Tea, the great morale booster, kept British spirits up through two World Wars. Fresh supplies of tea could not be guaranteed during World War II, so stocks were dispersed to 500 different locations to minimise losses from enemy bombing. The dwindling supply was worth its weight in gold.

At times of hardship, the WVS (Women's Voluntary Service) were always there dispensing Twinings tea and good cheer. Throughout the war, Twinings supplied the WVS (Women's Voluntary Service) canteens with tea. And when stockings were scarce, tea-stained legs might still catch a gentleman's eye.

As the twentieth century drew to a close, the international nature of the tea trade marginalised the London Tea Auction, first held in 1679. Tea was increasingly auctioned offshore by the container-load - even while the container was still at sea. At the same time, producer countries introduced their own auctions.

Today, tea consumption and production continues to increase. Worldwide, roughly three million tons of tea are harvested each year.

In developing countries, tea-drinking is being adopted for the same reasons that Europeans took to it three centuries earlier: it's a tasty way to enjoy safe drinking water. In the developed countries, the thirst for variety and new flavours is increasing the consumption of speciality teas.

Tea production in the twenty-first century is looking better than ever before. Since 1997, the major UK tea companies have come together to promote good social, ethical, and working conditions in the tea estates of the producer countries.

Contemporary Britain is awash with tea rooms and tea shops. It's a pervasive and apparently timeless part of Britain's cultural fabric, yet the tea room didn't exist before 1864. Credit for the concept goes to the imaginative manageress of the London Bridge branch of the Aerated Bread Company. This pioneer of the hospitality industry laid out a few tables and chairs in a back room of the bakery, and began pouring tea to thirsty customers.