International Tea Day

Categories:: Food & Beverage
Tags:: Awareness Beverage
Where:: International
Date change rule:: Every December 15
Holiday emoji:: 🍵

International Tea Day arrives every December 15, inviting us to celebrate the world’s most popular beverage. This day primarily raises awareness about the tea trade’s impact on farmers and workers, while also uniting tea lovers globally. Brew a cup, explore new blends, and share your favorite tea moments with friends.

Deals
Platforms
Social
Hero
History
Timeline
FAQs
Importance
Celebrate
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Expected International Tea Day Deals

While we await official 2027 promotions to drop, history shows that tea brands and cafes often brew up special offers for International Tea Day. Look for discounts on loose-leaf teas and tea bags from retailers like Teavana and David’s Tea. Local coffee shops, such as Starbucks and Dunkin’, may feature tea-based drink specials. Online retailers like Adagio Teas and Harney & Sons often run site-wide sales. Grocery stores like Whole Foods Market and Trader Joe’s might highlight premium tea selections. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as December 15 approaches.

Platform Guide for International Tea Day

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #InternationalTeaDay. Share visually appealing photos of your favorite tea setup, from elegant teacups to cozy mugs.

TikTok

Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #InternationalTeaDay. Film short videos showcasing your tea-making ritual, reviewing new blends, or sharing fun tea facts.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #InternationalTeaDay. Join conversations about sustainable tea farming, global tea cultures, and your go-to brew.

International Tea Day Hero

Lu Yu

Lu Yu (733–804 AD) was a Chinese writer and tea master, widely revered as the 'Sage of Tea' for his seminal work, 'The Classic of Tea' (Cha Jing). This comprehensive treatise detailed the cultivation, processing, preparation, and appreciation of tea. His meticulous documentation elevated tea from a medicinal herb to an art form, profoundly influencing Chinese tea culture and its global spread.

History of International Tea Day

There is no better way to start our day than with the pleasant taste and aroma of tea. Legend has it that tea was first discovered over 4000 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.

Other than its taste and benefits, tea’s contributions to culture and socioeconomic development are just as relevant. Grown in over 35 countries, the cultivation of tea supports the livelihoods of over 13 million people.

Started by trade unions in 2005, International Tea Day celebrates the health benefits, economic importance, and cultural heritage of tea, all the while ensuring a more sustainable production from fields to our cups. Bringing together civil society organizations and small tea growers and businesses, this holiday aims to regulate uneven competition, safety regulations, land occupation, social security, living wages, and women’s rights for all tea workers.

Seminars, public campaigns, and presentations are traditionally held. The goal is to strengthen the regulations for tea growers’ associations. Other than recognizing tea as a big export crop for countries that produce it, tea culture is also celebrated by enthusiasts.

International Tea Day timeline

350 A.D.

It’s Official

A Chinese dictionary mentions tea for the first time with the name ‘Erh Ya.’

1211

A Good Read

Japanese Buddhist Eisai pens the first Japanese book on tea, titled Kitcha-Yojoki or Book of Tea Sanitation.

1773

Tea Parties of a different kind.

Disputes over taxes on tea resulted in the Boston Tea Party, when outraged citizens, with merchants storming ships to horde barrels of tea.

1876

Introducing Lipton

Thomas Lipton opened his first tea shop in Glasgow.

December 21, 2019

Tea Resolution

According to the United Nations, the resolution to observe International Tea Day annually on May 21 was passed.

International Tea Day FAQs

When is International Tea Day?

International Tea Day 2026 falls on Tuesday, December 15. It’s a global observance dedicated to celebrating the cultural and economic significance of tea.

How many people drink tea worldwide?

Tea is the second most consumed beverage globally, after water. It’s estimated that over two billion cups of tea are consumed daily across the world, highlighting its immense popularity.

What is the economic impact of the tea industry?

The global tea market is a multi-billion dollar industry, supporting millions of livelihoods from cultivation to processing and distribution. It plays a crucial role in the economies of many developing countries.

What are the main types of tea?

The main types of tea, all derived from the Camellia sinensis plant, include black, green, white, oolong, and pu’erh, differing primarily in their processing methods. Herbal ‘teas’ are technically infusions made from other plants.

How To Celebrate International Tea Day

Try a new flavor
From mint to apple, to a whole fusion of assorted ingredients, try a new tea flavor!
Host a tea party
Round up the gang and host a tea party! You can prepare different blends of tea or even have a theme like a vintage English tea party.
Learn about your local tea producers.
It’s good to learn about how your favorite tea blend is sourced and produced. If a company’s policies are not fair to their workers, you may want to switch to a different brand.

5 Hot And Cold Facts About Tea

Small Wonder
With over 20,000 different varieties of tea around the world, it is truly amazing that the actual tea plant from which the leaves are derived from - Camellia sinensis, has only 6 varieties.
The Most Expensive Tea in the World
At $1.2 million per kilogram, China’s ‘The Big Red Robe’ is the most expensive tea in the world
What a Novel-tea!
In 1908, an accident involving samples of tea packed into silk bags led to the creation of the first tea-bags.
Different Tastes
As of now, the most popular tea in China is Bubble Tea or tapioca, whereas it’s chai in Pakistan and sweet iced tea in the US.
Turkish Delight?
You’d think that the British consume the most tea, but it is actually the people of Turkey who drink more than anyone else.

Why International Tea Day is Important

Tea carries a world of history and culture
Every region in the world has its own way of drinking tea. Originating 4000 years ago, the traditions and culture surrounding tea are truly timeless, and with it come special ingredients and techniques that should be celebrated.
Supporting the tea industry
Tea is great to consume, but its production and extraction are labor-intensive. In many countries, a large working population relies on the tea industry for their livelihoods. Awareness of this and campaigning for the fair treatment of workers is truly important for reduced social impact and a sustained future of tea.
Female Empowerment
We are all for female empowerment and the tea industry is a testimony to the courageous and brave workforce of women who continue to produce this brew for connoisseurs worldwide. Unfortunately, these women are often not provided ideal work conditions and do not have access to basic education. Donating and supporting causes for the betterment of these women is crucial.