One in five British adults incorrectly assume the tea they consume is grown domestically, according to new research commissioned by Fairtrade. This finding has prompted the organisation to call for greater transparency from brands regarding the provenance of their products.
Despite this widespread misconception, the vast majority of tea enjoyed across UK homes and cafes is imported. Countries such as Kenya, India, and Malawi are the primary sources for the nation's beloved brew. While a minuscule amount of tea is cultivated in specific UK microclimates, such as the Tregothnan estate in Cornwall, climate change could potentially expand the feasibility of domestic production in the future.
