In 2023, the employment in tea and coffee processing in the UK stood at approximately 2.95 thousand. Forecast data from 2024 to 2028 shows a declining trend in employment, with figures dropping from 2.7 thousand in 2024 to 2.0 thousand by 2028. This represents a year-on-year decrease, with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of -7.17% over the five-year period from 2023 to 2028.

Future trends to watch for:

The impact of automation and technological advancements on workforce demand.
Potential shifts in consumer preferences towards specialty teas and coffees requiring different processing techniques.
Changes in trade policies and their effects on local processing industries.