Europe Discovers Tea: From Luxury to Revolution

In the 16th and 17th centuries, Portuguese and Dutch traders introduced tea to Europe, where it quickly became a luxury embraced by elites. Amsterdam, Paris, and London were captivated by its exotic appeal.

Tea exploded in popularity in Britain, moving from aristocratic salons to bustling coffeehouses by the mid-1600s. By the 1800s, tea was deeply ingrained in daily life, shaping everything from afternoon tea to the British Empire trade.

The Boston Tea Party & the Fall of a Tea Empire

In 1773, American colonists, angered by taxation without representation—rebelled by boarding British ships and dumping 342 chests of tea into Boston Harbor. The Boston Tea Party was more than a protest; it became a spark for the American Revolution and a global symbol of defiance.

This watershed moment also marked the beginning of the end for the British East India Company. Once a dominant force in the global tea trade, the company’s exploitative practices, particularly in India, became unsustainable. As revolutions brewed and colonial power structures began to shift, the fall of the East India Company reshaped the global tea trade and paved the way for new, more equitable supply systems.

Today, this revolutionary spirit lives on through brands like Terilyn Tea,  committed to sustainability, transparency, and the empowerment of tea-growing communities.

India’s Tea Renaissance: From Cultivation to Global Powerhouse

As Britain’s thirst for tea grew, the need to reduce reliance on Chinese imports led to the establishment of vast plantations in India during the 19th century. With ideal growing conditions in Assam, Darjeeling, and Nilgiri, India quickly became a cornerstone of the global tea industry.

Indian black teas—bold, brisk, and malty—gained international fame and became the foundation for many of today’s favorite blends. These thriving plantations gave birth to some of the world’s most iconic tea profiles and contributed significantly to the economic and cultural landscape of the country.

Today, India stands as one of the largest tea producers globally, with its teas representing a blend of tradition, terroir, and transformation. For TZB, this legacy is deeply personal—our roots in India inspire everything we do, and our Terilyn Tea collection is a tribute to this rich heritage.

Tea in Sri Lanka and Indonesia: Colonial Cultivation and Global Impact

Sri Lanka, formerly Ceylon, became a tea giant under British colonial rule, transitioning from coffee to tea cultivation after its coffee crops were devastated by disease.  The country’s high-altitude estates produced golden, brisk Ceylon teas—now staples in breakfast blends worldwide.

Dutch colonialists cultivated Java and Sumatra in Indonesia as centers of Orthodox and CTC tea production. Today, Indonesian teas are appreciated for their smooth, earthy profiles and remain part of the global export landscape.

Across the Atlantic: Tea in the Americas

Tea’s journey to the Americas began as a staple in colonial life and evolved into a symbol of protest. The 1773 Boston Tea Party cemented tea’s role as both a cherished beverage and a catalyst for revolution. Today, North and South America embrace tea in diverse ways—from sweet iced tea traditions in the American South to a burgeoning specialty tea scene across the continent.

Argentina has also emerged as a notable producer of black tea for export, especially for iced tea consumption in the United States. Its plantations in Misiones are key contributors to the global market.

Africa’s Tea Renaissance: Kenya and Beyond

Tea cultivation reached Africa in the early 20th century. With its ideal climate and elevation, Kenya quickly developed into a powerhouse of black tea production. The establishment of the Kenya Tea Development Agency in 1960 empowered thousands of smallholder farmers, transforming the nation into one of the world’s leading tea exporters.

Today, Kenyan teas are prized for their brisk, vibrant character and rich aroma, qualities that define many Terilyn Tea blends.

A Global Harvest, a Shared Legacy

From Emperor Shen Nong’s accidental brew to Japanese matcha bowls, Moroccan mint rituals to British afternoon tea, and from the lush valleys of Assam to the highlands of Kenya, tea is more than a drink. It’s a cultural connector. It soothes, energizes, unites, and inspires Moments that inspire across continents and generations.

At TZB Private Limited, we honor this profound global tradition through our Terilyn Tea collection. We source from the world’s most revered tea gardens, ensuring every sip is a tribute to centuries of heritage, global craftsmanship, and a celebration of your present moment.

Curious to explore more unique tea traditions from around the world? Visit our Blog Page for deeper stories, cultural insights, and steeped legends that continue to inspire.