Tea Industry Research Articles

Impact of sustainable development goal orientation on supply chain collaboration and sustained competitive advantage: Evidence from the tea and coffee industry

According the Resource Based View (RBV) theory and the sustainable development goals (SDG) framework, this study investigates the structural relationships between sustainable development goals, supply chain collaboration, and sustained competitive advantage. Data were collected from a survey of 359 firms in Thailand's coffee and tea supply chains and analyzed using structural equation modeling. The findings show that partnership is the most influential aspect of the SDG, whereas resource sharing is the most influential aspect of supply chain collaboration. Findings also show that supply chain collaboration has more influence than capability to enhance sustained competitive advantage. This research sheds light on the linkage between sustainable development goals and supply chain collaboration and capability, which affects the firm's sustained competitive advantage.

Development of Genome-Wide Intron Length Polymorphism (ILP) Markers in Tea Plant (Camellia sinensis) and Related Applications for Genetics Research.

The market value of tea is largely dependent on the tea species and cultivar. Therefore, it is important to develop efficient molecular markers covering the entire tea genome that can be used for the identification of tea varieties, marker-assisted breeding, and mapping important quantitative trait loci for beneficial traits. In this study, genome-wide molecular markers based on intron length polymorphism (ILP) were developed for tea trees. A total of 479, 1393, and 1342 tea ILP markers were identified using the PCR method in silico from the 'Shuchazao' scaffold genome, the chromosome-level genome of 'Longjing 43', and the ancient tea DASZ chromosome-level genome, respectively. A total of 230 tea ILP markers were used to amplify six tea tree species. Among these, 213 pairs of primers successfully characterize products in all six species, with 112 primer pairs exhibiting polymorphism. The polymorphism rate of primer pairs increased with the improvement in reference genome assembly quality level. The cross-species transferability analysis of 35 primer pairs of tea ILP markers showed an average amplification rate of 85.17% through 11 species in 6 families, with high transferability in Camellia reticulata and tobacco. We also used 40 pairs of tea ILP primers to evaluate the genetic diversity and population structure of C. tetracocca with 176 plants from Puan County, Guizhou Province, China. These genome-wide markers will be a valuable resource for genetic diversity analysis, marker-assisted breeding, and variety identification in tea, providing important information for the tea industry.

Colletotrichum Species Causing Cyclocarya paliurus Anthracnose in Southern China

Cyclocarya paliurus, native to China, is a medicinal and edible plant with important health benefits. Anthracnose is an emerging disease in southern China that causes severe economic losses and poses a great threat to the C. paliurus tea industry. However, to date, the species diversity of pathogens causing C. paliurus anthracnose has remained limited. From 2018 to 2022, a total of 331 Colletotrichum isolates were recovered from symptomatic leaves in eight major C. paliurus planting provinces of southern China. Phylogenetic analyses based on nine loci (ITS, GAPDH, ACT, CHS-1, TUB, CAL, HIS3, GS and ApMat) coupled with phenotypic characteristics revealed that 43 representative isolates belonged to seven known Colletotrichum species, including C. brevisporum, C. fructicola, C. gloeosporioides sensu stricto, C. godetiae, C. nymphaeae, C. plurivorum and C. sojae. Pathogenicity tests demonstrated that all species described above were pathogenic to wounding detached leaves of C. paliurus, with C. fructicola being the most aggressive species. However, C. brevisporum, C. plurivorum and C. sojae were not pathogenic to the intact plant of C. paliurus. These findings reveal the remarkable species diversity involved in C. paliurus anthracnose and will facilitate further studies on implementing effective control of C. paliurus anthracnose in China.

