That being said, the mix is shifting to include greater varieties of hot tea blends within the specialty segment. These teas are not displacing the venerable Earl Grey and English Breakfast specialty blends by any means, but they are expanding the product offering within the specialty segment and increasing consumer appeal. Continued interest in nutrition and health among consumers and increasing awareness among these health-conscious Canadians are expected to sustain the core black tea bag market. As witnessed in 1996, the media is very interested in positive health information on tea, and any new research to become public in the coming months or years should play well in Canadian newscasts and print. Canadians overwhelmingly drink their tea in the home.
Tea is the fourth most popular beverage in foodservice.
As consumers continue to demand better tea selection and preparation, foodservice tea sales present a huge opportunity to grow the total Canadian market without cutting into in-home consumption. That being said, iced tea is a relatively new phenomenon for Canadians, and long-term potential as a soft drink alternative is excellent. The flavour craze has not escaped the iced tea category, and exotic flavoured teas continue to do well with consumers. Consumer interest and taste-buds are turned on to tea. The tea industry has established itself as a credible source of information on tea with Canada's health professionals and leading media.