The Emergence of European Tea

The idea of growing tea in Europe may seem surprising to many, as the continent is not typically associated with tea plantations. However, over the last 150 years, innovative farmers in regions such as the Azores (Portugal), Cornwall (UK), Galicia (Spain), and some areas of Italy and France have embraced the challenge of cultivating Camellia sinensis, the tea plant.

These European tea pioneers have demonstrated that, with the right climate, soil, and dedication, it is possible to produce high-quality tea on European soil. Factors such as increasing temperatures, innovative agricultural practices, and a growing interest in sustainable, locally produced products have contributed to the growth of tea farming across Europe.

The Role of the Tea Grown in Europe Association

The Tea Grown in Europe Association (EUT) was founded to bring together tea growers from across the continent, providing a platform for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and collective marketing. The association plays a crucial role in fostering the growth of the European tea industry by connecting growers, promoting European tea to consumers, and advocating for the interests of tea producers at both regional and international levels.

The Tea Grown in Europe Association also places a strong emphasis on sustainable cultivation practices. Tea farming in Europe is relatively new, providing an opportunity to establish environmentally friendly approaches from the outset. The association encourages the adoption of organic farming methods, efficient water use, and biodiversity preservation, all of which contribute to a greener tea industry.

The EUT Tea Tour 2024

This year EUT proposed a new Tea Tour that took place in the UK, in September and lasted for about 5 days. A group made of 25 European tea producers gathered to visit several tea farms in Wales and Scotland. They were able to share tea knowledge and to create links between them while enjoying plenty of cuppas. 

The first visit was at Lucy George’s Peterson Tea estate in Cardiff, Wales. Peterson Tea is the first commercial tea farm in Wales. They grow and process all of their tea in the Vale of Glanmorgan. They have been growing tea on their farm since 2015 and had their first crop available for sale in 2019.

The next stop was at the prestigious Fortnum & Mason store, in London. Indeed, this year, the association has decided to create a new event called the “Showcase”, which aims to introduce European tea productions to the professional public: restaurants, hotels, tea rooms, retailers, institutions etc... It was Fortnum & Mason who welcomed them for a day in their Tea Studio on the 3rd floor of their iconic London store. The next step is to deploy the “Showcase” in other European capitals! 

After Wales, Scotland with the visit of three tea gardens grouped under the dynamic of Tea Scotland. The first visit was  in East Ayrshire where the group spent a magnificent morning including a visit of the site and the nursery, a technical demonstration of shading and some passionate exchanges between tea producers. The morning ended up with a meal, basking in the sunshine and a good cup of tea, of course. This is where I joined the association for a few hours of immersion with tea farmers in the magnificent East Ayrshire countryside near the Afton river. 

Next was the visit of Joanne Holley's Scottish Tea House, nestled in the beautiful Lanarkshire countryside. In addition to growing tea plants and making a beautiful quality black tea, Joanne offers a real tea service with her afternoon-tea made of savoury and sweet snacks: scones, sandwiches, sponge cakes, a real gourmet moment!

Last but not least, the tour ended at Glen Caladh farm in Argyll. Both from farming background, Islay and Duncan Henderson decided to move out of the city to start their own tea plantation. An end-of-the-world feel for this last visit of the Tea Tour. Walking on the small "single track paths" along the coast line was so worth it. What a welcoming farm surrounded by beautiful nature and gorgeous lochs.

About the Tea Grown in Europe Association (EUT)

The association is composed of around fifty members from all over Europe: France, UK, Italy, Netherlands, Germany, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland,...

The management team is composed of three women: the President, Linda Cebrian-Rampen from Het Zuyderblad ; the Vice President, Lucy George from Peterson Tea and the General Secretary, Gaëlle Rousseau from Jardins de thé. 

You will find the list of producers on the website: Tea Grown in Europe Association