Marketing Strategy Research in China's Milk Tea Industry: A Case Study of Mixue

This paper delves into the marketing strategies employed within the dynamic landscape of China's milk tea industry, with a specific focus on Mixue as a compelling case study. The milk tea sector in China has witnessed remarkable growth and transformation in recent years, driven by changing consumer preferences and a burgeoning youth demographic. Through a meticulous analysis of Mixue's marketing strategies, this research aims to unravel the key factors contributing to the brand's success in this fiercely competitive arena. The study employs a multifaceted approach that encompasses various dimensions of marketing, including product innovation, branding, pricing, distribution, and promotional tactics. Mixue's ascendancy within the milk tea industry is underpinned by its adept utilization of social media platforms, reflecting the evolving nature of consumer engagement in the digital age. The brand's ability to create compelling content, engage with its target audience, and harness the power of user-generated content has played a pivotal role in bolstering its market presence. Furthermore, this research examines Mixue's strategies for differentiation and brand positioning within the crowded milk tea marketplace. The findings shed light on the brand's unique selling propositions and how these resonate with consumers, ultimately influencing their purchase decisions. As a case study, Mixue's marketing strategies provide valuable insights for both industry practitioners and academics seeking to understand the evolving dynamics of the milk tea sector in China. By examining Mixue's approach, this research contributes to a broader comprehension of successful marketing strategies within the context of China's vibrant milk tea industry.

Optimization of Brewing Process Vine Tea and Flavor Analysis of Different Brewing Processes

As a traditional Chinese medicine with the dual use of medicine and food, vine tea has been utilized for centuries as a daily health beverage due to its various health benefits. The primary component responsible for its biological activity is its total flavonoid content. While numerous studies have been conducted on the extracts of vine tea, research has primarily centered on its ingredients and effects, with limited focus on its sensory characteristics. As it has the problems of the undesirable flavor of bitterness and astringency, the development of the vine tea industry is limited. Furthermore, there is currently no standardized brewing process for vine tea. Therefore, it is essential to find a brewing method that is universally applicable and balances a high level of active ingredients with a rich sensory experience. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive investigation into the impact of various water qualities, tea-water ratios, brewing temperatures, steeping times, and frequencies on the total flavonoid content. To investigate the differences between samples from different brewing methods, one-factor experiments (n = 20) and orthogonal experiments were conducted. The total flavonoid content was measured using UV spectrophotometry. To thoroughly examine the flavor compounds, we employed mathematical relationship analysis, radar-gram analysis, principal component analysis (PCA), and odor fingerprinting. By integrating these methods with the electronic tongue and electronic nose, we were able to compare the flavor variances between samples and offer a concise analysis of the flavor compounds. The brewing process is influenced by several factors, with the tea-to-water ratio having the most significant impact, followed by brewing temperature and then brewing time. Electronic tongues and electronic noses can distinguish vine tea samples with different brewing processes to a certain extent. The optimal brewing conditions determined in this study were pure water, a 1 : 50 tea-to-water ratio, an 85°C brewing temperature, an 8-minute brewing time, and a single brew cycle. These conditions produced the highest total flavonoid content in the vine tea, at 326.8 mg/g, and the best flavor quality. This study offers novel approaches to standardize the brewing process of vine tea, along with valuable perspectives for enhancing the sensory attributes of the tea. It can serve as a benchmark for the industry’s future growth in the canning of vine tea, facilitating the creation of diverse vine tea drinks.

Assessing tea plantations biophysical and biochemical characteristics in Northeast India using satellite data.

Despite advancements in using multi-temporal satellite data to assess long-term changes in Northeast India's tea plantations, a research gap exists in understanding the intricate interplay between biophysical and biochemical characteristics. Further exploration is crucial for precise, sustainable monitoring and management. In this study, satellite-derived vegetation indices and near-proximal sensor data were deployed to deduce various physico-chemical characteristics and to evaluate the health conditions of tea plantations in northeast India. The districts, such as Sonitpur, Jorhat, Sibsagar, Dibrugarh, and Tinsukia in Assam were selected, which are the major contributors to the tea industry in India. The Sentinel-2A (2022) data was processed in the Google Earth Engine (GEE) cloud platform and utilized for analyzing tea plantations biochemical and biophysical properties. Leaf chlorophyll (Cab) and nitrogen contents are determined using the Normalized Area Over Reflectance Curve (NAOC) index and flavanol contents, respectively. Biophysical and biochemical parameters of the tea assessed during the spring season (March-April) 2022 revealed that tea plantations located in Tinsukia and Dibrugarh were much healthier than the other districts in Assam which are evident from satellite-derived Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI), Modified Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index (MSAVI), Leaf Area Index (LAI), and Fraction of Absorbed Photosynthetically Active Radiation (fPAR), including the Cab and nitrogen contents. The Cab of healthy tea plants varied from 25 to 35µg/cm2. Pearson correlation among satellite-derived Cab and nitrogen with field measurements showed R2 of 0.61-0.62 (p-value < 0.001). This study offered vital information about land alternations and tea health conditions, which can be crucial for conservation, monitoring, and management practices.

