Tea prices remain strong even with additional production.
Why?
1) India has seen increase in demand with higher & more propsperous population. 1bn people with 500mn over 18yrs. An increase of just 1 cup per week is HUGE for the market. China has started drinking black tea (small quantities) but the market can grow rapidly.
2) India & Sri Lanka had seen poor rains in 2009 so there is a 'deficit' of tea stocks but this can change with rains.
3) Kenya tea production expected to increase with sporadic but heavy rains from Jan-May 2010. This benefits Kenyan farmers before India & Sri Lanka production comes into the market.
4) Green tea is becoming popular in Western countries as a substitute for sodas. This is great for Kenya as some tea is produced as 'Green Tea'. Kenyan farmers need to produce more green tea.
Greedy when others are fearful. Very fearful when others are greedy - to paraphrase Warren Buffett