World tea production and trade

Tea (Camellia sinensis) is the manufactured drink most consumed in the world. Discovered about 2700BC, it is one of the oldest beverages in the world. Today it is available for consumption in six main varieties, based on the oxidization and fermentation technique applied. The tea crop has rather specific agro-climatic requirements that are only available in tropical and subtropical climates, while some varieties can tolerate marine climates of British mainland and Washington area of the Unites S tates. The tea plant needs a hot, moist climate. Its specific requirements are: temperatures ranging from 10-30oC (zone 8 climate or warmer), minimum annual precipitation of 1250 mm, preferably acidic soils, ideally 0.5-10 degree slopes and elevations up to 2000 meters. Tea production therefore is geographically limited to a few areas around the world and it is highly sensitive to changes in growing conditions. Importantly, its ideal growing conditions are at high risk and expected to significan tly change under climate change.