Top 4 Tea Suppliers in Belgium in Year 2025

Introduction – Current State of Play: The Tea Sector in Belgium

Belgium’s tea market in 2025 is a hotbed of change—literally and figuratively. The landscape has been jolted by global events and shifting consumer habits, forcing businesses to navigate through a maze of supply chain shocks, price hikes, and evolving tastes.

According to Statista, the market is expected to generate around USD 208.16 million in 2025. This includes USD 110.10 million from cozy at-home brews and USD 98.05 million from cafés and restaurants. That’s a clear sign that Belgians haven’t just developed a taste for tea—they’re making it part of everyday life.

But not all is smooth steeping. Climate change is wreaking havoc on harvests in key exporting regions like India and East Africa. Tea production in India, for instance, plummeted in May 2024 to its lowest point in over a decade. Add to that the geopolitical chaos in the Red Sea region that’s slowing down shipping, and you’ve got a perfect storm of rising prices and erratic supply.

Meanwhile, back home, Belgian consumers are getting picky—in a good way. They’re leaning into green and herbal teas, especially blends that scream health and wellness. Urban tea lovers are craving innovation, pushing suppliers to get creative with their offerings.

In this fast-moving market, businesses need to be agile. Staying ahead isn’t just about sourcing quality tea anymore—it’s about understanding the environment, predicting trends, and pivoting strategies at the drop of a teabag. Platforms like Freshdi have become essential, offering real-time data, supplier verifications, and trend tracking that help buyers make smart, timely decisions.

Let’s take a deeper look at what’s brewing in Belgium’s tea market and who’s leading the charge.


Deep Dive – Market Movers: Recent Developments and Consequences

Here’s what’s shaking up the Belgian tea scene in 2025:

  • Sudden Supply Chain Stress: The extreme weather that disrupted tea production in Asia and Africa has created a ripple effect. With less tea entering the market, prices are on the rise, hitting both bulk buyers and end consumers.

  • Shipping Disruptions: Conflicts in the Red Sea have pushed up transportation costs. Logistics delays are becoming routine, and businesses are scrambling to find reliable alternatives.

  • Consumer Shift to Wellness: Belgians are sipping smarter. Green teas, herbal infusions, and blends with added health perks are flying off the shelves. This trend is a golden opportunity for brands that can meet this demand with innovative, clean-label products.

  • Sustainability Pressure: Belgium is increasingly aware of the environmental cost of its imports. Tea buyers are being urged to consider water usage and ecological impact when choosing suppliers. Sustainability certifications are no longer optional—they’re expected.

  • New Trade Talks: The EU is discussing policies on territorial supply constraints, which could impact how tea is distributed and priced across member countries. This keeps the pressure on suppliers to adapt quickly to regulatory changes.


Top 4 Verified Tea Suppliers in Belgium – Adapting to Today’s Market

Belgium’s top tea suppliers in 2025 aren’t just filling orders—they’re innovating, adapting, and responding to the market in real time. Verified on platforms like Freshdi, these companies stand out for their reliability, certifications, and strategic agility.

1. ETERNUM

  • Specialty: Premium tea accessories, teapots, and presentation ware.
  • Why They Matter: Eternum may not produce tea itself, but it plays a pivotal role in the premium experience. Their products are favored in upscale restaurants and hotels across Belgium, enhancing the overall tea-drinking ritual.
  • Market Edge: High-quality stainless steel designs and a commitment to Belgian craftsmanship.

2. ASIA EUROPE TRADE

  • Specialty: Asian tea imports, especially trending beverages like bubble tea.
  • Why They Matter: With the explosion of bubble tea among younger demographics, this supplier is positioned right where demand is booming.
  • Market Edge: Strong ties with Asian manufacturers and a fast-growing portfolio of innovative tea drinks.

3. TEA-LICIOUS BELGIUM

  • Specialty: Organic and herbal tea blends, with a strong focus on local ingredients.
  • Why They Matter: Tea-licious is riding the wellness wave. Their herbal infusions are a hit among health-conscious consumers.
  • Market Edge: Certified organic, eco-friendly packaging, and a transparent supply chain.

4. BELGIAN TEA COMPANY

  • Specialty: Classic black and green teas sourced from India and Sri Lanka.
  • Why They Matter: They’ve built a reputation for consistency and quality, making them a trusted supplier for Belgian retailers and cafés.
  • Market Edge: Long-standing supplier relationships and a diverse product range that includes both loose-leaf and bagged options.

Dynamic Ranking Note: Platforms like Freshdi regularly update their “Suppliers of the Month/Quarter” lists to reflect performance metrics, buyer feedback, and RFQ activity. Keep an eye out for rising stars and seasonal leaders.


Market Navigation – Strategic Responses to The Current Tea Landscape in Belgium

Let’s get real—sourcing tea in 2025 isn’t as simple as placing an order and waiting for delivery. The current market conditions demand strategic thinking and adaptability.

