Major Tea Producing Countries

World tea production in 2000 reached 3 million tonnes, up nearly 3 percent from the 1999 level. Most major tea producing countries, except for Kenya and Indonesia, had larger harvests. Output increased by 5 percent in India and by 8 percent in
Sri Lanka.

On the contrary, drought and frosts early in the year reduced output in Kenya, by a further 5 percent in 2000 while adverse weather also curtailed output in Indonesia by 4 percent.

Tea from Sri Lanka (Ceylon)

Sri Lanka has over 220,0000 hectares under tea cultivation yielding about 240,000 tonnes of "made" tea, and accounting for over 21% of world exports. In 1972, the island then known as Ceylon reverted to the traditional name of Sri Lanka, but retained the name of Ceylon for the marketing of teas.

Tea from Sri Lanka falls into three categories: low-grown (on estates up to 2000 ft high); medium grown (between 2000 and 4000 ft); and high grown (over 4000 ft). Each level produces teas of unique character. By blending teas from different areas of the island, Sri Lanka can offer a very wide range of flavour and colour. Some are full-bodied, others light and delicate, but all Ceylon blends will have brisk full flavours and bright golden colour.

Because of the geographical location, tea can be plucked in Sri Lanka all year round: the west and east of the island are divided by central mountains so that as each region's season ends, the other begins.