As May unfolds, the tea industry is steeped in innovation, tradition, and wellness. From the rise of sparkling teas to the resurgence of loose-leaf blends, here's a look at the trends and transformations shaping the tea landscape this spring.
🍵 Sparkling Tea: The Bubbly Revolution
Sparkling tea is making a splash in the non-alcoholic beverage scene. Combining the elegance of traditional tea with effervescence, it offers a sophisticated alternative to wine and Champagne. Pioneers like Copenhagen Sparkling Tea Company and Saicho have brought luxury sparkling teas to prominence, emphasizing quality and unique brewing techniques. With a projected 7% growth in the non-alcoholic drink market by 2027, sparkling tea is poised to become a staple for celebratory and everyday occasions .
🌿 Wellness Teas: Sip Your Way to Health
Functional teas are taking centre stage in 2025, incorporating ingredients like turmeric, ginger, and lemon balm to support specific wellness goals - whether it's relaxation, immunity, digestion, or a natural energy boost. These teas go beyond flavour, promoting a holistic lifestyle that values mindfulness and self-care. Our new Plant Wisdom range showcases many functional teas for everyday life.
🍓 Matcha Mania: Gen Z's Favourite Green
Matcha's popularity continues to soar, driven by Gen Z's preference for healthier, slower-energy alternatives to coffee. Between 2010 and 2023, Japan’s matcha production nearly tripled, with more than half exported. This surge is impacting the broader coffee market, prompting more cafés and major chains to incorporate matcha into their offerings. Despite rising demand, some producers have avoided supply issues by partnering directly with Japanese family-run matcha producers .
🌸 Floral & Fruity Blends: Aesthetic Sips
Strawberry and blueberry matcha blends are gaining popularity, with Google searches for "strawberry matcha" up 300% and "blueberry matcha" up 250% compared to last year. These vibrant drinks not only offer delightful flavours but also create visually appealing layers, making them favourites for aesthetic lattes.
🧘♀️ Tea & Mindfulness: A Ritual of Wellness
Modern teahouses are attracting younger crowds, particularly Gen Z, as cosy alternatives to bars and cafés. These spaces offer communal, late-night atmospheres where patrons can socialise, relax, and enjoy high-quality teas. The rise in tea's popularity is attributed to younger generations’ desire for health-conscious, mindful alternatives to alcohol and coffee.
🌱 Sustainability: Brewing a Better Future
Consumers are increasingly prioritising sustainability in their beverage choices. Over a third of global tea launches feature eco-friendly packaging, reflecting strong consumer demand for sustainable practices. Brands are also enhancing transparency in their supply chains, responding to the demand for ethical sourcing and sustainability in tea production.
As May continues, the tea industry is embracing innovation, wellness, and sustainability. Whether you're sipping a sparkling tea, enjoying a fruity matcha, or exploring wellness blends, there is a world of flavours and experiences to discover.
Cheers to a season of mindful sipping!