Middle East And Africa Tea Market

Middle East and Africa Tea Market Size

The tea market size in the Middle East and Africa was valued at USD 690 million in 2024. The regional market size is anticipated to be worth USD 1.04 billion by 2033 from USD 722.64 million in 2025, growing at a CAGR of 4.73% from 2025 to 2033.

Tea is deeply ingrained in the traditions of the Middle East and Africa and serves as a staple beverage in daily life and ceremonial practices. In Africa, Kenya stands as the leading tea producer and accounts for nearly 70% of the total output of the continent. According to the Kenya Tea Development Agency, the country produced over 570 million kilograms of tea in 2022 and made significant exports to Middle Eastern countries. The United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia are key tea importers in the Middle East. The growing popularity of health-focused lifestyles has spurred demand for organic and functional teas, while herbal teas are gaining traction for their perceived therapeutic properties. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, tea consumption in Africa is growing at an annual rate of 4%.

MARKET DRIVERS

Rising Demand for Health-Focused Beverages

The increasing awareness of health and wellness is a major driver of the Middle East and Africa tea market. Consumers are shifting toward teas known for their health benefits, such as green, herbal, and functional teas. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, tea is recognized as a rich source of antioxidants and contributes to better cardiovascular and metabolic health. Herbal teas are gaining popularity because of their potential to relieve stress and support immunity. In the Middle East, health-conscious consumers in countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia are boosting demand for premium organic teas and reflecting a broader shift toward healthier beverage options.

Expanding Export Markets for African Tea

The growing prominence of African countries as global tea exporters is driving the regional market growth. According to the Kenya Tea Development Agency, Kenya is the largest tea producer in Africa and exported over 570 million kilograms of tea in 2022, and these exports of tea contribute significantly to Kenya's economy. Similarly, countries like Rwanda and Uganda are increasing their tea exports to Middle Eastern markets as these markets have a strong demand for high-quality black tea. As per the Food and Agriculture Organization, Africa accounts for 22% of global tea production, and tea exports from Africa are expanding at an annual growth rate of 5%.

MARKET RESTRAINTS

Climate Change and Unpredictable Weather Conditions

The tea market in the Middle East and Africa is significantly impacted by climate change and irregular weather patterns. Tea cultivation is highly sensitive to temperature and rainfall variations that are becoming increasingly unpredictable. As per the Kenya Tea Development Agency, in Kenya, prolonged droughts in 2022 led to a 10% decline in tea yields. Similarly, according to the reports of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, rising temperatures in East Africa could reduce the suitability of tea-growing regions by 26% by 2050. These climatic challenges not only lower yields but also compromise the quality of tea and making it harder to meet international standards and sustain market competitiveness.

High Production Costs and Infrastructure Gaps

The Middle East and Africa tea market also faces challenges due to rising production costs and poor infrastructure. For instance, according to the African Development Bank, fertilizer prices in Africa increase by 30% in 2022 and resulting in increased tea cultivation expenses. Additionally, inadequate transport and storage infrastructure result in high post-harvest losses and inefficiencies. For instance, in Ethiopia, logistical delays contribute to 20% higher transportation costs compared to other tea-exporting nations. Such inefficiencies not only reduce profit margins for farmers but also make African tea less competitive in international markets, particularly when competing with established exporters like India and Sri Lanka.

MARKET OPPORTUNITIES

Growth in Demand for Specialty and Organic Teas

The rising consumer preference for specialty and organic teas presents a significant opportunity for the Middle East and African tea market. Specialty teas such as green, herbal, and flavored teas are gaining traction for their unique taste profiles and perceived health benefits. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, global demand for organic products is growing at an annual rate of 9%, and the Middle East is emerging as a key market for premium tea varieties. Countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia are experiencing increased demand for organic teas owing to health-conscious consumers willing to pay a premium for sustainably produced beverages. This trend encourages producers to diversify their offerings and tap into lucrative market segments.

