Is There a Market for Louisiana Produced Tea (Camellia sinensis)? A Survey to Determine the Potential for a Niche Market
ISSN 2158-9429
Volume 17, Issue 1 - June 2024
Editor: Linda Chalker-Scott
Abstract
Tea (Camellia sinensis) is the second most consumed beverage in the world with a strong following as a sweet beverage in the southern United States. Specialty crop producers face many challenges regarding development of a local tea industry. A survey was developed and distributed to 5,537 Louisiana residents to determine specific interest in tea production practices and tea products. When asked to rank in importance the reasons why respondents purchase tea, domestically grown and locally grown tea were identified as important factors by 30.0% and 24.8% of respondents, respectively (Domestic n = 853, Local n = 706). Respondents also ranked certified organic tea (n = 785, 27.6%) and sustainably produced, but not certified organic, tea (n = 1,288, 45.5%) as important factors when considering purchasing tea.
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