Tea is the most consumed beverage in the world after water.

Tea originates from the Camellia sinensis plant and has been consumed for thousands of years. Legend dates its discovery back to 2737 BCE when Chinese Emperor Shen Nung allegedly discovered the drink by accident. Since then, it has grown into a massive global industry. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, global tea production reaches over 6 million tonnes annually.The popularity of tea is driven by its versatility and perceived health benefits. It contains polyphenols and antioxidants like EGCG which are linked to heart health and reduced inflammation. Countries like Turkey, Ireland, and the United Kingdom lead the world in per capita consumption. In Turkey alone, the average person consumes approximately 3.16 kilograms of tea per year.The global tea market was valued at nearly 50 billion dollars in 2022 and continues to expand. While coffee is dominant in the Americas and parts of Europe, tea remains the primary daily beverage for billions of people across Asia and Africa. Its cultural significance is cemented through traditional ceremonies in Japan and China as well as the widespread 'chai' culture in South Asia. This massive scale ensures tea maintains its status as the world's favorite prepared drink.