A History of Tea in Australia

 

I was talking to a gorgeous friend about her experiences of drinking tea at cafes and restaurants. She said that she very rarely orders tea at cafes anymore.
"Why would I drink a tea bag cup of tea, when I can go home and enjoy an awesome cup of your Harriet loose leaf tea?" Of course, I am rapt that she loves my teas. But I was very sad to hear this. And I have to say I feel exactly the same way. I very rarely order tea when I am out, as for the most part, I am disappointed with what I get. And so I am left wondering how this has happened? As tea drinkers, shouldn't we be able to enjoy an exceptional cup of tea, no matter where we are? And especially when we are paying good money for it!   How has this happened that us tea drinkers been relegated to the bottom of the cup? Of course, me being me, I had to look into this a bit more.So I made a big pot of my fav, Elevenses Irish Breakfast Tea and started some research.

Tea in Australia

As we all know, tea has been around for a very long time. Our indigenous people are thought to have brewed their own infusions from plants such as tea tree, paperbark and sweet sarsaparilla. But it wasn't until the18th century that tea made from the Camellia senensis plant was introduced into Australia by the British. The first recorded shipment of tea to Australia occurred in 1788, just a few months after the arrival of the First Fleet.  

Initially, tea was a luxury item, expensive and only affordable for the wealthy. However, as the 19th century progressed, tea became more accessible to the general population. The growth of trade routes, particularly with China and India, made tea more affordable and widely available. And it quickly became a staple beverage among the colonists. 

Tea consumption in Australia continued to rise throughout the 19th century. Tea became a symbol of British culture and was associated with colonial traditions. It was commonly consumed during "afternoon tea" gatherings and played a significant role in social life.

During World War I, the supply of tea from overseas was disrupted. This led to the promotion of tea as a patriotic alternative to coffee, which was primarily imported. The Australian government actively encouraged tea consumption, emphasizing its health benefits and promoting tea-growing initiatives within the country.

After the war, tea maintained its popularity and became deeply ingrained in Australian culture. It was consumed in households across the country and was a common part of everyday life.

Coffee, on the other hand, had a slower start in Australia compared to tea. Coffee beans were first brought to Australia by the First Fleet in 1788, but coffee consumption did not gain widespread popularity until the mid-20th century.

In the early years of European settlement, coffee was considered a luxury item, and its consumption was limited to the wealthier classes. However, with increasing immigration from Mediterranean countries, such as Italy and Greece, in the post-World War II period, coffee culture began to flourish.

The influx of European migrants brought with them their coffee traditions, including espresso-based drinks like cappuccinos and lattes. These European-style cafes began to appear in cities like Sydney and Melbourne, catering to both the migrant communities and the emerging Australian coffee culture.

In the 1980s and 1990s, the popularity of coffee surged with the rise of specialty coffee shops. Australians embraced the café culture, with many enjoying the experience of sipping high-quality coffee in cozy and stylish establishments. The introduction of coffee chains like Starbucks in the early 2000s also contributed to the mainstream adoption of coffee drinking.

 

Tea Vs Coffee 

I found  these very interesting stats from https://accumulate.com.au/27-coffee-consumption-statistics-from-australia-2023

Around 75% of Australian adults drink at least a cup of coffee daily, with 28% of them consuming at least three cups daily. In comparison, only 9.8 people in Australia drink tea at least once a week, while 6.8 million drink beer.

 

 

Taste and quality are the top priorities for Australians when it comes to coffee (78%), followed by price (6%), customer service (4%), and speed of delivery (2%). When it comes to factors that would make them pay more for a cup of coffee, the origin of the coffee bean is the most important (15%), followed by customer service,  the coffee roaster’s brand, and location.

Other interesting findings from a survey of 1,000 coffee consumers in Australia include the following:

• 26% of respondents would not return to a cafe if they served low-quality coffee.
• 39% of people are willing to wait 2-4 minutes for their takeaway coffee, while only 18% would wait more than 6 minutes.

