International Tea Day 2025: Celebrating Tea's Global Cultural, Economic, and Sustainable Significance

International Tea Day

Today, Wednesday, May 21st, 2025, marks the global observance of International Tea Day, a United Nations-designated occasion to celebrate the profound cultural, economic, and historical importance of tea. This annual event also serves to raise awareness about the necessity of sustainable tea production and to advocate for the well-being of workers within the global tea industry.

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Tea a Beverage of Global and Cultural Importance

Tea holds the distinction of being the second most consumed beverage worldwide, deeply interwoven into the social fabric of numerous cultures. In India, "chai" is an integral part of daily life and social interactions, while other traditions, such as Japanese tea ceremonies and British afternoon tea, highlight its diverse cultural significance. Beyond its cultural roles and health benefits, the tea industry is a vital economic force, cultivated in over 35 countries and providing livelihoods for more than 13 million people. These are located many in rural and economically developing regions. This day emphasises tea's role in poverty reduction and sustainable development.

From India to UN Observance

The journey towards an officially recognised International Tea Day began in 2004 at the World Social Forum, with December 15th initially marked. The first observance took place in New Delhi in 2005, later joined by other major tea-producing nations. Recognising its global impact, the United Nations General Assembly officially designated May 21st as International Tea Day in 2019, with the inaugural UN-sanctioned celebration occurring in 2020. The day also indirectly commemorates the nearly 5,000-year history of tea, tracing back to its discovery in ancient China.

International Tea Day provides an opportunity to appreciate tea not merely as a popular beverage but also a significant global commodity with deep cultural roots and substantial socio-economic influence. The day encourages reflection on the importance of sustainable practices in its cultivation and the continued support for the millions whose livelihoods depend on the tea sector worldwide.