International Tea Day: 5 Ways to Celebrate Tea and Support Sustainable Practices

The day was initially launched by trade unions, small tea growers producing green teas or black teas, and civil society organisations in Asia and Africa to address living wages for workers and fair prices for small tea producers.

One of the largest tea producers, India, recognises the importance of tea in its communities and as a commodity for commerce. International Tea Day is celebrated to raise awareness of the impact tea trading has on farmers and workers.

Tea, a natural product produced from the plant Camellia Sinensis, has its taste and quality influenced by countless complex factors such as soil, altitude, and time of harvest.

Our tea master Evita in Chinese tea gardens

When is International Tea Day?

International Tea Day is marked annually on May 21st, in accordance with the United Nations' resolution.

When is National Tea Day?

National Tea Day, observed annually on April 21st only in the United Kingdom, celebrates the art of drinking tea for the sheer pleasure of enjoying the perfect cup of tea.

The Brits consume over 60 billion cups of tea a year, making tea a vital part of their daily lives. National Tea Day raises awareness of the importance of promoting sustainable tea production and addressing issues like low wages, poor housing, sanitation, and healthcare for tea pickers.

How to Celebrate International Tea Day? 5 Great Ideas.

• Indulge in an Afternoon Tea

Afternoon Tea, a tea-related ritual introduced in Britain in the early 1840s, evolved as a mini meal to curb hunger before an evening meal at 8pm. This International Tea Day, treat yourself to an Afternoon Tea at a 5* hotel like the Palm Court, Cadogan or L'Oscar, or host one for friends and family using Newby Teas' award-winning selections, finger sandwiches, and miniature cakes.

Quote for International Tea Day: “There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as Afternoon Tea.” Henry James

Afternoon Tea at the Palm Court, London

• Participate in a Matcha Tea Ceremony

Tea ceremonies elevate tea drinking to a meditative ritual. Celebrate International Tea Day with a Matcha Tea ritual, sharing tranquillity and treats with pleasant company in honour of Japanese culture. Arrange a luxurious spread of beautiful snacks and seasonal bouquets, and source premium matcha powder, an ornate bowl, and a dainty whisk for an elegant display. Traditional tea ceremonies change slightly with the seasons, divided into the 'sunken earth season' (November-April) and the 'brazier season' (May-October).

• Switch from Tea Bags to Loose Leaf Tea

Newby's classic tea bags share the same standards as loose-leaf teas, offering a variety of options to discover.

However, supermarket tea bags are typically made from the residues of larger leaves, while loose-leaf tea is made from whole leaves of better quality. Try using loose leaf tea this International Tea Day. You can indulge in our favourite Hunan Green Tea or try our exclusive signature blends Oriental Sencha and Rooibos Breakfast.

• Explore a New Type of Tea

If you usually drink standard black or green tea, consider trying a flowering tea or a fruit and herbal tisane this International Tea Day. Newby offers a vast range of teas, including Kan Junga, a floral black tea from the Himalayas' foothills.

• Gain an Understanding of Sustainability within the Tea Industry

Tea-producing areas globally are often vulnerable to social and environmental exploitation. Newby focuses on sustainability, working to reduce environmental impact and improve communities' lives through charity donations.

We source tea from gardens with high standards in quality, worker treatment, and environmental care. Striving to create a better future, Newby tests samples at multiple stages, adhering to EU Food Safety Standards and BRC Global Standards while maintaining HACCP standards (grade A+).

• Discover the Chitra Collection

The Chitra Collection is a private museum of historic teawares, founded by Nirmal Sethia, Chairman of luxury tea company Newby Teas. Named in honor of his late wife, Chitra, the collection comprises almost 2,000 objects and is the world's finest and most comprehensive of its kind.

The museum recently researched named female makers in the collection, highlighting the innovative works of women painters, potters, and silversmiths from the early 18th century to the present day. Learn more by reading their blog post here. 

Why Do We Mark International Tea Day?

The day dedicated to the tea trade aims to increase public awareness of how it affects the lives of farmers and workers. While tea enthusiasts worldwide also celebrate this occasion.

The United Nations marks International Tea Day every year on May 21st to educate the public on global concerns, promoting sustainable tea manufacturing, business, and consumption.

The goal of this day is to recognise the vulnerable situations faced by tea producers worldwide, focusing on climate change, technology, trends in production, and consumption in the tea industry, and addressing current living conditions and worker-related policies. 

Why International Tea Day is Important

International Tea Day primarily serves to create awareness about how the tea trade impacts the lives of farmers and workers. Nevertheless, tea lovers worldwide also commemorate this day as part of a cultural event for tea lovers.

Tea carries a rich history and culture, with production contributing to the reduction of extreme poverty, the fight against hunger, women's empowerment, and the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.

In India, women constitute more than 50% of the tea plantation workforce. The tea industry provides direct employment to over 1 million people in India and is one of the largest employers of women.

Newby Teas, a company substantially owned by the N. Sethia Foundation, supports various charitable projects in education, medical research, cultural activity, disaster relief, and social empowerment in the UK, India, and other countries. In Rajasthan, India, the foundation runs the Sona Devi Sethia PG Girl’s College, which spreads the message of literacy, independence, and the education of Women in India.

Climate Change and Tea Production

Tea production faces threats from rising temperatures, droughts, frosts, pests, and diseases, all affecting the quality and quantity of tea that farmers can grow. Different areas are affected in various ways by these changes.

Newby Teas prioritises sustainable production methods, both from a product quality and environmental standpoint. As a member of the Ethical Tea Partnership, a global not-for-profit organisation committed to improving the lives and environment of tea workers worldwide, Newby Teas shares the ETP's aims of making tea production better, fairer, and more environmentally sustainable.

We switched to 50% solar panel power production at our factory and we only work with the top 20 tea estates globally, all members of the Ethical Tea Partnership.