A DEBATE is brewing on the streets of York about the merits of the traditional cuppa following news that sales of tea have fallen.

Sales of standard tea bags fell by 16 per cent and loose tea by nine per cent over the past two years, according to a report out this week.

By contrast, herbal and fruit teas enjoyed a 30 per cent sales upturn between 2002 and 2004 and "speciality" varieties such as green tea sold 50 per cent more over the same period.

The news was greeted with surprise at Caf 41, in Stonegate, where 40 or 50 pots of Yorkshire Tea are sold each day.

One staff member said: "Out of everything we have, traditional tea sells the most.

"People usually ask for tea for two. Everybody I can see in here now has a cup of tea in front of them. There's nothing like it, it's the best drink."

Sue Scrimshaw, owner of Tea On The Green, The Green, Acomb, said: "We get a lot of workmen in for their breakfasts and they all want a cup of Tetley tea. We have no call for herbal or fruit tea around here."

Over the past five years the total tea market has dropped by around 12 per cent, falling from £707 million in 1999 to £623 million in 2004.

However, all is not lost for the traditional cuppa. Standard tea bags still make up 63 per cent of the total market while herbal and fruit teas account for 27 per cent of retail sales.

A spokesman for Bettys and Taylor's of Harrogate, said sales of its Yorkshire Tea were still strong.

She said: "Our experience bucks the trend. Our tea sales have continued to grow, even our loose leaf tea.

"Nine million cups of Yorkshire Tea are drunk each day. In Betty's Tearooms there is an increased interest in specialty coffees, but our house blend tea is still the most popular."

On the streets of York, tea was still a firm favourite, although coffee and fruit teas were also popular.

Brian Walker, who turns 66 next week, said he had been drinking ordinary English tea since he was a baby and would not touch anything else. But afternoon tea drinker Carole Harrison, 47, of Thirsk, said: "When you get up in the morning it has to be a nice latte."

:: The perfect cuppa

1. Where possible, use freshly-drawn water.

2. Pour a little warm water into your teapot to warm it. Swirl and discard.

3. Place the appropriate quantity of loose tea in the teapot - as a general guide, use 'one teaspoon per person and one for the pot'.

5. When the kettle reaches boiling point, pour the correct quantity of hot water over the loose tea leaves, stir, and place the top on the teapot.

6. Leave to infuse for at least five minutes.

7. If serving your tea in a pot, provide a tea strainer and a stand to catch drips.

8. Milk may be added before or after the tea, depending on personal preference.

:: Tips for tea drinkers

Tea is made by infusing the leaves of the tea plant (Camellia sinensis) in hot water.

Tea was first imported into Britain 400 years ago, but took off in the 18th century.

Almost 80 per cent of all Britons are tea drinkers, according to Mintel's survey of 25,000 consumers carried out between 2002 and 2004.

This rises to around 85 per cent of people aged 65 and over, but drops to just 72 per cent of 15 to 24-year-olds.

Up to 70 per cent of people aged 65 and over drink it twice daily or more, compared with 38 per cent of 15 to 24-year-olds.

English Breakfast tea remains the nation's favourite type, although green tea - which is high in antioxidants - is now increasing in popularity.

:: So is tea in hot water? THEMBI MABATLE spoke to shoppers and workers in the city centre

Carole Harrison, 47, of Thirsk, said: "When you get up in the morning it has to be a nice latte coffee.

"But a pot of tea is ideal with jam and scones and fish and chips."

Amy Clarke, 20, a student, of Osbaldwick, said: "I drink peppermint tea, Earl Grey, and Chinese tea.

"Peppermint makes me feel relaxed."

Emma Starkey, 20, of Bishopthorpe, said: "Caffeine harms the absorption of

vitamins and minerals when taken with food.

"But I do dip biscuits in my tea."

David Lea, owner of Dreams teashop, in Walmgate, York, said: "English tea is our biggest seller, but people are moving on to herbal teas."

Updated: 10:57 Thursday, May 19, 2005