Africa's green tea industry has seen significant changes in consumption patterns in recent years, with a rise in domestic green tea consumption and a diversification of export markets.
Traditionally, green tea was primarily produced for export, with domestic consumption limited to small, urban areas. However, in the past decade, green tea has become increasingly popular among African consumers, particularly younger generations, who are drawn to its health benefits and fresh flavor. This rise in domestic consumption has been driven by increased awareness of the health benefits of green tea, as well as the availability of affordable, locally produced green tea products.
At the same time, Africa's green tea export markets have become more diversified, with exports no longer limited to traditional markets such as the United Kingdom and Russia. Today, African green tea is exported to over 50 countries worldwide, including China, the Middle East, and North America, with exports to China increasing by 40% in 2024 alone. This diversification of export markets has helped to reduce Africa's reliance on a small number of markets and has made the continent's green tea industry more resilient to global economic fluctuations.
