DMCC projects global tea market to approach USD 300 billion by 2025, positioning UAE as a leader in premium and sustainable tea trade.
DUBAI: The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) has forecast the global tea market to grow to nearly USD 300 billion by the end of 2025, as it concluded the ninth Global Dubai Tea Forum (GDTF) this week. The UAE is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping this transformation, evolving from a logistics gateway to a value-added hub for global tea trade.
The forecast was released alongside a special edition of DMCC’s Future of Trade report, which outlines trends driving the market—rising demand for premium, organic, functional, and ready-to-drink teas; climate-resilient production; and increasing supply chain traceability.
Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and CEO of DMCC, said the UAE is central to this evolution. “Dubai has become a global hub for value creation in tea—from blending and branding to digital traceability and sustainable sourcing. This year’s forum marked a turning point for building a climate-smart, commercially investable tea economy,” he said.
H.E. Abdulaziz Al Nuaimi from the UAE Ministry of Economy echoed these sentiments, highlighting Dubai’s re-export strength and trade innovation. “The UAE has transformed tea from a traditional commodity into a sustainable growth driver,” he said.
The GDTF attracted stakeholders from across the tea value chain to discuss how inflation, climate volatility, and shifting consumer habits—especially among Gen Z—are redefining the market. Key themes included the rise of direct-to-consumer sales, sustainable farming, and regulatory shifts.
The forum called for increased investment in inclusive finance, climate-resilient agriculture, and digital platforms for product traceability. With traditional tea-producing nations facing environmental challenges, Dubai’s integrated trade ecosystem is increasingly vital in connecting growers to new markets.
The DMCC Tea Centre processed over 24,400 metric tonnes of tea in 2024 and continues to offer end-to-end services including blending, packaging, tasting, and re-export. With over 26,000 member companies, DMCC remains at the forefront of global commodities trade, helping shape a modern and resilient tea industry.
