Overview
- An aid report from Christian Aid warns that climate-driven heat and erratic rainfall are making tea taste harsher and less consistent, with possible price spikes and patchy supplies if risks grow.
- Tea quality depends on a balance of compounds such as catechins, amino acids and polyphenols, and the report says higher temperatures boost astringent compounds while irregular rain can dilute flavour.
- Met Office scientist Dr Neha Mittal says brands rely on a steady flavour profile and rising climate variability makes that consistency harder to deliver.
- Farmers describe changes already: Kenya’s Reuben Korir reports smaller leaves and poorer taste in dry or unpredictable seasons, and Welsh grower Lucy George cites warmer winters, late frosts and uneven rain that disrupt leaf quality.
- Christian Aid urges action including climate‑resilient tea varieties, improved irrigation, shade trees, fairer pricing, targeted adaptation finance and worker protections to safeguard quality and livelihoods.