Satisfying the World's Need for Tea
Tea is the second most popular beverage in the world, after water. Globally, it is estimated that up to 20 billion 6 oz. cups of tea are consumed daily. From traditional English breakfast blended teas to gourmet and herbal varieties, the tea market is growing and consumption is increasing every year. MSC is an experienced specialist tea transporter with local experts in the key tea producing regions.
Did you know?
India, Kenya and Sri Lanka are the main producing countries of tea and accounts for 75% of the global production.
A Global Tea Service
We ensure the trade in importing and exporting tea continues to thrive. MSC has a presence in 155 countries, including the world’s leading tea producers. We have dedicated trade services connecting the main exporting countries with the major tea market hubs worldwide.
MSC offer customers good availability of food grade containers, dedicated container depots and intermodal solutions, as well as staff trained in the details of tea transportation.
From Fields to Cup
To prepare different types of tea for transportation with the highest level of care, our expert teams work closely with tea exporters, brokers and importers. From tailor-made inland solutions to tea-stuffing and handling services, here at MSC we offer the resources, equipment and flexibility required by professionals in the global tea supply chain.
With a particular focus on the peak season of April, May and June, MSC leads the way in making the tea supply chain run as smoothly as possible.
Supporting Tea Supply Every Step of the Way
Every tea shipment is different, and its transportation needs attention and expertise of the highest level. We’ve also got your multimodal transport and handling needs of tea shipping covered, from pick-up to delivery.
Our dedicated teams offer appropriate and country-specific procedures. We provide advice around shipment preparation and compliance with local regulations. If you have any questions about the cargo services we offer for shipping tea, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Taking the risk out of tea transportation
Shipping tea is a delicate business. The raw products needs to be harvested at the right time during the season. Too late and tea runs the risk of degrading during transportation. In the right storage conditions tea can last for 18 months, but particular care needs to be taken at every step of the tea export process to protect the goods. Tea can spoil for any number of reasons – moisture ingress, odours, shrinkage, inadequate ventilation, pest infestation or poor cooperage. At MSC we ensure that checks are carried out at every step of the tea’s journey.
Ensuring Perfect Conditions
Tea needs optimum conditions as it moves between locations around the world. That is why we carry tea in food-grade dry containers with the correct level of regulated ventilation. We ensure that there are no risks from cross-contamination from damp flooring, and that the tea is packaged correctly at all times. Aluminium linings in the chests or multiwall paper sacks should be in contact with the tea. If you have any questions about the cargo services we offer for shipping tea, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
FAQs about Shipping Tea
Which countries produce the most tea?
India, Kenya and Sri Lanka are the main producing countries of tea and account for 75% of global tea production.
How soon after it is harvested should tea be shipped?
In general, tea can be shipped 3-4 weeks after it is harvested, but you can wait up to 2½ months before shipping tea, if it is stored correctly.
What are the best ways for packing tea for shipping?
It is recommended that tea leaves be packed in plywood chests lined with aluminium foil, polypropylene or jute sacks lined with polyethylene, or multiwall paper sacks lined with aluminium foil.