Introduction – France’s Tea Market by the Numbers
If you thought France was all about croissants and coffee, think again. The French tea market has been quietly brewing a revolution, and the numbers don’t lie. In 2024, France led the European Union in tea production, contributing a staggering 1,400 tons—accounting for nearly 96% of EU’s total tea output. That’s not a typo—it’s a 2,224% jump from the previous year!
This surge isn’t just about sipping tea in Parisian cafés. It signals a major shift in both domestic consumption and global export power. For businesses looking to source tea from France, data-driven supplier selection has never been more critical. The rise in production, exports, and consumer preferences makes France a hotspot in the global tea trade.
Platforms like Freshdi have become essential in this landscape. They provide verified supplier data, live RFQ (Request for Quotation) trends, and actionable market insights to help buyers make informed sourcing decisions.
Deep Dive – Key Production, Export Statistics & Market Signals
Let’s crunch the numbers. In 2023, France exported $65 million worth of tea—a 5.3% increase from 2022. The top destinations? Belgium took the lead with an 18.9% share, followed by Japan (13.8%), Spain (11.1%), the Netherlands (11%), and Italy (5.9%).
Black tea dominated the export mix, making up 44% or $29 million of total tea exports. That’s a clear signal that French producers are not just upping their game—they’re exporting quality that appeals to a global palette.
But here’s where it gets interesting. On platforms like Freshdi, RFQ volumes for matcha and iced teas have been steadily rising. These trends mirror broader consumer changes in France—people are swapping sugary sodas for healthier alternatives like iced tea. Coca-Cola and PepsiCo have even jumped on the iced tea bandwagon, expanding their product lines.
Social media, especially Instagram, has played a huge role in matcha’s meteoric rise. This green powder isn’t just a drink—it’s a lifestyle. As demand skyrockets, Japanese suppliers are warning of potential shortages. That’s a golden opportunity for French matcha producers and exporters.
Top 3 Verified Tea Suppliers in France – Leading Exporters by Volume
Choosing the right supplier isn’t just about price—it’s about reliability, quality, and market reputation. Based on performance data, certifications, and buyer reviews on Freshdi, here are the Top 3 Tea Suppliers in France in Year 2025:
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VERY THES, NATURELLEMENT VRAI
Known for its commitment to organic and natural blends, VERY THES is a top-tier supplier offering a wide range of black, green, and herbal teas. Their export volume and consistent quality make them a buyer favorite. -
LU SHAN – ART DU THÉ
With a special focus on Asian tea varieties and artisanal blends, LU SHAN is a go-to supplier for premium tea lovers. Their matcha and oolong teas are highly sought after, especially in Asian and North American markets. -
PREMIUM ELEMENTS
Specializing in luxury and wellness teas like saffron-infused blends, PREMIUM ELEMENTS is carving out a niche in the health-focused segment. Their emphasis on sourcing sustainability and innovative packaging sets them apart.
Dynamic Ranking Note: Remember, supplier rankings on platforms like Freshdi evolve based on recent performance, RFQ responses, and buyer feedback. Be sure to check their “Suppliers of the Month/Quarter” feature for real-time updates.
Market Navigation – Statistical Trends, Pricing Analysis & Export Dynamics
Tea Consumption Trends in France
Tea is no longer the underdog among French beverages. Consumption has tripled over the last 25 years. Today, one in three French consumers drinks tea regularly. Interestingly, 57% of these are women, mostly retirees with strong purchasing power.
The market value? Over €500 million. The average per capita tea consumption is around 250 grams—still behind the UK’s 2 kilograms, but growing fast.
What’s driving this surge? A shift toward premium, health-conscious options. Green teas, herbal infusions, and functional blends are stealing the show, with green tea sales alone jumping by 30% in the last year.
France’s Export and Pricing Dynamics
While France exported around 1.8 thousand tons of tea in 2022, this was a dip from the previous year. However, export value rose to $35 million, thanks to premiumization and higher average unit prices.
- Average Export Price: $24,840 per ton (14% increase)
- Peak Export Price (May 2023): $26,480 per ton
- Import Price (July 2023): $11,399 per ton (3% increase)
These price hikes reflect growing demand, limited global supply, and seasonal fluctuations driven by harvest cycles.
Forecasting the French Tea Market
Looking ahead, the French tea market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.6% from 2024 to 2030. Growth is fueled by:
- Young consumers embracing tea culture
- Rise of neo-cafés offering Instagrammable brews
- Expansion of locally grown organic teas in regions like Brittany and Cévennes
- A booming hospitality sector incorporating premium teas into menus
Platforms like Freshdi help buyers navigate this dynamic environment by offering real-time market data, verified supplier lists, and trend analytics.
Conclusion – Leveraging Data for Informed Procurement
France has officially arrived on the global tea stage. With massive production growth, a diversified export portfolio, and a booming domestic market, it’s a strategic sourcing destination for buyers worldwide.
But here’s the kicker: sourcing tea in 2025 isn’t just about finding a good product. It’s about data. Buyer reviews, export stats, RFQ trends, certifications—all these factors help you pick the right partner.
And that’s where Freshdi comes in. Whether it’s tracking seasonal price trends, verifying supplier credentials, or analyzing demand signals, Freshdi empowers buyers to make smarter, faster decisions.
Tea Buyer’s Checklist – Get It Right
- ✅ Check supplier certifications (organic, ISO, fair trade)
- ✅ Analyze RFQ response rates on platforms like Freshdi
- ✅ Review export history and top markets served
- ✅ Monitor seasonal price trends and plan procurement accordingly
- ✅ Look for innovation—flavored, iced, wellness teas are trending
Future Outlook
The next few years will be pivotal for France’s tea industry. With global matcha demand pressuring supply chains and iced tea gaining mainstream traction, French suppliers have a unique opportunity to lead. Whether you’re a wholesaler, retailer, or private label brand, now’s the time to plug into the French tea ecosystem.
Use tools like Freshdi to stay ahead of the curve—it’s not just sourcing, it’s smart sourcing.
FAQs
1. Why is France becoming a major player in the global tea market?
France has seen a huge surge in tea production and exports, especially in premium and health-focused varieties. The combination of local cultivation, strong export infrastructure, and rising domestic demand makes it a growing force globally.
2. What types of tea are most popular in France right now?
Green tea, matcha, and iced teas are trending due to their health benefits. Herbal and fruit-infused teas are also gaining popularity, especially among younger consumers.
3. How can I find verified tea suppliers in France?
Platforms like Freshdi provide verified supplier profiles, performance data, and buyer reviews, making it easier to find trustworthy partners.
4. Are there seasonal price fluctuations in the French tea market?
Yes, tea prices in France vary seasonally due to factors like global harvest cycles and domestic demand. Monitoring data on Freshdi can help you time your purchases better.
5. What’s the forecast for the French tea market through 2030?
The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.6%, driven by health trends, innovation, and increased consumption. Premiumization and local production will likely dominate future developments.
References
- Tea in the EU: Market Overview – IndexBox.io
- France Tea Export Data – TrendEconomy.com
- France Tea Market Growth – MarkNtel Advisors
- Matcha Popularity & Shortage – Le Monde
- Neo-Cafés in France – Le Monde
- French Tea Sector Premiumization – World Tea News
- Tea Price Data – IndexBox.io
- France Tea Market Forecast – PRLog
- Freshdi B2B Platform
