BRITISH COLUMBIA FULL OF TEA LOVERS
By Adnews Staff
British Columbians love their tea, according to a survey conducted by the Angus Reid Group. Ninety-one per cent of people in B.C. have had a cup of tea in the past six months, compared to 84% of all Canadians. Fifty-two per cent of people in B.C. drink herbal tea, compared to 41% of all Canadians. The number of British Columbians drinking Chinese tea has risen from 35% two years ago to 43% today. Fifty-six per cent of B.C. residents drink specialty teas such as Earl Grey or English Breakfast, while only 34% of all Canadians do so. The percentage of Canadians drinking Chinese tea has jumped from 18% in 1995 to 27% this year. Herbal tea consumption has grown from 36% to 41% and that of ice tea from 37% to 43%. Regular tea consumption has remained at 58%. One of the main reasons people are drinking various types of tea is because it is perceived as a healthy beverage. Women are more likely to drink specialty teas and regular tea than men. The study surveyed 1,502 Canadians through telephone interviews from Jan. 21 to Jan. 27. It was sponsored by the Tea Council of Canada.