Expanding Tea Tourism and Agri-Business Ventures

Tea tourism and integrated agri-business initiatives are creating new growth opportunities in the Middle East and Africa. Countries like Kenya and Rwanda are capitalizing on their tea estates to attract tourists and offer immersive experiences such as plantation visits and tea-tasting sessions. According to the Rwanda Development Board, tea tourism contributed over $7 million to the economy in 2022 and emerged as a potential revenue stream. Additionally, these ventures promote value addition, such as packaging and branding locally produced tea for export. By investing in tea tourism and related businesses, producers can enhance revenue streams, strengthen market positioning, and create employment opportunities across the value chain. 

MARKET CHALLENGES

Low Levels of Mechanization and Reliance on Manual Labor

Tea harvesting and processing in countries like Kenya and Uganda are labor-intensive, with minimal use of advanced machinery. According to the reports of the International Labour Organization, labor costs constitute nearly 60% of tea production expenses in African nations, which is making operations less efficient and more expensive. Additionally, labor shortages during peak harvesting seasons often lead to delays and reduced productivity. This dependence on manual processes limits scalability and competitiveness, particularly when compared to highly mechanized markets like India and Sri Lanka.

Trade Barriers and Tariff Challenges

Trade barriers and high tariffs significantly restrain the growth of the Middle East and African tea markets. Many African countries rely on exports to the Middle East and Europe but face tariffs that increase the cost of their tea, which is reducing its competitiveness. According to the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat, intra-African trade accounts for only 15% of the exports of the continent, with tea producers often struggling to penetrate lucrative markets due to bureaucratic trade restrictions. For instance, exporters in Rwanda face logistical challenges and tariff-related delays, which increase costs by an average of 20%. These barriers hinder the ability of the regional market to expand globally and capitalize on the growing demand for tea products.

REPORT COVERAGE

REGIONAL ANALYSIS

Kenya is dominating the tea market in the Middle East and Africa. Kenya is the leading tea producer in Africa and accounts for approximately 70% of the total tea output of the continent. According to the Kenya Tea Development Agency, Kenya produced over 570 million kilograms of tea in 2022, with exports contributing significantly to its GDP. The ideal climate of Kenya and consistent rainfall and fertile soils support high-quality black tea production. The extensive network of smallholder farmers of Kenya, comprising 60% of tea producers, ensures a steady supply. Kenya's tea is highly sought after in the Middle East and Europe due to government initiatives to improve market access and promote value-added tea products.

The UAE is a key player in the Middle East tea market and acts as a global hub for tea trade and consumption. According to the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre, the UAE imports over 180,000 metric tons of tea annually, with a significant portion re-exported to other countries. The robust infrastructure of the UAE such as the Dubai Tea Trading Centre facilitates efficient tea processing, blending, and distribution. The diverse population of UAE and high demand for premium and specialty teas, such as green and herbal varieties, are further strengthening the UAE's position in the Middle East and African tea market.

South Africa is a notable tea market in the Middle East and Africa. South Africa has a prominent role in the tea market due to its production of specialty teas like rooibos and honeybush, which are unique to the region. According to the South African Rooibos Council, rooibos exports exceeded 12,000 metric tons in 2022, with major markets in Europe and the Middle East. The focus of South Africa on organic and sustainably sourced teas aligns with growing global consumer preferences for health-conscious products.

KEY MARKET PLAYERS

Some of the key tea market leaders are Tata Global Beverages, Unilever, Associated British Foods Plc., TAETEA, Nestle, Barry's Tea, Apeejay Surrendra Group, Bettys & Taylors Group Ltd., McLeod Russel, and ITO EN Inc.

MARKET SEGMENTATION

This research report on the Middle East and Africa tea market is segmented and sub-segmented into the following categories.

By Type

• Green tea
• Black tea
• Fruit/herbal tea
• Others

By Packaging

• Plastic containers
• Loose tea
• Paper boards
• Aluminum tin
• Tea bags

By Distribution Channel

• Supermarkets
• Specialty stores
• Convenience stores
• Online stores
• Others

By Country

• KSA
• UAE
• Israel
• Rest Of GCC Countries
• South Africa
• Ethiopia
• Kenya
• Egypt
• Sudan
• Rest Of MEA