Creative tea tourism in Asian tea villages

ABSTRACT Tea has a long history connected to many creative pursuits including but not limited to art, literature, story-telling, cultural ceremonies, cuisine and gastronomy. Creativity and related creative activities have been noted as relevant to tourism and hospitality. Tea tourism has been recognized as a niche tourism form both in producing and consuming countries and also as part of tea studies. This paper applies the principles of creative tourism to the niche of tea tourism, investigating the existence of forms of creative tea tourism. The literature on the creative economy, creative tourism and tea tourism provides a context for examining creative tea tourism examples through comparative case studies from rural tea villages in Japan (Wazuka) and Thailand (Doi Pu Muen). A key focus will be on how these communities have creatively developed their tea tourism activities, to address challenges in traditional tea and tourism industries. The relevance of the findings to other global tea producing locales will be identified.

Climate Smart Tea (Camellia sinensis) Cultivation Practices in Rathnapura District

&#x0D; Tea (Camellia sinensis) cultivation in Sri Lanka, which plays a key role in the nation's economy, is facing unprecedented challenges due to the impacts of climate change. Climatic changes led to adverse outcomes, including deteriorating soil conditions marked by erosion, hindered tea plant growth, reduced quality, yield and market value of the tea. For many small-scale tea farmers, tea cultivation is their primary source of income. Climate-related challenges make their livelihoods more vulnerable, with poverty, especially extreme rain led to high maintenance costs and some cultivators to abandon tea plucking, hindering maintain efforts due to insufficient facilities and high expenses. Therefore, mitigating climate challenges is important. Objectives of this study is to find out the effects of climate change on tea cultivation, identify awareness levels and explore climate smart mitigation practices employed in Ratnapura District. Primary data was collected using in- depth interviews and field observations. Secondary data was collected from Tea Research Institute (TRI) databases. The region faces challenges from climate change, with high rainfall, occasional temperature fluctuations, droughts, and flood events. Terracing techniques are utilized to create level surfaces, effectively controlling soil erosion by slowing the flow of rainwater down slopes, cover cropping with grasses and legumes being planted between tea rows to shield the soil from the erosive force of raindrops, efficient drainage systems, such as trenches and channels, redirect excess rainwater away from the fields, preventing waterlogging, shade management, through strategic tree planting, and the use of mulch, tea pruning practices, aid in protecting tea bushes from heavy rainfall, planting high rainfall resilience varieties and preserving soil structure. Tea cultivators lack awareness regarding climate-smart practices and have limited knowledge about TRI recommendations. The research findings important to empower local tea farmers with innovative adaptation, thereby enhancing the adaptive capacity of the tea industry.&#x0D; &#x0D; Keywords: Climate smart, Tea cultivation, Climate changes, High rainfall, Innovative adaptation

Exploring the booming tea tourist industry and unconventional tourism through the ritual of drinking tea in India

