International Tea Day 2025

International Tea Day 2025 is fast approaching! It’s celebrated on Wednesday, 21st May, with a full day dedicated to appreciating tea, its cultural significance, and its economic importance for millions worldwide. 

It was first established by the United Nations in 2019 and observed on 21st May 2020. It can be described as a UN-recognised observance that promotes and fosters sustainable production and consumption of tea, raises awareness of tea’s cultural heritage, health benefits, and economic significance, and highlights the role of the tea industry in poverty alleviation, rural development, and food security. 

It also aims to support tea workers, smallholders, and consumers by advocating for fair trade and sustainable practices.

The origins of International Tea Day trace back to 2005, when the first version of International Tea Day was celebrated on the 15th of December in India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, and other tea-producing nations.

Trade unions and civil society organisations created it to raise awareness of the plight of tea workers and advocate for fair wages and better conditions.

In 2019, the United Nations adopted a resolution to formally recognise the 21st of May as International Tea Day, shifting the date to align with the beginning of the tea harvesting season in most tea-producing countries.

If you’re a tea lover who wants to take part in the celebrations, here are some ideas: 

• Explore different types of tea, such as green, black, oolong, white, herbal, and matcha. You could book our Tea Tasting Experience to try a range of different teas while learning about them. 
• Host a tea-tasting party and invite friends to sample teas from around the world.
• Set yourself a challenge to learn the history of tea. Dive into the rich traditions of Chinese, Japanese, Indian, or British tea cultures.
• Experiment with tea and food pairings (e.g., green tea with sushi, black tea with scones).
• Buy fair trade or organic tea to support ethical brands that pay fair wages and use eco-friendly practices.
• Use used tea leaves for composting or DIY beauty treatments.
• Avoid tea bags with plastic and go for loose-leaf tea with a reusable infuser.
• Share tea facts on social media using hashtags like #InternationalTeaDay or #TeaDay2025.
• Donate to NGOs (non-government organisations) that work with tea plantation workers and sustainable agriculture projects, such as the Fairtrade Foundation. 

Here are some fun tea facts to share with your tea loving friends: 

• Tea is the second most consumed beverage in the world, after water.
  
• China, India, Kenya, and Sri Lanka are among the top tea producers.
  
• Tea contains antioxidants and has been linked to various health benefits, like improved heart health and focus.

As we prepare to raise our cups for International Tea Day on Wednesday, 21st May, let’s remember that this day is more than a celebration of tea. It’s a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the journey of this drink from the hands of smallholder farmers and plantation workers to our mugs and appreciate its social, cultural, and economic impact around the world.

Whether you're sipping your favourite brew, learning about its history or sharing your love for tea online, your actions can contribute to a more sustainable and fair future for everyone involved in the global tea industry.

So brew thoughtfully, drink mindfully, and celebrate joyfully. Happy International Tea Day 2025!