Friday, 21 May 2021: There is no better way to start our day than with the pleasant taste and aroma of tea. History has it that tea was first discovered over 4,000 years ago in China by Emperor Nun Shen. On one of his visits to a remote region, the leaves of a nearby tree blew into a pot of boiling water, which his servants had placed over a fire. The refreshing aroma invited the Emperor to taste the beverage, and the first cup of tea was born.

In the 16th century, tea made its way across the globe to Europe by Dutch traders, where it became a widely traded commodity, thanks to the establishment of the East India Company in England. The rest, as they say, is history.

According to information gathered from United Nations, (UN), website, tea is the world’s most consumed drink, after water. Other than its taste and benefits, tea’s contributions to culture and socioeconomic development of nations cannot be undermined. Tea is currently grown in more than 35 countries, and supports over 13 million people, including smallholder farmers and their households.

Tea as an aromatic beverage has a great demand in the world market. China is adjudged the largest exporter of tea, and for some people, tea is an integral part of life, which adds rhythm.

However, the growing of tea requires intensive care and efforts. Thus, to draw the attention of government and public to the challenges besetting the tea production, tea plantations, small tea growers and consumers every year, the International Tea Day is born.

Recognizing the long history and deep cultural and economic significance of tea around the world, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 21 May as International Tea Day, calling on its Food and Agriculture Organization, (FAO), to lead the observance. With its first commemoration held on 21 May 2020, this year’s celebration marks the second celebration with the theme: From Field to Cup.

According to the UN, “Tea production and processing constitutes a main source of livelihoods for millions of families in developing countries and is the main means of subsistence for millions of poor families, who live in a number of least developed countries.

“The tea industry is a main source of income and export revenues for some of the poorest countries and, as a labour-intensive sector, provides jobs, especially in remote and economically disadvantaged areas. Tea can play a significant role in rural development, poverty reduction and food security in developing countries, being one of the most important cash crops.”

Hence, the observance of this day aims at promoting the sustainable production, consumption and trade of tea, and offers an opportunity for actors at global, regional and national levels to ensure that the tea sector continues to play a role in reducing extreme poverty, fighting hunger and safeguarding natural resources.

Seminars, public campaigns, and presentations are traditionally held to commemorate this day while the tea culture is also celebrated by enthusiasts.

International Tea Day strives to bring together civil society organizations, small tea growers and businesses with the aims to regulate uneven competition, safety regulations, land occupation, social security, living wages, and women’s rights for all tea workers.

It is therefore an opportunity to celebrate the cultural heritage, health benefits and economic importance of tea, while ensuring a more sustainable production from field to cup.

CEOAFRICA enjoins you to take a break from coffee and Coca Cola today, and grab yourself a cup of tea.

Happy International Tea Day.