WHILE its origins trace back thousands of years to areas like northeast India, north Myanmar, and southwest China, tea has become a global staple. Historical records show that tea was consumed in China as early as 5,000 years ago.
Nowadays, tea plays a crucial economic role, especially in developing countries. Millions of families rely on tea cultivation and processing for their livelihoods. Tea plantations on a commercial scale can be employed in remote, impoverished regions and serve as a major source of income and export revenue. It also contributes to rural development, poverty reduction, and food security, making it one of the most important cash crops in many nations.
Beyond its economic value, tea is also known for its health benefits. It contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and may aid in weight management. Tea holds cultural significance in many societies, symbolizing hospitality, tradition, and wellness.
International Tea Day, observed on 21 May, celebrates tea’s cultural heritage, health benefits, and economic importance. This year’s theme highlights the vital role of women in the tea sector. The day also underscores the need for sustainable tea production “from field to cup” to ensure long-term benefits for people and the environment.
The United Nations encourages increasing tea consumption in producing countries and addressing the decline in traditional importing nations. International Tea Day promotes global action toward sustainable tea practices, raising awareness of its role in combating hunger and poverty.
In Myanmar, most of the hilly areas and the Shan plateau are the main sources to produce various finished tea products for domestic consumption as well as export. Myanmar’s green tea and salad tea are very delicious and can penetrate the international market with a better packaging system to attract not only Myanmar citizens abroad but also foreigners.
The theme for International Tea Day 2025 is “Tea for Better Lives”, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization. This theme emphasizes the cultural heritage, health benefits, and economic importance of tea, while also highlighting the need for sustainable production practices. As the tea culture occupies the heart of consumers worldwide, Myanmar needs to seek the best ways of production and packaging systems in line with the production procedures of an international level. Myanmar entrepreneurs need to emphasize the introduction of their various products made of tea to the international market to secure business achievement while supporting the Gross Domestic Product of the State with incomes from tea products.