More and more individuals are realizing the need to take time away from their regular lives to recharge their bodies and minds by visiting new places. That's why we reasoned that drinking tea while on holiday would be the most significant element in promoting the growth of the tea tourism sector. We want to bring attention to how, via the medium of tastescape, the ritual of drinking tea may help one better understand the notion of unconventional tourism in India. A tastescape is a combination of physical elements, social norms, and geographical settings. One kind of nature tourism that includes visits to tea plantations is an example of a niche market. Without a question, if you're looking for a place to visit that serves excellent tea, you should make your way to India. If the right marketing campaigns are launched to attract eco-travelers, and if the necessary efforts are made to enhance the quality of the area, the Indian Tea Estates have the potential to become a leading destination for tea tourism. The novelty of this study lies in its exploration of tea tourism prospects in India and the investigation into how the fascination with tea influences the decisions of foreign tourists visiting the country. The research aims to promote travel to India so that more people may learn about and appreciate the tea culture there. Both primary and secondary sources are used in this qualitative study. Features and advertising tactics for luring tourists are described in this research. At this point, we analyze the research data and use it to inform a set of preliminary marketing strategies. The study also found that enhancing a customer's overall impression of a company is one of the most effective ways to encourage repeat business. It is difficult to advance plans to combine the tourism and tea industries due to a lack of personnel and expertise. The difficulty may be overcome if the two parties can work together to mutual benefit. Achieving future achievements will require strengthening the connection between tea and tourism, establishing collaborations, encouraging a higher degree of local engagement, and highlighting local benefits as a way of life.

YOLOX target detection model can identify and classify several types of tea buds with similar characteristics

Currently, the accuracy of tea bud identification is crucial in the intelligent development of the tea industry, and this is due to the fact that identifying tea buds is a key step in determining the quality of tea and distinguishing the categories. In this experiment, 3728 tea shoots with similar characteristics in four categories (Anji White Tea, Huangshan Seed, Longjing 43, and NongKang Early) were photographed to establish the dataset TBD (Tea Bud Dataset). In this experiment, we constructed a tea shoot recognition model. We used seven mainstream algorithms (YOLOv4, YOLOv5, YOLOX, YOLOv7, EfficientDet, Faster R-CNN and CenterNet) to conduct shoot recognition comparison experiments and found that the YOLOX algorithm performs the best with its Precision, Recall, F1 score, mAP 89.34%, 93.56%, 0.91, and 95.47%, respectively. Then the YOLOX algorithm combined with the dataset to construct the shoot recognition model, the shoots of four kinds of tea to establish a tea shoot classification model, the model to identify the Anji white tea shoots of Precision 76.19%, the yellow mountain species of Precision 90.54%, Longjing 43 Precision 80%, NongKang early to the morning of the Precision was 77.78%. The results of this experiment show that the established tea shoot classification model has achieved a better classification of the above four types of tea shoots, which can also understand the feasibility of mechanical intelligent tea picking and provide some theoretical support for the application of mechanical intelligent tea picking in practice.

Determinants of intrapreneurial intention of small tea exporters in Sri Lanka

The purpose of the study is to investigate the factors affecting the intrepreneurial intentions of small tea exporters in Sri Lanka. Intentions are crucial in any behavior to realize such behaviors and yield expected results. Owing to the problem of this study as how to initiate innovations in the global tea market, the study was carried out to find out the determinants of intentions of small tea exporters in Sri Lanka. This is a quantitative study followed by deductive reasoning. This study selected small tea exporters with the view of enhancing their intentions to proceed with these innovations, as large tea exporters are already introducing innovations to the tea industry. The study collected data from 120 small tea exporters who had registered with the Sri Lanka Tea Board by the end of 2020 using a structured questionnaire. The findings revealed that Individual Entrepreneurial Orientation (IEO), attitudes, and Entrepreneurial Self-efficacy (ESE) have significant and positive impact on Intrapreneurial Intention (INI) of small tea exporters in Sri Lanka while IEO contributes more to the INI. Finally, the findings of this study provide useful insights for small tea exporters in stimulating their intentions towards the introduction of innovations leading to a better performance in the global tea market. Further, it will guide policymakers and the government in designing the appropriate policies, rules, and regulations in this context.

