Iced tea is a refreshing beverage made by steeping tea leaves in hot water, allowing the mixture to cool, and then serving it chilled over ice. It can be served with or without sweeteners, such as sugar or honey, and is often flavored with lemon, mint, or other fruits and herbs. Iced tea is a popular drink in many parts of the world, particularly during hot weather, and is available in many varieties, including black tea, green tea, and herbal tea. It can be made at home or purchased pre-made from supermarkets, cafes, and restaurants.
The market scope for iced tea is quite significant, as it is a popular beverage enjoyed by millions of people worldwide. The global market for iced tea was valued at approximately USD 9.4 billion in 2020, and it is expected to continue growing at a steady pace in the coming years.
Several factors contribute to the growing demand for iced tea, including its refreshing taste, health benefits, and convenience. With consumers increasingly seeking healthier beverage options, iced tea has become a popular alternative to sugary sodas and other high-calorie drinks.
In addition to its popularity among consumers, iced tea has also become a popular offering in the foodservice industry, with many cafes, restaurants, and fast-food chains offering iced tea as a menu item. As a result, there is a significant market for both pre-bottled and ready-to-drink iced tea, as well as for iced tea concentrates and tea bags for home brewing.
The market scope for iced tea is expected to continue growing as consumers become more health-conscious and seek out convenient and refreshing beverage options.
There are several major players in the global market for iced tea, including:
a) Nestle S.A.
b) The Coca-Cola Company
c) PepsiCo, Inc.
d) Unilever N.V.
e) Arizona Beverage Company
f) The Republic of Tea
g) Honest Tea, Inc.
h) FUZE Beverage, LLC
i) Lipton (Unilever)
j) Snapple (Keurig Dr Pepper)
Other companies such as Harney & Sons, Pure Leaf, and Gold Peak also have a significant presence in the iced tea market. As the market for healthy and convenient beverages continues to grow, we can expect to see new players entering the market and existing players continuing to innovate and expand their product offerings.
Commercial production of iced tea typically involves several steps:
a) Brewing the tea: The first step in commercial production of iced tea is to brew the tea. This can be done using loose tea leaves or tea bags, depending on the manufacturer's preference.
b) Adding flavorings: Once the tea is brewed, flavorings such as lemon, peach, or mint can be added to give the iced tea a unique taste.
c) Sweetening the tea: Sugar or other sweeteners may be added to the tea to enhance its taste. The amount of sugar added can vary depending on the product's target market and the manufacturer's preference.
d) Pasteurization: To ensure the iced tea is safe for consumption, it is typically pasteurized to kill any bacteria or microorganisms that may be present.
e) Packaging: Once the iced tea has been pasteurized, it is packaged in bottles, cans, or other containers. Labels and branding materials are added, and the finished product is shipped to retailers or distributors.
In addition to the above steps, some manufacturers also use advanced techniques to ensure that their iced tea has a consistent taste and quality. For example, some companies may use high-pressure processing (HPP) to preserve the iced tea's flavor and nutrients while extending its shelf life. Other manufacturers may use specialized brewing equipment or employ a team of tasters to ensure that each batch of iced tea meets their quality standards.