Regardless of your views on climate change and global warming, there are droughts occurring in nearly every nation on Earth. Southwestern China has been experiencing a drought that began in 2009. India has been experiencing drought conditions in both the Assam and Darjeeling regions. Sri Lanka has recently been suffering from drought as well.

The longer, hotter, dryer seasons are having a toll on the yield of tea production in every one of these countries. In China where the yield in some regions is reportedly down by a full third of last year’s production, it forces small the plantations to sell in small batches to adjust to daily and weekly price changes. India has reported 20% decreases in yield and production, which drives the cost up.

For example our exquisite Darjeeling Silver Needle from the Glenburn Estate. Even hard core fans of Silver Needle fawn over how gorgeous it is. Truly reflecting the best of the best silver. Though one of our most expensive teas, it sells incredibly fast. This year’s crop (freshly picked this last September) only produced a mere 24 pounds; and we picked up only a few of those to bring into the shop. When it’s gone, it’s gone folks; that’s it till next year. However, with this limited quantity comes a price tag doubling in cost. That’s the nature of a commodity; it all comes down to basic supply and demand.

The weather may change and the production of tea may rise and fall, but rest assure there is enough tea to fill the needs of the ever growing love of tea amongst us.