Features

Tea Influencers Share Trends and Opportunities for 2018

By Elizabeth Dobos Feb 20, 2018 1:15pm

World Tea News

What is the tea industry's greatest opportunity in 2018? What trends will emerge in 2018?

2018 tea trends: The trend toward functional ingredients in tea blends is exploding right now. I believe the surge of this wave dovetailed immediately following the spike in green tea, and particularly matcha, a few years ago. This trend won’t be going away anytime soon because the awareness and perception of tea as a healthy beverage is what still drives many new consumers its way. Another significant trend in tea, especially strong in foodservice, is the cold brew phenomenon, which follows right on the heels of the same trend in coffee. Every boutique premium teahouse, and even most major foodservice tea outlets are now offering cold brewed options for iced tea. Its smooth and subtle flavor profile, combined with the ease and consistency in preparation, make cold brew tea a perfect choice for premium restaurants and cafes. This is a trend which is becoming more prevalent and touted in a consumer-ready bottled tea options as well. Opportunity:

We view the most exciting opportunity for tea in the U.S. in 2018 as an integral player in the functional botanicals space. The trend toward simple and natural plant-based diets is driving innovation for new formulations throughout the food and beverage spectrum. Tea (and herbals) will be prevalent in products ranging from culinary ingredients to specialty drinks and menu items, sparking beverages and cocktails. Leveraging plant power, not only when you’re eating your salad, but morning, noon and evening will showcase tea in many new and nontraditional ways. At the same time, the continued premiumization of tea in cafes and restaurants remains a growing and viable opportunity for tea in 2018 as well.

—Maria Uspenski Founder and CEO of The Tea Spot, author of Cancer Hates Tea