Turkish tea, known locally as “çay,” is a significant export product for Türkiye, with a rich cultural heritage and growing international presence. Here’s an overview of the current state of Turkish tea exports and its importance in the global market.
Export Growth and Market Reach
- Global Presence: In the first half of 2024, Türkiye exported tea to 112 countries, generating over $13.9 million in revenue from approximately 2,898 tons of tea. The main export destinations included Belgium, the United Kingdom, and the United States, highlighting Türkiye’s strong foothold in European markets [1].
- Rize Province: A significant portion of Turkish tea exports, about 49%, comes from Rize, a region known for its ideal tea-growing conditions. This area produced teas that generated substantial revenue from various countries [1].
- Emerging Markets: Turkish tea exports have expanded to new markets this year, including countries like the United Arab Emirates, Cuba, and several African nations. This diversification reflects Türkiye’s strategy to increase its global market share [1].
Cultural Significance
- Consumption Patterns: Türkiye has one of the highest per capita tea consumption rates globally, with each person consuming about 3.5 kilograms annually. Tea is an integral part of daily life and social interactions in Turkish culture [3].
- Preparation Method: Turkish tea is traditionally brewed using a two-tiered teapot called a “çaydanlık,” allowing individuals to customize the strength of their tea. This method contributes to the unique flavor profile that distinguishes Turkish tea from other varieties [1][3].
Quality and Sustainability Initiatives
- Focus on Quality: Turkish tea producers are increasingly emphasizing quality through organic production methods. Companies like Çaykur are transitioning to organic farming practices to enhance the perceived quality of Turkish tea on the global stage [2][3].
- Sustainability Challenges: The industry faces challenges such as climate change and aging tea plants. Efforts are underway to address these issues through innovative agricultural practices aimed at improving yield and sustainability [2].
Economic Impact
- Significant Export Revenue: The value of Turkish tea exports has shown substantial growth, with projections indicating that exports could exceed $25 million by the end of 2024. This growth is driven by increasing demand in both traditional markets and emerging regions [2][3].
- Strategic Positioning: Türkiye aims to position itself as a premium tea producer by enhancing product quality and diversifying its offerings to meet international consumer preferences [2][3].
In summary, Turkish tea is not only a vital part of Türkiye’s cultural identity but also a key player in the global tea market. With ongoing efforts to improve quality and expand into new markets, Turkish tea is poised for continued growth and recognition worldwide.
Sources
[1] Turkish tea reaches 112 countries in first half of 2024 | Daily Sabah https://www.dailysabah.com/turkiye/turkish-tea-reaches-112-countries-in-first-half-of-2024/news
[2] Türkiye Invests in Increasing Exports as it Shifts to Organic Production https://stir-tea-coffee.com/features/t%C3%BCrkiye-invests-in-increasing-exports-as-it-shifts-to-organi/
[3] How about Turkish Tea Export Market? – Tendata https://www.tendata.com/blogs/export/5337.html
[4] Tea in Turkey | The Observatory of Economic Complexity https://oec.world/en/profile/bilateral-product/tea/reporter/tur
[5] Tea Exports from Turkey – Volza.com https://www.volza.com/p/tea/export/export-from-turkey/
[6] Turkey’s Tea Imports: Market Overview, Production, and … – Tendata https://www.tendata.com/blogs/import/6198.html
[7] Food Export from Turkey https://www.ebiexport.com/blog/food-export-from-turkey-b-20
[8] Tea Market and Top 10 Tea Company in Turkey – Global Tea Auction https://www.globalteaauction.com/tea-market-and-top-10-tea-company-in-turkey/
