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In 2024, the production volume of ready-to-drink (RTD) tea in Japan amounted to around *** million kiloliters, representing the eigth consecutive year with an annual production volume exceeding *** million kiloliters. RTD teas are an integral part of the Japanese non-alcoholic beverages industry, making up around **** of domestic sales volume. The beverages are mainly filled in PET bottles, with vending machines further distributing canned variants, which are heated in winter.

RTD teas – an assortment of flavors

RTD teas are popular alternatives to water and other bottled soft drinks to quench the thirst on the way, which can be found on store shelves and in almost all beverage vending machines in Japan. While the popularity drove the growth and the expansion of the assortment at manufacturers, the broad product range had in turn drawn in new consumers. The number of tea drinks circulating in the Japanese market reached over *** with almost 100 variations being introduced annually. The RTD tea types available all year round are green, black, herbal, and oolong teas, whereas limited editions draw inspiration from trending or seasonal flavors.

Impact on the tea industry

Tea is a widely available beverage in Japan. Apart from bottled products, the hot drink can be purchased as dried leaves or infusions, tea bags, and compressed lumps for brewing at home. The traditional tea culture is commonly associated with the preparation of green tea in the Japanese tea ceremony, which is still practiced as an art and cultural activity nowadays. But the consumption of freshly brewed infusions has been on a decline in recent years, facilitated by the popularity of bottled products, coffee as an alternative stimulant, and other liquid refreshment beverages. Even though tea remains a consumer favorite, its popularity is sustained by the convenience of RTD products.