From Leaf to Lip: Tea Logistics Journey

Tea logistics is the management process of tea transportation and distribution process from the origin point of the tea plantation or estate to the ultimate tea consumer. Tea is a perishable plant, so it needs to have a better and speed process of transportation and logistics to keep the freshness and quality of the product for manufacturing tea powder.

In this blog, we are going to discover the tea trading industry through a logistician’s eye, which is called tea logistics. Before explaining the tea logistics process. It helps to have a better knowledge of the tea supply chain.

Tea Supply chain

Tea, one of the most consumed beverages worldwide, has a fascinating journey from tea gardens to teacups. The tea supply chain is a complex network of interconnected stages, encompassing tea cultivation, processing, packaging, transportation, distribution, retail, and consumption.

Tea supply chain steps by steps

Raw material from Tea estates and plantation
Tea leaves plucking and harvesting
Leaf collection and transport to processing centers
Tea processing
packaging and warehousing
Transport to local distribution centers
Distribution to Retailers and whole sellers
Export process
Import logistics
foreign outlets
Consumption

Logistics Activities involvement of a Tea supply chain

Raw material (tea leaves)transport to manufacturing factories
Value addition activities in a tea production process
Packaging
Warehousing activities
Local Distribution
Export or import process
Transporting and distribution activities for local sales
Temperature and humidity control
Quality checking
Inventory management
Customs clearance process and import-export documentation
Import logistics
Last-mile delivery

What are the value additions in the tea processing center?

Tea value addition is done in the tea processing centers as an additional step of processing in basic tea manufacturing. It creates a unique taste for characteristics of the basic product of tea. It may add flavors and a variety of packing methods for targeting different types of market segments. Such as local and import, low budget and high class, health and benefits, etc.

Making value-added tea products.

Green tea

black tea fruit flavored tea

cinnamon tea

Value adding by packaging methods

Tea bags

bulk tea

the small size of the tins

Tea envelops

Value adding by mixing flavors

Vanilla

cinnamon

Harbel tea

Tea packing methods

Tea packing is the most important factor in the tea logistics process. Tea packing is based on the type of tea, market segment, and preference of the market, There are more Tea packing methods available it can use various ways for tea products for sale and distribution. The selection of packing method depends on factors such as the type of tea, consumer preferences, market segment and trends, and sustainability considerations. Here we are going to identify some common tea-packing methods

Loose Leaf Tea

Loose-leaf tea is sold without individual packaging.
Allows for better aroma and flavor retention.
It is commonly used for premium and specialty teas.

Tea bags

Tea leaves are covered in permeable paper or fabric bags is a very easy and very famous method of tea packaging

Pyramid Bags

Tins and Canisters

Sachets

Single-Serve Pods

Foil Bags

Eco-Friendly Paper and Cardboard

Biodegradable and Compostable Materials

Packing materials suitable for tea exporting

Tea exporting is a critical aspect of the global tea industry, and the packaging materials used play a pivotal role in preserving the tea’s quality, flavor, and aroma throughout its journey from the tea gardens to international markets.

Paper
Biodegradable Materials-materials made from plant-based resources, such as cornstarch
Plastic
Foil pouches or bags
Tin and Metal
Glass
Non-Woven Fabrics-pyramid tea bags or sachets

What are the factors affecting for good packaging of tea

The packaging of tea plays a critical role in ensuring that the beverage reaches consumers in optimal condition, with its flavor, aroma, and quality intact. Achieving good packaging involves considering various factors that protect the tea from external elements and preserve its freshness.

Protection from moisture
Airtightness
Light protection
Material quality
Sealing
Packaging design
Size and portion control
Branding and labeling:
Environmental impact
Transportation and storage considerations

The tea industry can revolutionize its logistics to ensure the seamless transportation and delivery of high-quality tea to global markets. Leveraging smart tracking, climate-controlled shipping containers, and real-time monitoring, tea exporters can enhance efficiency, reduce wastage, and preserve the tea’s freshness throughout the supply chain. Embracing these innovations will not only meet the demands of the modern tea enthusiast but also reinforce the industry’s commitment to environmental stewardship and customer satisfaction, fostering a thriving and sustainable future for tea logistics.

Tea exporting process in brief

The tea exporting process varies from country to country, with the required certification and permits. Here going to explain the Tea export process in brief in steps,