Opportunities You Shouldn’t Miss

  • Capitalize on Wellness: Green, herbal, and functional teas are booming. Brands that offer antioxidant-rich or immunity-boosting blends have a serious edge.
  • Go Premium: Specialty tea shops and gourmet grocery stores are thriving. Consumers are willing to spend more on high-quality, ethically sourced tea.
  • Asian Influence: Bubble tea and matcha beverages are dominating the youth market. Importing from verified Asian suppliers (like those on Freshdi) can open doors to this trend.

Challenges You Need to Navigate

  • Logistical Hiccups: Shipping delays and higher freight costs mean that just-in-time inventory strategies are riskier than ever. Consider building buffer stock or using local warehousing solutions.
  • Price Volatility: With climate change making harvests unpredictable, tea prices can swing dramatically. Locking in contracts or hedging can help cushion the impact.
  • Competitive Saturation: Major brands dominate shelf space. New entrants must differentiate through niche marketing, unique blends, and storytelling.

Tactical Sourcing Strategies

  • Diversify Origins: Don’t rely on one country for your supply. Countries like Vietnam and Turkey are emerging as reliable alternatives.
  • Sustainable Sourcing: Look for suppliers with Rainforest Alliance or Fairtrade certification. Not only does this meet consumer expectations, but it also reduces long-term supply risks.
  • Leverage Data: Platforms like Freshdi help businesses track RFQ trends, compare supplier ratings, and analyze market shifts in real time.

Short-Term Outlook

Belgium’s tea market is set to grow by around USD 9.4 million in the next few years, with a CAGR of 1.6%. Specialty retail, e-commerce, and health-focused brands are expected to lead the charge. The lobbying efforts of packaging associations like UCIMA and VDMA in Brussels are also likely to result in better packaging standards, aligning with sustainability goals and enhancing product appeal.


Conclusion – Key Takeaways for Businesses in a Rapidly Evolving Market

The Belgian tea market in 2025 is dynamic, diverse, and demanding. From climate impacts to consumer trends, the forces shaping this sector require businesses to stay sharp and agile.

Here’s what you need to remember:

  • Stay Current: Global events can shift the tea landscape overnight. Use tools like Freshdi to monitor supplier activity, RFQ spikes, and news-based changes.
  • Think Health: The wellness movement isn’t a fad. It’s a shift. Products that support healthy lifestyles are in high demand.
  • Diversify Wisely: Don’t put all your tea leaves in one basket. Spread your sourcing across multiple suppliers and regions.
  • Be Sustainable: Eco-conscious sourcing is no longer optional. Consumers are watching, and regulations are tightening.

With the right strategy and the right partners, Belgian businesses can not only weather the storm—but brew success from it.


Buyer’s Quick Checklist: Tea Sourcing in Belgium 2025

  • ✅ Check supplier certifications (Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance)
  • ✅ Monitor RFQ trends using Freshdi
  • ✅ Prioritize green and herbal blends in your product line
  • ✅ Lock in prices with medium-term contracts to avoid volatility
  • ✅ Diversify supply sources to mitigate geopolitical risks
  • ✅ Invest in sustainable and innovative packaging
  • ✅ Stay updated on EU trade policies affecting tea imports

Future Outlook

Belgium’s tea market is on a steady upward path. As trends like health consciousness, sustainability, and premiumization grow stronger, there’s ample room for innovation. Tech-driven platforms like Freshdi will continue to play a vital role in empowering buyers with real-time data, verified supplier networks, and market intelligence that helps them act fast and smart.


FAQs

1. What types of tea are most popular in Belgium in 2025?
Green and herbal teas are leading the market, driven by health and wellness trends. Bubble tea and specialty blends are also gaining popularity among younger consumers.

2. How has climate change affected tea supply in Belgium?
Extreme weather in producing countries like India has reduced output, leading to price hikes and limited availability for importers in Belgium.

3. Are there sustainable tea suppliers in Belgium?
Yes, several suppliers now offer certified sustainable products. Many of them can be verified through platforms like Freshdi, which highlight eco-friendly sourcing.

4. How can businesses mitigate rising tea prices?
Strategies include diversifying suppliers, locking in contracts, and exploring alternative sourcing regions that are less affected by climate events.

5. What role does Freshdi play in the tea trade?
Freshdi offers real-time supplier verification, RFQ trends, and dynamic rankings, helping buyers make informed, agile sourcing decisions in a volatile market.


References

  • Statista – Belgium Tea Market Outlook 2025
  • StrategyH – Tea Market in Belgium
  • Euronews – Tea Prices Rise Due to Extreme Weather
  • FoodNavigator – Supply Chain Disruptions
  • Trase Earth – Water Scarcity & Imports
  • Wikipedia – Territorial Supply Constraints
  • Tea and Coffee Net – Belgium Tea Market
  • WM Strategy – Belgium Tea Market Analysis