Tea leaves

cpc code 0162 covers the production and processing of tea leaves, a globally traded agricultural commodity with significant economic and cultural importance. Tea is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world, and the tea industry plays a crucial role in the economies of major tea-producing countries. This industry encompasses the cultivation, harvesting, and processing of tea leaves, which are then distributed and consumed worldwide.

The production of tea leaves involves several key steps. First, tea plants are cultivated, typically in tropical or subtropical regions with suitable climate and soil conditions. The leaves are then harvested, either manually or mechanically, at specific times of the year when the leaves are at their optimal quality. After harvesting, the tea leaves undergo a series of processing steps, such as withering, rolling, oxidation, and drying, to produce the desired tea varieties and flavors.

The tea industry requires several key inputs for production. These include the tea plants themselves, which are typically grown from specialized tea cultivars. Additionally, the industry relies on agricultural equipment and machinery for cultivation, harvesting, and processing. Labor, both skilled and unskilled, is another crucial input, as much of the tea production process is labor-intensive. Water and energy sources are also important inputs for the various processing stages.

The primary output of the tea industry is, of course, processed tea leaves, which are then packaged and distributed for consumption. Tea leaves can be further processed into a variety of tea products, such as black tea, green tea, oolong tea, and herbal teas. These tea products are then consumed by 0461 Food and beverage manufacturing, 4722 Retail sale of food, beverages and tobacco in specialized stores, and 5610 Restaurants and mobile food service activities.