Why Hasn’t Tea Had Its Specialty Boom Like Coffee and Craft Beer? Where is the tea industry headed now?

Tea is the second most consumed beverage in the world, yet it hasn’t seen the same specialty movement as coffee and craft beer. We will explore and uncover why—diving into history, culture, market dynamics, and consumer behavior. From the rise of third-wave coffee and microbreweries to the challenges of tea’s production and storytelling, the class unpacks why tea remains a niche rather than a mainstream movement. It also highlights emerging trends like matcha, chai, and wellness blends, offering insight into where the industry is headed.