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Tea

Second to water, tea is the most popular drink in the world, with approximately 15 000 cups being drunk per second. While tea production, like sugar, coffee and cocoa, is largely a legacy of colonial rule (particularly under the British), over half of the world tea consumption occurs within tea producing countries and over 50 million people are involved in its production in least developed countries. In 2000, India, China, Sri Lanka and Indonesia, produced about 80% of the world’s tea.

Despite the tea market being relatively stable in recent years, with prices reaching historical highs in 2010, the past 30 years has been a rollercoaster ride for producers. The price of tea has been in constant decline while production costs have risen, putting downward pressure on farmers’ incomes and labourers working conditions. Compounding this is increased competition due to new African entrants into the market such as in Kenya, Uganda, Malawi and Zimbabwe.

Several developing countries are heavily dependent on tea as a major export earner, increasing the vulnerability of those who rely on it as a means of survival. Tea is mainly produced on large plantations but also by smallholders. Fairtrade has the potential to transform and improve the lives of both plantation workers and small farmers by securing a minimum price for their tea, respecting workers rights and investing in social upliftment in their communities.

Fairtrade teas available in South Africa:

TOPQUALITEA
Traded by: TopQualiTea South Africa | Website

Organic: yes

Flavours available: Rooibos Natural; Rooibos Vanilla; Rooibos Mint; Rooibos Buchu; Rooibos Lemongrass; Rooibos Lemon; Rooibos Honeybush; Rooibos Honeybush Buchu; Rooibos Honeybush Ginger; Rooibos Orange; Rooibos Spicy Orange; Rooibos Chai.

You can buy this tea at:
Download the List of stores, selected Pick n Pays

Retail price category: R 15

LES JARDINS DE GAIA
Traded by: Mzansi Organic Teas | Website

Organic: yes

Black, Green, White and Wulong teas available in different flavours. Sold loose in 50g or 100g bags.

You can buy these teas at: Tea & Coffee Emporium (Bedfordview, JHB), Bryanston Market (JHB) and on Sundays at the Market on Main (JHB)