In the CBS drama “The Mentalist,” consultant Patrick Jane surveys the crime scene looking for clues that others might have overlooked. But the pesky former psychic also seems to be on the hunt for more at every crime scene: a cup of tea. As the fictional character can’t seem to go without his cup of tea, that same affinity seems to be popping up in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) market. According to Chicago-based Mintel’s July 2013 “Tea and RTD Teas – US” report, tea and ready-to-drink (RTD) tea sales increased nearly 5 percent in 2012 for just under $7 billion in sales. The market research firm estimates that sales for 2013 will increase 4.1 percent to approximately $7.3 billion. It also anticipates continued annual growth with ranges from 3.8 percent in 2014 to 3.2 percent in 2018.
One of the factors that Mintel credits for tea’s annual growth is its healthy reputation. Suppliers of tea ingredients echo similar sentiments.