London, May 18 (Reuters): Britons’ long love affair with tea appears to be on the wane as they switch to other drinks, according to research today.

“The traditional English cuppa is fighting a real battle,” said Ellen Shiels of consumer information group Mintel. Britain’s total tea market fell by 12 per cent to ?623 million in 2004 from ?707 million in 1999.

Traditional tea types, like the Lapsang Souchong, Darjeeling and Earl Grey, are being challenged by coffee and soft drinks, not to mention herbal and fruit teas.