Decolorization of tea industry wastewater utilizing tea waste bio-adsorbent in fixed-bed adsorption column: breakthrough curves analysis and modeling

Decolorization of tea industry wastewater utilizing tea waste bio-adsorbent in fixed-bed adsorption column: breakthrough curves analysis and modeling

A Study of China’s Nascent Tea Drink Industry to Explore the Possibility of Africa’s Nascent Tea Market

As the global economy continues to burgeon after the pandemic, nascent tea drinks which are first invented in China are becoming more and more popular since they are both tasty and healthful. The paper mainly researches China’s nascent tea drink market and critically investigates the possibility of applying the business mode to the African market which is currently unexplored. In terms of China’s market, development history, industry chain, consumer concerns, and a case study of HEYTEA--a well-known nascent tea brand in China--are discussed to advance the knowledge of nascent tea industry and the implications of establishing the nascent tea drink market in African countries. After the analysis of China’s market, a SWOT analysis and recommended practices about establishing the nascent tea drink markets in African countries are later discussed in the paper. The SWOT analysis mainly discusses the benefits and drawbacks of developing nascent tea drink market in Africa and the potential threats and opportunities.

Mediating Effect of Operating Cash Flow on the Relationship between Working capital and Financial Performance of Tea Firms in Kenya.

Purpose: Many corporate firms incorporating those in the tea sector are normally interested in their corporate financial performance. This is particularly in regard to the manner in which their activities pertaining financing, investing and operating assignments, not only aid in generating incomes but similarly on how to maintain and manage the expenditures and costs of all these activities to their very minimal, with an objective of optimizing on firm’s profitability. Notwithstanding the agitation for corporate financial performance generally and in particular profitability, still it is unclear on how the management of operating cash flow influence the corporate financial performance of firms in the tea industry in Kenya. The divergence in the management of operating cash flow policies across the tea industry is depicted in the discrepancy in the operating cash flow fluctuating from very high of these ratios to low current asset to total asset ratios.&#x0D; Methodology: Regardless of the fluctuation in the management of operating cash flow management policies, still there is inadequacy of theoretical and empirical explicitness on the manner in which management of operating cash flow influences profitability of these corporate firms.&#x0D; Findings: Empirically, numerous research studies arrives at varied findings on how operating cash flow is correlated with to the corporate financial performance. Theoretically, whereas the Miller- Orr model (1966) and Baumol model (1956) suggest optimal structuring of operating cash flow to enhance risk minimization and thus uplift financial performance. On the other hand, the Jensen and Meckling agency theory (1976) shortfall in pointing out an explicit relationship between the operating cash flow collection period and corporate financial performance. The stewardship theory of Gitman (1974), showcased an inverse association between operating cash flow collection period and profitability. The present research study is developed as a correlational research designed study employing the 40 multinationals and KTDA managed tea companies in tea sector in Kenya over a 6 year period covering 2014 to 2019. This forms 240 firm-year observations. Random-effects model regression model was employed after conducting specification tests for the model. The hypothesis testing was analyzed by employing the t-statistic at 95% confidence interval.&#x0D; Unique contributor to theory, policy and practice: Having the foundation on the philosophy of positivist research design, the research results established that operating cash flow as measured by the ratio of cash and cash equivalent to current liabilities showed that it does not mediate the relationship between working capital management decisions and financial performance as measured by earnings before interest and taxes to total assets. This research study was confined to the tea factories under multinational and KTDA managed tea firms in Kenya and recommendation thereof is an increased sample for all tea firms in Kenya could be included in order to check out how it will influence the robustness of the findings.

Morbidity pattern of tea garden residents of Darjeeling, India

Abstract Tea industry is an important agroindustry of the northern part of West Bengal. Poor socioeconomic conditions, illiteracy, culture and food habit, overcrowding, make the population vulnerable to various communicable and noncommunicable diseases. This study was done to identify the pattern of communicable and noncommunicable diseases among the outpatient attendees of a tea-estate in Darjeeling, West Bengal, India. The cross-sectional record-based study was conducted among the beneficiaries of the tea-garden clinic. Among them, proportion having non-communicable diseases (65.2%) were higher than communicable disease (34.8%). Most of the communicable (61.9%) and noncommunicable (87.9%) diseases were among 20–60 years age group. Among them, majority of the communicable disease were respiratory (51.9%) and mainly upper respiratory tract infection (100%). In this age group, majority of the cardiovascular problem were hypertension (96%) and majority of the musculoskeletal diseases were joint pain (79%). It is necessary to have a knowledge of the recent trends of diseases in the area as reliable information on health problems of a population is an essential prerequisite for formulating health-care system to address health needs.

