Tea industry does well in 2012

It has been widely reported in the media both locally as well as internationally the formation of a International tea producer's forum ( ITPF).

Following talks in Colombo, Sri Lanka, India, Kenya, Indonesia, Malawi and Ruwanda which controls 80% of the Global Black Tea production announced the formation of the forum.

ITPF attention would be to tackle the challenges facing the Global Tea Sector through International Corporation. In the early nineties, Sri Lanka proposed the formation of a similar forum, but due to lack of support amongst some of the producing countries the proposal never saw the light of day. In that context the formation of a tea producer's forum is a significant and a historic land mark for the tea industry.

It is also reported that supply controls are presently not part of the objectives, but these are matters which could come into focus in the future. China which is the biggest producer and the second highest tea exporter along with Iran which is a leading buyer have been invited to join the forum in the capacity of an observer.

Due to the constantly fluctuating price of tea on the International market, the formation of a tea producer's forum would be a step in the right direction. Price stability will go a long way to improve the livelihoods of Tea Smallholders whose contribution to the World's production of tea in all major tea producing countries is significant.

Sri Lankan Tea Industry performance in 2012 has notched important landmarks during the year.

John Keels Market report