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If you’ve noticed that your favourite Ceylon black tea is harder to find lately — you’re not imagining it.

There’s a global shortage of Ceylon tea currently sweeping across the industry, and it's starting to impact retailers, wholesalers, and tea drinkers all over the world, including right here in Australia.

So, what’s going on behind the scenes? And more importantly — what can you brew instead?

Let’s dive in.

? What’s Causing the Ceylon Black Tea Shortage?

Sri Lanka, the home of Ceylon tea, is facing a tough combination of challenges that have significantly impacted tea production:

• Unpredictable climate and extreme weather – From prolonged droughts to intense rains, unpredictable weather patterns have disrupted harvests and damaged crops.

• Fertiliser shortages – Due to previous bans and ongoing economic struggles, many Sri Lankan tea farmers are still facing limited access to essential fertilisers, impacting both crop yields and quality.

• Economic instability – Ongoing economic uncertainty in Sri Lanka has made tea production and export more difficult and expensive.

Together, these issues have reduced the volume and consistency of Ceylon tea exports — and wholesalers around the globe are starting to feel the pinch.

? What This Means for The Herbal Connection (and You)

At The Herbal Connection, we’re working hard to stay ahead of the curve. Our next shipment of Ceylon black tea isn’t expected until August or September, and due to the limited supply, we’ve temporarily restricted its availability on our website to help stretch stock and ensure fair access for our customers.

We know many of you use Ceylon in your blends or retail ranges, so we want to help you stay prepared.

☕ Ceylon Alternatives You’ll Love

In the face of this shortage, we’ve expanded our sourcing to bring in some truly exceptional black tea alternatives that can hold their own in both flavour and performance:

?? Indian Black Teas

Rich, bold, and beautifully balanced, our Indian teas offer a depth of character that’s perfect for everything from a morning pick-me-up to a classic breakfast blend.

? Kenyan Black Teas (Coming Soon!)

Known for their bright, full-bodied flavour, Kenyan teas bring a powerful punch that blends beautifully with other botanicals — stay tuned, these will be landing soon!

?? Daintree Black Tea – Locally Grown, Spray-Free

Our absolute customer favourite! Grown in Far North Queensland, our Daintree black tea is as smooth and flavourful as it is sustainable. With its rich colour and beautifully clean taste, it’s a fantastic long-term alternative for anyone looking to reduce international sourcing while supporting Aussie growers.

? Planning Ahead: Let’s Talk

If Ceylon plays a key role in your current blends or product lineup, we strongly recommend getting in touch. Our team is happy to help you:

• Explore suitable replacement teas

• Adjust your blends without compromising flavour

• Plan your bulk tea needs over the next 6–8 months

• Secure stock before further shortages hit

? Click here to contact our team – Whether you need expert blend advice or forward-order planning, we’re here to help.

? One Cup at a Time

We know these kinds of disruptions can be frustrating — but rest assured, we’re in your corner. As always, The Herbal Connection is committed to sourcing the best quality teas and supporting our customers through whatever the market throws at us.

We’ll keep you updated on any changes and new arrivals. In the meantime, feel free to browse our range of black teas and get inspired by new possibilities!

? Explore our black teas here

Thanks for being part of our tea-loving community.

Warmly,
The Herbal Connection Team