Vietnam Green Tea Manufacture and Supplier

Green tea holds a prominent position among Vietnam’s exported goods, comprising approximately 56% of total tea exports and generating a revenue of around $90 million.

The Rich History of Vietnamese Green Tea

Green tea holds a significant place in the rich tea culture and history of Vietnam, being the oldest beverage enjoyed by its people. Tea is deeply ingrained in Vietnamese society, with its consumption being an integral part of daily life.

Vietnam boasts extensive cultivation and processing of green tea in its mountainous and highland regions. Among the oldest areas known for tea production is Dai Tu district in Thai Nguyen province, where the art of tea cultivation and processing has been practiced for over 400 years.

Tea trade with China dates back to the 16th century, leading to remarkable development in tea-growing regions of northern Vietnam. In the 1990s, Taiwanese enthusiasts recognized the highland regions of Vietnam as ideal for cultivating tea, particularly the exquisite Oolong varieties. With the introduction of Taiwanese Oolong tea to Vietnam, the country’s Oolong tea industry flourished and gained a significant share in the Taiwanese market.

In the northeastern mountainous provinces of Vietnam, the cultivation and processing of Matcha tea are also prominent. Vietnamese Matcha tea is highly regarded for its quality, rivaling that of its Japanese counterpart.

Even today, Vietnamese tea continues to thrive, with green tea and black tea being the mainstays, constituting approximately 95% of the country’s total tea exports. Major export markets for Vietnamese tea include Pakistan, Taiwan, Russia, China, and Iraq.

Green Tea Growing Regions in Vietnam

Vietnam boasts approximately 10 prominent tea-growing regions renowned for their high yield and exceptional quality. Among these regions, the four primary areas dedicated to green tea cultivation are as follows:

Thai Nguyen

Thai Nguyen stands as the largest green tea growing region in Vietnam and is renowned for its tea production. The area is celebrated for producing some of the country’s most delicious and high-quality tea products.

Moc Chau

Situated in the northwest of Vietnam, Moc Chau is a highland district in Lai Chau province. The region’s climate is ideal for cultivating green tea, and Moc Chau is particularly famous for its two tea varieties: Matcha and green tea. These teas are exported to China and Japan, gaining recognition for their exceptional quality.

Yen Bai

Yen Bai, a mountainous province located in the northwest of Vietnam, is home to the Hmong ethnic group. The region is known for cultivating two esteemed tea varieties: Snow Shan tea and green tea, which are highly sought after.

Lam Dong

Lam Dong, a highland province in central Vietnam, boasts the largest tea-growing area in the country and offers a wide range of tea products. The region’s favorable weather, climate, and soil conditions make it highly suitable for tea cultivation. The French recognized Lam Dong’s potential for tea production as early as the 19th century, and in the 1990s, Taiwanese tea varieties were introduced to the area. Today, Lam Dong stands as the most productive tea-growing region in Vietnam, fulfilling the export demands of neighboring countries in the region.

Green Tea Exports from Vietnam

In 2021, Vietnam emerged as a significant player in the global tea market, with its tea exports reaching a substantial value of $195 million. This achievement secured Vietnam’s position as the 9th largest exporter of tea worldwide. Within Vietnam itself, tea exports held the respectable rank of 208th among all exported products. Notably, the majority of Vietnam’s tea exports were of the green tea variety, contributing to the country’s strong performance in the global tea trade.

When it comes to the destinations of Vietnam’s tea exports, Pakistan stood as the primary recipient, with a notable export value of $72.1 million. Chinese Taipei followed closely behind, importing Vietnamese tea products valued at $28.8 million. Other significant markets for Vietnam’s tea included Russia, with imports valued at $20 million, China at $14 million, and Iraq at $9.87 million.

The green tea segment played a crucial role in Vietnam’s tea industry, accounting for the largest share of the country’s total tea production and export value. In 2021 alone, the export value of Vietnamese green tea reached an impressive sum of approximately $110 million, constituting about 51 percent of the overall tea export value. This highlights the significance and demand for Vietnam’s high-quality green tea in the global marketplace.

