Two staples, one story: Tea and milk shaping the nation

Few things are as deeply woven into our lives as a steaming cup of tea in the morning or a glass of milk on the table.

They are not just beverages, they are culture, livelihood, and industry. In Bangladesh, these two sectors have long histories, but in recent years they have also become engines of growth, shaping rural economies and opening new doors in global markets.

From hills to the world

Bangladesh today stands as the seventh largest tea producer in the world, with about 170 tea estates spread across Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Chattogram, Panchagarh and beyond. Together, they cover nearly 169,000 hectares of land. 

While the first leaves plucked from the Sylhet hills were once destined for colonial ships, much of today's tea still goes into local cups. Yet Bangladeshi tea has also found a global audience in the Middle East, Europe and North America, where its demand continues to grow.

The industry hit a milestone in 2023, when favourable weather pushed production to a record 102.9 million kilograms, a sharp rise from 93 million kg in 2022 and 96.5 million kg in 2021. For a country where tea is as much a daily ritual as rice and lentils, this growth reflects not just favourable conditions but also improved cultivation practices.

Exports, too, are finding new strength. In 2024, Bangladesh exported 2.45 million kg of tea, the highest in six years, earning Tk459.58 million. That is a 57% jump from 2023, when exports stood at only 1 million kg. Major players such as MM Ispahani Ltd., Abul Khair Consumer Products Ltd., Kazi & Kazi Tea Estate Ltd., and Halda Valley Tea Estate Ltd. are now sending tea to 19 countries, including Pakistan, Afghanistan, Russia, the USA, Singapore, Denmark, France and Spain.

This revival comes after a long slump. Between 2001 and 2007, Bangladesh regularly exported 10–12 million kg a year, peaking at 12.9 million kg in 2001. But global competition in both price and quality gradually pushed exports down, at one point dropping below 1 million kg. 

Today, the momentum is slowly returning, though challenges remain. Climate change, rising production costs and stiff international competition loom large—but with better policies and technological investment, the tea sector still holds the promise of strengthening rural incomes and the national economy alike.

The milk story: From cowsheds to modern dairies

If tea symbolises Bangladesh's global footprint, milk tells a story of transformation closer to home. What was once produced in backyard cowsheds has now grown into a modern commercial dairy industry. Farmers are scaling up, adopting new technologies and expanding their herds. The result? In just a decade, production has more than doubled—from 7.27 million tonnes in 2015–16 to 15.54 million tonnes in 2024–25.

Yet the country still struggles to fully meet nutritional needs. Experts recommend 250 grams of milk per person per day, but availability remains at 239 grams—a significant leap from the meagre 17 grams in 1971, but not quite enough to meet global standards.

Local production has not reduced dependence on imports, especially when it comes to powdered milk. Although brands like Milk Vita, Pran and Aarong are working to fill the gap, Bangladesh continues to import large quantities. According to Bangladesh Bank, import spending on milk and cream products hit $457 million in 2024–25, up from $395 million the year before—a 15% increase in just one year. Strengthening domestic powdered milk production, experts say, will be key to achieving true self-sufficiency.

A shared future

Tea and milk may be different in taste and texture, but their stories mirror each other: rapid growth, deep cultural roots, and challenges that demand smart solutions. For tea, it is about reclaiming lost ground in global markets while navigating climate risks. For milk, it is about reducing import dependence and bridging the nutritional gap.

Together, these two humble staples carry the promise of not just nourishing the nation, but also creating livelihoods, boosting exports and enriching the rural economy. In every cup and every glass lies a future waiting to be brewed.