On 21 December 2019, the UN General Assembly adopted resolution 74/241, designating 21 May as International Tea Day, replacing an earlier informal tea day observed by some producer countries on 15 December. The designation was coordinated with the Food and Agriculture Organization, recognizing tea as one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world after water. Tea production and processing form a vital source of income for millions of families in developing countries, particularly in rural and mountainous regions where tea cultivation is often one of the few available economic activities. The day highlights the challenges faced by smallholder tea farmers, from volatile global prices to the effects of climate change on crop quality and yield. Leading tea-producing countries — including China, India, Kenya, and Sri Lanka — hold events and forums on sustainable farming practices and support for smallholder farmers, alongside efforts to raise global awareness of the diverse tea cultures found across different countries.