have a conversation over. Or for some people it’s what they have before they go to sleep,” says Newbury. “It’s eminently versatile.” This versatility is reflected in the internationalization of the tea market. According to the U.K. Tea and Infusions Association, Britain is the world’s third-largest tea consumer, after China and India. But it’s also the third-largest tea importer, behind Russia and Pakistan, with most of the tea consumed in the U.K. not grown there. This creates opportunities for British tea brands to expand globally, particularly as demand for specialty teas grows in countries like the U.S. and China. Yorkshire Tea is already available in over 50 countries, while Twinings is popular in markets as diverse as Australia, the Middle East, and Japan. Lipton, with its global reach, is focusing on emerging markets like Nigeria and Indonesia, where it sees huge potential for growth. “We believe that tea is the world’s most popular drink. It’s been around for 5,000 years. It’s not going away,” says Mead. “We need to help people rediscover it, and fall back in love with it.” Whether that’s through premium black tea, bubble tea, herbal infusions, or cold brews, the future of tea looks bright—both in Britain and beyond.
