustainable future.
One of the key ideas of the report is that tea is a “hero crop.” What exactly does that mean? Beyond its daily value to consumers, the report outlines the ability that tea has to empower producers, boost local economies, improve social connections between consumers and producers, and provide models for greener modes of production.
What’s brewing for the future of tea? According to the report, there are a few potential outcomes brewing. Although it’s impossible to predict the future, this panel of experts pooled their knowledge of the industry to project four distinct scenarios for the way the tea industry could evolve from now until 2030:
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“Scenario 1: Chai Time is a world characterised by booming economies that care little for sustainability. Tea has seen strong growth in sales, largely thanks to recognition by the tea sector early in the 2020s that it had to change its image and attract younger consumers;
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Scenario 2: Storm in a Teacup is a world in which the tea sector is a shadow of its former self and has suffered from lack of investment in new varieties to cope with extreme weather, pests and diseases;
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Scenario 3: Green Leaf in which all products, including tea, must demonstrate their sustainability credentials to consumers, who demand high standards; and
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Scenario 4: Rebrewed is a world of food shortages and efficiency. The pressure on land availability has led the tea.”
There’s some interesting food for thought in these roadmaps, particularly the idea that 3D printing could seriously disrupt the way tea drinkers think about and consume their favorite beverage.
Aside from establishing resilient chains of supply that can deal with resource shortages and erratic climate patterns, the report emphasizes the role of consumers in creating a more sustainable industry. After all, engaged customers have the power to drive big suppliers to do better when it comes to greener production and ethical labor practices.
Interested in learning more about Tea 2030? Read the full report here. Looking for organic and fair trade teas from the Tea Smith? Make sure to check out our online store.