Introduction – Italy’s Tea Market in Statistical Focus
Italy might not be the first country that comes to mind when you think about tea, but it’s playing an increasingly important role in the global tea trade. With an evolving market and consistent export growth, Italy is carving out a niche in premium and specialty tea offerings. In 2024, the Italian tea market generated a remarkable USD 642.1 million in revenue, a figure that’s expected to climb to USD 863.4 million by 2030.
For businesses in the tea trade—whether importers, wholesalers, or retailers—making data-driven decisions is no longer optional. Choosing a supplier should go beyond price; it’s about reliability, certifications, export performance, and reputation. Platforms like Freshdi are paving the way for smarter procurement by offering real-time market insights, RFQ trends, and verified supplier profiles.
Let’s dive into the numbers and unveil the top-performing tea suppliers in Italy for Q3 of 2025.
Deep Dive – Key Production, Export Statistics & Market Signals
Italy’s tea market is not just growing—it’s transforming. From black teas to rising stars like oolong and organic blends, the variety and sophistication of Italian exports are gaining traction globally.
-
Export Volume: Italy is projected to boost its tea export volume from 4.2 thousand metric tons in 2024 to 4.7 thousand metric tons by 2028. That’s a steady CAGR of 2.8%.
-
Top Destinations: Malta leads the pack as the biggest importer of Italian tea, followed closely by Switzerland and Spain.
-
RFQ Volumes on Freshdi: There’s been a noticeable surge in RFQs (Request for Quotes) for RTD (Ready-to-Drink) tea products, especially from buyers in the EU and North Africa. This mirrors the export focus and signals strong demand traction for Italian tea products.
-
Organic & RTD Tea Trends: The organic tea segment alone is expected to nearly triple in size by 2030, growing from USD 20.5 million in 2024 to USD 49.9 million. RTD teas are also contributing to this growth, aligning with the global shift toward health-conscious, on-the-go beverages.
Top 10 Verified Tea Suppliers in Italy – Leading Exporters by Volume
These suppliers are handpicked based on export performance, certifications, global reach, and verified buyer feedback on Freshdi.
-
SWEET’S PARK S.R.L.
Known for their innovative RTD bubble tea beverages, SWEET’S PARK S.R.L. is leading the charge in Italy’s flavored tea exports. Their Blue Lime Bubble Tea is a top-seller and frequently featured in buyer RFQs. -
TEA & COMPANY SRL
A premium tea blender with a strong presence in organic and herbal tea categories. Their exports are mainly directed toward high-end retailers in France, Germany, and the UAE. -
IL TE DI MILANO
Specializes in loose-leaf artisan teas with a focus on sustainable sourcing. Popular among specialty tea shops across Europe. -
CUP & LEAF ITALIA
Offers both bulk and branded tea lines. Known for fast delivery and consistent quality, particularly in black and oolong tea segments. -
NATURAL INFUSIONS ITALIA
A leader in organic and fair-trade certified teas. Their curated infusions cater to wellness-focused consumers. -
ROMA TEA EXPORTS
Strong in traditional blends and high-volume contracts. Great for bulk buyers looking for competitive pricing and consistent supply. -
LUXTEA GROUP ITALIA
Focuses on premium packaged teas for retail chains. Their ready-to-sell packaging is a hit in supermarket chains across Southern Europe. -
VENETO TEAS SRL
A niche player in flavored green teas and fruit infusions. Frequently featured in Freshdi’s “Top Exporter” highlights. -
TEABOX ITALIA
Known for quick turnarounds and private label services. A go-to for retailers looking for customized blends. -
MAESTRO TÈ SRL
Combines tradition and innovation, offering classic Italian-style tea with a modern twist. Their RTD line is gaining popularity in convenience stores.
Dynamic Ranking Note:
Supplier rankings may shift based on monthly or quarterly performance metrics. Freshdi offers dynamic leaderboards like “Supplier of the Month” or “Top Trending Exporter” based on RFQs, buyer ratings, and shipment volumes. Always check the latest rankings before making procurement decisions.
