Robert Fortune: The Man Who Stole Tea From China
How one of the greatest heists in human history resulted in dislodging a monopoly and aided the British East India Company
In the mid-1800s, a Scottish botanist by the name of Robert Fortune was commissioned by the East India Company to steal tea from China. What followed was probably one of the greatest heists in human history and corporate espionage that resulted in dislodging one monopoly and establish the British East India Trade company as the largest producer of tea at its height.
Who was Robert Fortune?
Robert Fortune (16 September 1812–13 April 1880) was a Scottish botanist that is credited with introducing a variety of ornamental plants from China and Japan to Britain, Australia, and the United States.
He was born at Kelloe, Berwickshire on September 16, 1812. Upon completion of his botanical apprenticeship, Fortune took on employment at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and the Horticultural Society of London.
He is better known as the man that stole tea saplings and seeds from China, along with the knowledge on manufacturing and processing leaves to make tea. He spent several years of his life in China between the periods of 1843 to 1861, collecting not only tea but other specimens as well.