Health Benefits

The quality of green tea is determined by various factors, including the origin, cultivation methods, processing techniques, and storage conditions. Vietnamese green tea offers a range of potential health benefits due to its rich composition of antioxidants, polyphenols, and other bioactive compounds.

Antioxidant properties

Green tea is known for its high antioxidant content, particularly catechins such as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). These antioxidants help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body, reducing oxidative stress and supporting overall cellular health.

Heart health

Regular consumption of green tea has been associated with a lower risk of heart disease. The antioxidants in green tea may help reduce cholesterol levels, improve blood vessel function, and lower blood pressure, promoting cardiovascular health.

Weight management

Green tea has been studied for its potential role in weight management. It may help boost metabolism and fat oxidation, thereby aiding in weight loss or weight maintenance goals.

Mental alertness and cognition

The moderate caffeine content in green tea can provide a gentle energy boost and enhance mental alertness. Additionally, green tea contains L-theanine, an amino acid that may promote relaxation and improve focus, attention, and cognitive performance.

Digestive health

Green tea has been traditionally used to support digestion. It may help stimulate the production of digestive enzymes, aid in digestion, and alleviate certain gastrointestinal discomforts.

Immune system support

The polyphenols and other compounds found in green tea have been shown to have potential immune-boosting properties, helping to strengthen the body’s natural defense mechanisms.

Oral health

Green tea has been associated with improved oral health. Its antibacterial properties may help inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth, reducing the risk of dental cavities and promoting gum health.

Vietnamese Green Tea Manufacturing Process

The manufacturing process of Vietnamese green tea is carried out in various green tea factories, most of which adhere to a similar standard process. The key steps involved are as follows:

Harvesting

Tea buds with two or three youngest leaves, measuring 4-15 cm in length and 2-5 cm in width, are selected as the standard raw material. These materials should be processed within 1-2 days of harvesting.

Pan Frying/Steaming (Fixation)

Fixation is a crucial step that determines the aroma and color of green tea. It involves using moderate heat to deactivate the enzyme system in the leaves, halt oxidation, preserve the natural color and taste, and develop the initial fragrance of the tea. Pan-frying and steaming are the commonly employed methods for making green tea in most factories. Some Vietnamese green teas, such as Jasmine tea (OP) and Matcha (Tencha), are steamed using high-pressure and high-temperature steam.

Rolling

Rolling aims to break the leaf cells, allowing the tea essence to be released on the surface. This process imparts a glossy appearance to the leaves, tightens their curl, and reduces their size. The tea essence readily dissolves into water during brewing. Modern rollers are used for this step, and sometimes sieves are employed to prevent clumping and cool the leaves, preventing oxidation.

Drying/Shaping

This step reduces the moisture content of the leaves from approximately 59-65% to 3-4%, facilitating chemical reactions that transform the components and yield the characteristic aroma and flavor of the tea. Drying can be accomplished using conveyor dryers, drying ovens, or pans. Tea masters may skillfully employ different drying methods and repeat the process if necessary. The shape of the tea leaves is also formed during this stage. It is important to conduct all the preceding steps quickly and in sequence to preserve the essence and flavor of the green tea.

Sorting

The semi-finished tea undergoes grading using a grading machine to categorize it into different classes. This grading indicates the specific part of the tea leaves from which the final Vietnamese green tea product originated.

Upgrading

Tea masters at factories have the flexibility to adjust procedures based on quality requirements, including the option to repeat certain steps. Before packaging, some teas may undergo additional sorting or processing to enhance their aroma and appearance.

Packaging

Vietnamese green tea is typically packaged in PP/PE bags for storage. For exported tea, various packaging options are available based on client preferences and requirements.

It’s worth noting that Vietnamese green tea is an agricultural product, and the production process is not based on a fixed formula. Depending on factors such as the season, climate, and tea variety, tea producers adjust the process harmoniously based on their experience to ensure high-quality tea for their clients.

