Consumption. The French are increasingly addicted to teas and herbal teas.

It is the second most consumed beverage in the world after water: tea is no longer just a drink for the English... It has become a habit for the French, with consumption even tripling in 25 years, driven by periods of confinement, since it is more often consumed at home. More than two-thirds of households (66%) purchased tea or infusions during the year 2024, for an average annual budget of 26.1 euros, according to the Syndicat du thé et des plantes à infusion (Stepi).

The French are particularly fond of green teas, which represent 38% of tea sales by volume in supermarkets and hypermarkets (+7.4% compared to 2023). Sales of tea pods are also increasing by 3.1%, according to figures from Stepi.

To appeal to a wider audience, brands are competing in originality and flavor research. In addition to traditional green, black, and white teas, fruity and gourmet flavors can be found in specialty aisles and stores: salted butter caramel, praline, and madeleine at Dammann Frères, or hibiscus flower and raspberry at Lipton.

Tea isn't the only one diversifying. In recent years, it's been competing with herbal teas and infusions. They represent 38% of sales in supermarkets and hypermarkets (compared to 62% for tea). The "pee-me-me" drink has never been so fashionable. In 2024, sales of classic infusions increased by 3.3% and those of flavored infusions by 11.5%. In this sector too, brands are bursting with originality in terms of flavors and, above all, benefits (real or supposed): the traditional "quiet nights" or "easy digestion" rub shoulders with the "boosts" or "return from the evening" of the Haute-Savoie brand Les 2 Marmottes, or the "relaxations" or "immune defenses" of Yogi tea. The idea is twofold: take care of your body with a comforting drink. The herbal tea does not contain theine (which is a stimulant), but only natural plants.

The range of organic teas and herbal teas is popular with consumers, despite a complicated economic climate for the organic sector : 12.6% of teas sold in supermarkets are labeled organic, a figure that rises to 31.8% for infusions.

Thought tea was just a winter drink? Think again, it's also enjoyed in the summer... iced! Brands have also invested in this sector, and several offer cold-infused teas: strawberry granita-flavored iced infusion at Le Palais des Thés, and raspberry peach cold infusion at Lipton.

Industry players have been working hard to expand. Kettles are now available at different temperatures depending on the tea. And even coffee specialists have gotten in on the act! Tea capsules, just like coffee capsules, are available on Nespresso, Tassimo, and Dolce Gusto machines. There are even... tea boxes, to be received monthly, as gifts or to treat yourself. Teas and herbal teas continue to be available in a wide variety of flavors.