First report of bacterial leaf blight on tea: an emerging threat to the Indian tea industry

First report of bacterial leaf blight on tea: an emerging threat to the Indian tea industry

Strategic Automation for Revenue Collection Efficiency: Insights from Global Tea Factory, Bushenyi District, Uganda

Effective revenue collection is a critical success factor in the tea manufacturing industry, where it is inextricably linked to strategic automation initiatives that drive operational efficiency and earnings optimization. The synergistic relationship between revenue collection and automation is pivotal in determining financial performance and profitability, as automated systems enhance accuracy, reduce manual errors, and facilitate real-time financial tracking. The purpose of this study was to establish the influence of technology and automation on revenue collection of Global Tea Factory located in Bushenyi district in Uganda. The study was anchored on transaction theory. The study employed a quantitative research approach and was guided by a correlational research design. The target population for this study consisted of 299 staff from the production company from whom a sample size 171 was obtained using Slovin’s formula. Quantitative data was collected using self-administered questionnaires. Piloting was done to the test the questionnaires for validity and reliability. Collected data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics with the help of SPSS version 26. The findings from simple linear regression indicate that there was a significant positive relationship between Technology &amp; Automation on Revenue Collection (t=7.800, p=.000, &lt;0.05). The Pearson’s correlation analysis indicated that there is a positive correlation between the technology and automation and revenue collection. (r = 0.515, **p = 0.000, P-value &lt; 0.05). The null hypothesis was rejected and hence alternative hypothesis adopted. The study concluded that technology and automation significantly improve revenue collection efficiency and financial performance in tea manufacturing sector. To improve operational efficiency and financial performance, tea industries are recommended to implement automated inventory management and digital revenue collection solutions. The findings of this study will enable policy makers to develop targeted interventions and incentives to support tea industries in leveraging technology and automation, driving economic development and revenue growth.

Rapid Detection of Colletotrichum siamense from Infected Tea Plants Using Filter-Disc DNA Extraction and Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification.

The pathogen Colletotrichum siamense causes tea anthracnose, resulting in economic losses to the Chinese tea industry. To effectively diagnose this pathogen in the field, we developed a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method using highly specific primers with a sensitivity of 1 pg/μl designed for amplifying the CAL gene, which was 10 times higher than that of conventional PCR. Additionally, to improve the method for obtaining DNA samples required for on-site diagnosis, we used the filter-disc DNA extraction method, which does not require special instruments and can be completed in a few minutes, and found that it effectively meets the requirements for the LAMP reaction. Finally, we combined LAMP with a filter-disc DNA extraction method (FDE-LAMP) to diagnose different degrees of disease in inoculated samples and 20 samples from the field. The results showed that the procedure had sufficient sensitivity for pathogen detection. Therefore, the FDE-LAMP procedure could greatly contribute to managing and preventing tea anthracnose in the field.

An Analysis of IPO Motivation and Effects of New Chinese Tea Brands: Taking NAYUKI Tea as an Example

The Initial Public Offering (IPO) listing of emerging Chinese tea brands in Hong Kong has captured widespread attention in current social discourse. Amidst the swift evolution of the tea brand industry and the advent of innovative Chinese tea offerings, the competitive landscape is witnessing a surge, prompting numerous brands to opt for Hong Kong IPOs as a strategic move to “breakthrough the siege.” Focusing on NAYUKI Tea as the subject of investigation, this paper delves into the rationale behind NAYUKI Tea’s IPO within the context of the tea brand market. It meticulously examines the financial and non-financial transformations both preceding and succeeding its IPO. The analysis reveals an enhancement in NAYUKI Tea’s financial operations post-IPO, although formidable challenges persist in the capital market. Building on these findings, the paper consolidates insights into NAYUKI Tea’s IPO journey, offering a comprehensive overview of its experiences, coupled with anticipations and prospects for the future of the tea industry.

Relationship between tea industry specific factors and tea companies share prices: empirical evidence from an emerging economy

Relationship between tea industry specific factors and tea companies share prices: empirical evidence from an emerging economy