Since British rule introduced black tea to the region in 1840, tea consumption in Bengal has never declined. Over time, tea became both the cheapest drink in the market and a symbol of a luxurious lifestyle through exclusive blends. In particular, Bangladesh has a long tradition of producing CTC (Cut, Tear, Curl) black tea.
In recent decades, the industry has expanded into green and oolong tea, thereby introducing new flavors and blends for both local and global consumers. Traditionally, local consumers prefer fully fermented black tea, which contains higher oxidation levels than other varieties. Moreover, people commonly add milk, molasses, ginger, lemon, and mint. Recently, newer ingredients such as sakura, malta, tamarind, and chili have gained popularity.
Over the last ten years, domestic tea production has struggled to meet national consumption. In fact, exports peaked in 2008, reaching 8.39 million kg and a value of BDT 976.95 million, the highest figure of the past decade.
In the domestic market, producers sell tea through direct sales as well as auction systems. Typically, tea estates sell 15% to 20% of their total production directly to local buyers. Meanwhile, auction markets in Chattogram and Sreemangal handle the remaining volume.
Key players in Bangladesh tea industries
- Abul Khair
- Ispahani
- Seylon
- Finley
- Kazi and Kazi
- HRC
Export Market
The demand for tea is increasing rapidly worldwide in recent years. Value-added variations and organic tea are taIn recent years, the demand for tea has been rising quickly across the globe. Value-added variations and organic tea are dominating the global market, opening up a huge window of opportunity for Bangladesh to export its premium quality tea to the US, the Middle East, and Asian nations, particularly Pakistan and Afghanistan, as well as China, the birthplace of tea. The Consolidated Tea & Lands Co. (BD) Ltd., Abul Khair Consumer Products Ltd., Halda Valley Tea Estate Ltd., Kazi & Kazi Tea Estate Ltd., Haji Ahmad Brothers, M. M. Ispahani Ltd., Shaw Wallace Bangladesh Ltd., Monir Shah & Sons (Pvt) Ltd., and Meghna Tea Company Ltd. are the nine companies that export tea from Bangladesh to other countries.
After jute, tea is the second-largest cash crop in Bangladesh. Tea has been a staple beverage in this nation from breakfast to late socializing. The majority of people consume tea outside of Bangladesh in nations like India, China, Japan, and the United Kingdom. As a result, Bangladesh has produced tea for more than 180 years. 167 commercial tea production estates and gardens are currently operating in Bangladesh on 2,79,507.88 acres of land, employing over 1.5 lakh people. In addition, Bangladesh produces 3% of the world’s tea. The Bangladeshi tea market was estimated to be worth BDT 3500 crore in 2021.
For more details, please contact us.
or, WhatsApp Us: +880 1713222363