Cafes should treat tea drinkers the same as coffee drinkers for several reasons:

1. Customer Satisfaction: Treating all customers equally, regardless of their beverage preference, is essential for ensuring customer satisfaction. A cafe that values its customers will provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone, whether they prefer tea or coffee. By offering a diverse range of high-quality teas and providing the same level of service to tea drinkers as they do to coffee drinkers, cafes can attract a broader customer base and create a positive experience for all patrons.
2. Business Opportunities: By recognizing the importance of tea drinkers, cafes can tap into a potentially untapped market. Many people enjoy tea as their preferred beverage, and by catering to their needs, cafes can attract new customers and increase revenue. Expanding the tea menu, offering different varieties and blends, and providing knowledgeable staff who can guide tea enthusiasts through the choices can enhance the cafe's offerings and attract a wider range of customers.
3. Cultural Sensitivity: Australia is a multicultural country with a diverse population, and different cultures have their own tea-drinking traditions. Treating tea drinkers equally shows respect for cultural diversity and acknowledges the preferences and customs of various communities. By offering a variety of teas and embracing cultural differences, cafes can create an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere for all customers.
4. Market Trends: The demand for tea has been growing steadily worldwide, including in Australia. With increasing awareness of the health benefits and unique flavors of tea, more people are choosing tea as their beverage of choice. By adapting to market trends and meeting the evolving preferences of consumers, cafes can stay relevant and competitive in the industry.
5. Customer Loyalty: Building customer loyalty is crucial for the long-term success of cafes. When tea drinkers are treated equally, they are more likely to become repeat customers and recommend the cafe to others. Word-of-mouth recommendations are powerful, and satisfied tea drinkers can help attract more patrons, contributing to the cafe's reputation and overall success.

In summary, treating tea drinkers the same as coffee drinkers is not only a matter of fairness and inclusivity but also a smart business decision. By recognizing the value of tea drinkers, cafes can expand their customer base, enhance customer satisfaction, and embrace cultural diversity while staying attuned to market trends.

 

 

Serving loose leaf tea can indeed be seen as a sign of respect for tea drinkers. Here's why:

1. Quality and Flavor: Loose leaf tea generally offers superior quality and flavor compared to tea bags. The leaves in loose leaf tea are often whole or larger, allowing for a better infusion and a more nuanced taste. By serving loose leaf tea, cafes demonstrate a commitment to providing a higher-quality tea-drinking experience for their customers.
2. Variety and Selection: Loose leaf tea provides a wider range of options and flavors compared to pre-packaged tea bags. Tea enthusiasts appreciate the opportunity to explore different tea varieties, blends, and origins. By offering a selection of loose leaf teas, cafes cater to the diverse preferences of tea drinkers and allow them to discover unique flavors and experiences.
3. Ritual and Experience: For many tea connoisseurs, the act of brewing loose leaf tea is an integral part of the tea-drinking ritual. It involves measuring the appropriate amount of tea leaves, steeping them in an infuser or teapot, and allowing the flavors to develop over time. Serving loose leaf tea acknowledges and respects the traditional tea-drinking customs and rituals that are cherished by tea enthusiasts.
4. Sustainability: Loose leaf tea is often considered a more sustainable option compared to tea bags. Tea bags can contain plastic or non-biodegradable materials, while loose leaf tea reduces packaging waste. By serving loose leaf tea, cafes contribute to environmental sustainability, which is appreciated by environmentally conscious tea drinkers.
5. Engagement and Education: Serving loose leaf tea provides an opportunity for cafes to engage with their customers and educate them about different tea varieties, brewing techniques, and the rich cultural history associated with tea. It allows cafes to showcase their expertise and passion for tea, creating a more immersive and educational experience for tea drinkers.

While serving loose leaf tea is a sign of respect for tea drinkers, it's important to note that some customers may prefer the convenience of tea bags. Providing both options and accommodating individual preferences is key to creating an inclusive tea-drinking environment in cafes. Ultimately, the goal is to offer high-quality teas and create a positive experience for all tea enthusiasts, regardless of their preferred brewing method

If you favourite cafe or restaurant does not serve loose leaf tea, then ask then why not?

 

Thank you to all the cafes, restaurants & hospitality venues that treat us tea drinkers with respect. This includes all of our wonderful Harriet stockists!

They are the places that serve a range of high quality loose leaf teas in a teapot. And that the staff actually know how to make a proper tea, and don't just serve up pots of dishwater!

If this sounds like your favourite place, then say thank you to them by giving them a big shout out here, and tag them in the comments.