Tea Exports Soar 23% in 9 Months, Outperforming Last Year
Turkish Tea Exports Show Promising Growth in 2023
Turkish tea, known for its unique flavor and popularity among tea enthusiasts worldwide, has seen a significant increase in export revenue according to data from the Eastern Black Sea Exporters Association (DKİB). In the first nine months of 2023, Turkey exported tea to 111 countries, autonomous regions, and free zones.
The export revenue for tea reached an impressive $20,444,962, marking a 23% increase compared to the third quarter of the previous year when it was recorded at $16,592,424. The demand for Turkish tea was highest in Belgium, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
Belgium topped the list with a revenue of $7,639,771 from the sale of 1,921 tons of tea. The United States followed with $2,389,135, and the United Kingdom with $2,320,316. It is worth mentioning that Poland, Congo, Slovakia, Italy, Brazil, Gabon, New Zealand, Portugal, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Togo, and Rwanda also imported Turkish tea this year, showing an expansion in market reach.
DKİB Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chairman of the Tea Sector Committee, Şaban Turgut, expressed his optimism for further growth in tea exports. Turgut expects that by the end of the year, tea exports will exceed $25 million. However, he emphasized the need for Turkish tea manufacturers to focus on producing innovative value-added products that cater to the specific preferences of consumers in each country.
Turgut also highlighted the positive impact of tourism on tea exports. Tourists visiting Turkey enjoy authentic Turkish tea and often demand it in their own countries, contributing to increased international recognition and demand for Turkish tea.
To further boost market diversity and raise awareness of Turkish tea, DKİB has initiated various projects. Turgut mentioned their participation in leading food fairs within the scope of the “Increasing the Export Capacity and Ensuring the Sustainability of Turkish Tea” project, which aims to enhance the development of international competitiveness. Turkish tea tasting events abroad are also being planned as part of promotional activities.
With a growing global appreciation for Turkish tea, the tea industry in Turkey is poised for continued success. Increasing exports and focusing on meeting consumer demands are vital steps to consolidate Turkey’s position as a key player in the international tea market.
