International Tea Day: How METZEN is Bringing Tea Production into the 21st Century
On 21 May, International Tea Day was celebrated to recognise tea as both a cultural asset and a valuable food commodity. Every day, more than 15 billion cups of tea are consumed worldwide. In Germany alone, average annual consumption reaches 68 litres per person—with East Frisia proudly leading global per capita tea consumption.
Globally, the tea industry produces over 4 million tonnes of tea annually. However, only around 0.5% of this volume qualifies as premium-grade tea—a segment in which precise leaf selection, controlled processing, and rigorous quality assurance are essential.
A recent METZEN project for a leading international tea trader illustrates how advanced plant engineering can enhance both product quality and production efficiency. The objective was to modernise the manufacturing line for high-grade loose-leaf teas by introducing partially automated, precision-engineered handling processes.
At the heart of the system is a state-of-the-art blending unit with a horizontal mixing drum, ensuring optimal blend homogeneity while preserving the integrity of delicate tea components. This is complemented by a custom-engineered conveying system and an ergonomically designed walk-on platform, providing safe operator access and simplifying maintenance procedures.
The system design prioritised gentle product handling, integration into a sustainable production concept, and full process chain optimisation. Key criteria included energy efficiency, cleanability, and the reduction of product loss—setting a new benchmark in the alignment of process precision, operational performance, and environmental responsibility.
For decades, METZEN has been a trusted partner to the food and beverage industry, delivering bespoke systems tailored to the specific challenges of the sector. In light of growing production volumes, stricter hygiene and sustainability regulations, and pressure for greater efficiency, our engineers develop robust, practical solutions for process and conveyor technology.
Our systems facilitate energy-efficient operation and allow for easy cleaning and maintenance—often without the need to halt production. By minimising material breakage during transport, particularly with sensitive products like tea, we enable more economical and consistent production outcomes.
Whether in tea processing or other areas of food production, METZEN stands for engineering quality, innovation, and close client collaboration. Together with our partners, we are helping to shape the future of food manufacturing—efficient, sustainable, and precise.
International Tea Day: How METZEN is Bringing Tea Production into the 21st Century
On 21 May, International Tea Day was celebrated to recognise tea as both a cultural asset and a valuable food commodity. Every day, more than 15 billion cups of tea are consumed worldwide. In Germany alone, average annual consumption reaches 68 litres per person—with East Frisia proudly leading global per capita tea consumption.
Globally, the tea industry produces over 4 million tonnes of tea annually. However, only around 0.5% of this volume qualifies as premium-grade tea—a segment in which precise leaf selection, controlled processing, and rigorous quality assurance are essential.
A recent METZEN project for a leading international tea trader illustrates how advanced plant engineering can enhance both product quality and production efficiency. The objective was to modernise the manufacturing line for high-grade loose-leaf teas by introducing partially automated, precision-engineered handling processes.
At the heart of the system is a state-of-the-art blending unit with a horizontal mixing drum, ensuring optimal blend homogeneity while preserving the integrity of delicate tea components. This is complemented by a custom-engineered conveying system and an ergonomically designed walk-on platform, providing safe operator access and simplifying maintenance procedures.
The system design prioritised gentle product handling, integration into a sustainable production concept, and full process chain optimisation. Key criteria included energy efficiency, cleanability, and the reduction of product loss—setting a new benchmark in the alignment of process precision, operational performance, and environmental responsibility.
For decades, METZEN has been a trusted partner to the food and beverage industry, delivering bespoke systems tailored to the specific challenges of the sector. In light of growing production volumes, stricter hygiene and sustainability regulations, and pressure for greater efficiency, our engineers develop robust, practical solutions for process and conveyor technology.
Our systems facilitate energy-efficient operation and allow for easy cleaning and maintenance—often without the need to halt production. By minimising material breakage during transport, particularly with sensitive products like tea, we enable more economical and consistent production outcomes.
Whether in tea processing or other areas of food production, METZEN stands for engineering quality, innovation, and close client collaboration. Together with our partners, we are helping to shape the future of food manufacturing—efficient, sustainable, and precise.