Teapots are standing the test of time and growing in popularity, unlike many ‘traditional’ objects and practices which have fallen victim to the speed and convenience of technology – that is according to a new survey revealed today by The Tea Group.
More than two out of three (69.5%) people in the UK are still reaching for their teapot when making the perfect brew, with just under half (46.9%) doing so first thing in the morning.
The survey of more than 1,300 Brits, conducted in the run-up to International Tea Day 2024 (May 21st), also found that fine bone china is the most popular teapot choice, with 60% of people opting for the luxurious traditional type of teapot, followed by a clay teapot (22.5%).
Diaz Ayub, Managing Director and Founder at The Tea Group, said, “We’re absolutely thrilled to see how many people still adore teapots, particularly in the modern world, where people often look for speed and convenience.
“But we don’t find it too surprising that people reach for a teapot first thing in the morning – there’s something magical about the teapot tea preparation ritual that is calming, meditative and a perfect way to start the day, a real ‘me time’ moment.
“It’s also very interesting to see how many people use a clay teapot, as depending on the clay and raw material used, where it’s from in the world, and the firing technique applied, the taste of the tea can vary from one to the other.”
Many cafes, restaurants, bars and hotels have added afternoon tea to their menus as the traditional experience continues to pull in customers, with all sorts of twists on the sandwiches, scones and jam combination. So, to mark International Tea Day, The Tea Group wanted to understand how far-reaching the UK’s love of the traditional teapot, teacup, and saucer was.
Its survey revealed that tea lovers across the country are still choosing to use teapots to inject a little more luxury into their lives and to enjoy the quintessentially English drink in all its glory.
Diaz added, “Whether you’re chasing a little taste of luxury or some quiet comfort, we truly believe a teapot is perfect for any occasion and a beautiful symbol of British culture.
“International Tea Day is incredibly important to us at The Tea Group, not only as it is a wonderful opportunity for nations to come together and celebrate their fondness of the drink, but also a vital chance to raise awareness of its goal to promote activities that aid the sustainable production and consumption of tea across the globe.”
The teapot’s comeback is mirrored on social media, as the historic tradition of afternoon tea continues to rise in popularity, with the number of Instagram posts with the hashtag #afternoontea climbing by 1 million from 2022.
Diaz added, “Although afternoon tea is very trendy at the moment, tea and the teapot actually have a longstanding significance in British culture. Tea has been an intrinsic part of everyday life across the world for centuries and is a ceremony shared across cultures and ages that brings people together.
“In the UK, the tradition of afternoon tea has continued to be an important part of British culture, with afternoon tea bookings at hotels across the country seeing a marked increase following the pandemic. We believe this is because people wanted to spend precious time together in a way that felt special and meaningful once restrictions were lifted, and afternoon tea is certainly an occasion that creates fond memories when shared with those close to you.
“We wish everyone celebrating International Tea Day a happy teatime today and would love to see your teapot images on social media – do tag us in your celebrations!”
Recently, The Tea Group launched The Ladies Tea Collection, created to give back to women working in tea plantations, tea businesses and tea cultures across the world. 50% of all profits from sales will be donated to enhance education, health care and sanitary services for females in tea.
The Ladies Tea Collection was launched on National Tea Day 2024 (April 21st). Available to purchase online at The Tea Shop and served in luxury retailers and hotels around the world.