Top-selling Grades of Vietnamese Green Tea in the Global Tea Market

Vietnamese green tea has gained significant recognition in the global tea market for its exceptional quality and diverse range of grades. These grades offer unique characteristics, aromas, and flavors, captivating tea enthusiasts worldwide.

Green Tea Super Pekoe

• Type: Pan-fried green tea
• Characteristics: Curled whole leaves, pale green color, clear light green-yellow liquor, strong aroma, rich taste
• Usage: Ideal for Cardamom tea
• Main Sources: Ha Giang, Moc Chau, Lai Chau Province
• Main Markets: Muslim majority countries

Green Tea OP

• Type: Steamed green tea
• Characteristics: Long twisted leaves, dark green color, vivid yellow liquor, light floral grassy aroma, slightly sweet taste
• Usage: Most suitable for making Jasmine tea
• Main Source: Ha Giang Province
• Main Markets: Taiwan, China

Green Tea TH

• Type: Pan-fried green tea
• Characteristics: Flat leaves, 4-5mm in length, yellow dark green color, fresh aroma, rich taste
• Usage: Suitable for making RTD tea
• Main Sources: Ha Giang, Thai Nguyen, Moc Chau Province

Green Tea BPS

• Type: Pan-fried green tea
• Characteristics: Flat leaves, 2-3mm in length, dark green-yellow color, yellow liquor, fresh aroma, rich taste
• Usage: Can be used to make RTD tea and tea extract
• Main Sources: Ha Giang, Thai Nguyen Province

Green Tea Fannings

• Type: Pan-fried green tea
• Characteristics: Small leaves, 1mm in length, dark yellow-light green color, yellow liquor, fresh aroma, strong taste. High grown tea may have a light green liquor.
• Usage: Suitable for RTD tea, tea extract, and tea bags
• Main Sources: Ha Giang, Thai Nguyen Province

Man Vietnamese Green Tea (Chè Mạn)

• Type: Pan-fried green tea
• Characteristics: Long twisted leaves, smoky dark green color, clear light green liquor, strong floral aroma, slight bitter taste, sweet aftertaste
• Usage: Perfect for Lotus tea and other flower teas
• Main Sources: Ha Giang, Thai Nguyen, Yen Bai Province

Advantages of Importing Vietnamese Green Tea

When it comes to selecting a supplier of green tea, several factors come into play. Here are compelling reasons why importing green tea from Vietnam should be your top choice:

World’s Leading Tea Exporter

Vietnam holds a prominent position as one of the largest tea-exporting nations globally. In 2021, Vietnam exported tea worth a staggering value of 195 million USD, securing the 8th spot in the world rankings.

Competitive Pricing

With decades of expertise in tea production and export, Vietnam’s tea processing industry is a cornerstone of the country’s economy. Boasting numerous tea factories, Vietnam ensures exceptional productivity, high quality, and competitive prices.

Rich Experience

Tea cultivation and production have been deeply ingrained in Vietnamese culture for hundreds of years. This longstanding tradition has equipped the Vietnamese with invaluable skills and experience, resulting in highly efficient production and business practices that contribute to the effectiveness of the tea industry.

Uncompromising Quality

Vietnam’s geographical features offer an ideal environment for cultivating, producing, and processing tea. With over 10 highland regions characterized by a cool climate, tea grown in Vietnam attains exceptional quality, delightful flavor, nutritional richness, and significant health benefits.

Abundant Supply

Vietnam boasts an extensive tea-growing area with more than 10 dedicated tea-growing regions. This vast cultivation capacity positions Vietnam as one of the world’s largest tea suppliers, guaranteeing a consistent and plentiful supply of tea to meet global demands.

By choosing to import Vietnamese green tea, you gain access to a leading tea exporter renowned for its competitive pricing, extensive experience, uncompromising quality, and ample supply. Embrace the excellence of Vietnamese green tea and elevate your tea business to new heights.