Market Navigation – Statistical Trends, Pricing Analysis & Export Dynamics
Let’s break down what the data is telling us about Italy’s tea landscape—because numbers never lie.
Tea Variant Preferences
- Black Tea: Still king, holding 39.82% of market revenue in 2024.
- Oolong Tea: The fastest riser, fueled by its health benefits and flavor complexity.
- Green & Herbal Teas: Gaining traction, especially among younger and health-conscious demographics.
Organic Tea Surge
The organic sector is exploding:
– 2024: USD 20.5 million
– 2030 (Projected): USD 49.9 million
– CAGR: 16.1%
That’s not just growth—it’s a revolution. Buyers are pivoting toward organic for both health and ethical reasons.
Seasonal Price Fluctuations
Tea prices in Italy ebb and flow with the seasons. Here’s how:
- Winter: Higher demand leads to price spikes.
- Spring/Summer: Surplus from harvests brings prices down.
- Global Supply Issues: Any hiccup in Asian tea-producing countries can ripple into the Italian market, raising prices.
Understanding these cycles can help importers time their purchases more strategically. Freshdi’s pricing dashboards and historical data help buyers make smarter timing decisions.
Pricing Trend Tip
If you’re buying in Q3, watch out for post-summer dips in RTD tea prices. That’s when suppliers clear inventory before gearing up for winter demand.
Consumer Shifts
- Premiumization: There’s a growing appetite for premium, small-batch teas.
- Sustainability: Eco-conscious packaging and ethically sourced ingredients now influence purchase decisions.
- Convenience: RTD teas are booming, especially among Gen Z and Millennials.
Latest Developments
Tea culture in Italy is evolving. Specialty tea shops are popping up in Milan, Rome, and Florence. Online tea retailers have expanded their catalogs to include exotic blends from Japan, China, and Africa—all curated and repackaged in Italy.
Conclusion – Leveraging Data for Informed Procurement
Italy is not just sipping tea—it’s exporting it with flair. With rising revenues, a surge in organic and specialty teas, and a steady export trajectory, the Italian tea market is ripe with opportunity.
But success in sourcing isn’t just about picking the cheapest supplier. It’s about matching your business needs with a supplier’s strengths—from volume capabilities to certifications and buyer reviews.
Buyer’s Checklist for Smart Tea Procurement:
- ✅ Does the supplier have verified export experience?
- ✅ Are they listed on platforms like Freshdi with positive reviews?
- ✅ Do they offer the tea variants you need (e.g., RTD, organic, loose-leaf)?
- ✅ Can they handle seasonal volume changes?
- ✅ Are they responsive to RFQs with competitive timelines?
How Freshdi Empowers Buyers:
- 🔍 Real-time RFQ trends to spot market demand.
- 📊 Export data and supplier performance analytics.
- 🔒 Verified supplier profiles with documentation and certifications.
- 🧭 Dynamic rankings to monitor top performers.
Data is your compass—and Freshdi is your map.
FAQs
1. Why is Italy becoming a notable player in the global tea market?
Italy’s tea market is growing due to consumer shifts toward health-conscious, premium, and organic beverages. Coupled with strong export systems and innovation in RTD teas, the country is gaining visibility globally.
2. What is the fastest-growing tea segment in Italy?
Oolong tea is currently the fastest-growing segment, thanks to its unique flavor and perceived health benefits. Organic teas are also expanding rapidly.
3. How can I verify a tea supplier’s credentials in Italy?
Platforms like Freshdi offer supplier verification, including certifications, export records, and buyer reviews—all in one place.
4. What are the best months to buy tea from Italian suppliers?
Late summer and early fall (Q3) often offer lower prices due to post-harvest inventory. However, winter months see higher demand and prices.
5. What makes SWEET’S PARK S.R.L. a top supplier?
Their innovative RTD teas, especially flavored bubble teas, have high buyer ratings, strong export volume, and consistent demand on Freshdi, making them a standout performer in Q3 2025.
