What Is International Tea Day?
A piping hot cup of tea snuggled in the lap of your hands is a tremendous feeling when the weather is bitterly frosty outside and gives you goose bumps. The credit for this comforting cup of tea does not go to the swanky packaged brand names. Instead, the respect and admiration should be bestowed upon the tea growers and the labourers working in the tea garden estates. To honour their backbreaking efforts, International Tea Day is observed on December 15 every year.
2026 Update: Tea consumption continues to rise globally, with matcha, oolong, and artisanal blends gaining popularity across Asia and Europe.
History & Origin of International Tea Day
India was the pioneer in initiating the proposal to the United Nations panel for observing an International Tea Day, which was supported by various countries. Even the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the Inter-governmental Group (IGG) welcomed the proposal as a great incentive to shape the lives of the tea growers and labourers. The proposal of India for observing International Tea Day was unanimously supported by countries such as Canada, the United States, the European Union, Sri Lanka, China, Japan, Kenya, and Malawi. Thus, the first International Tea Day was celebrated in New Delhi, India, in 2005. Ever since then, it has become a custom to draw worldwide awareness to support the tea growers and workers. In 2015, the Indian government advocated the expansion of the observance of it through the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation.
Why the World Celebrates Tea
Apart from India, countries like Bangladesh, China, Indonesia, Kenya, Malawi, Malaysia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Uganda, and Vietnam are the major tea producers of the world. The united efforts of these countries is to build a better tomorrow for the labourers who are working in the tea estate at a negligible wage. The monthly income paid to them is unable to sustain the living standard above the poverty line. They are living in a wretched condition, lacking the basic infrastructure to support a healthy and sanitised lifestyle. They dwell in shabby homes exposed to extreme weather conditions. They lack provision for education, health facilities, hygienic food, and clean lavatories.
The International Tea Day celebration is an initiative to sensitise the government and the citizens of the various countries to influence the owners of Tea Estate and Mega brand names to abandon unfair trade practices. Global Tea Conferences, along with trade union have been organised to reach a commendatory conclusion that benefits the poor tea growers and labourers. The conference’s agenda is to discuss various issues of the global tea industry, ranging from the hazardous condition which is inflicting upon the tea growers and labourers, their exposure to chemicals, their pay package, residues, climate change, and the sustainability of growing tea.
Tea Culture Around the World
Image courtesy- Pixabay
In every sip of that cup of tea, we should be beholden to the tea growers and planters who slog day and night in harvesting tea. However, just being grateful to them won’t evaporate their woes in thin air. We must together raise our voice as powerful consumers and make a difference in their lives. So, let us come together to provide dignity of life to those who provide us with nerve soothing beverage.
Tea pairs beautifully with desserts — explore our custom ice cream flavours for unique combinations.
Tea has always been more than a beverage — it’s a quiet ritual, a moment of pause, and a cultural bridge. Celebrating it reminds us how simple traditions continue to connect people across the world.
The article is authored by famous Dietitian Sheela Seharawat. She is the founder and chief mentor of Diet Clinic Health Care Pvt. Ltd. Also, she is one of the youngest successful entrepreneurs of India.
5
4.5
4