Tea Biz
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The Voice of Tea Lands | Tea Journey Magazine, founded in 2015, and the Tea Biz Blog | Podcast are favorites of tea enthusiasts and professionals worldwide. Content is authentic, timely, and exclusive, a collaborative effort that enlists 40 voices skilled in 12 languages to tell the story of tea.
Coverage spans the breadth from tea discovery and preparation to tourism, lifestyles, health and wellness, meditation, culinary tea with recipes, and terroir. Our business coverage offers insights for commercial producers supported by rich market data and scientifically backed research. We believe that transparency is rooted in authentic storytelling, featuring nuanced articles about the places and people who passionately live a life in tea.
As a small niche publication, Tea Journey relies on reader contributions for most of our income. Please consider donating to support the writers and staff who bring you our unique tea content from around the globe. We appreciate your support.
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This is the Tea Price Report for Week 36 ending September 5, 2025.India — Retail inflation stayed low, softening pressure on domestic tea prices. Auctions at Kolkata and Guwahati trended steady to softer, while direct estate purchases remained limited.East Africa — At Mombasa, Sale 35 cataloged over 160,000 packages. PF1s and BP1s with good leaf held firm, but nearly 34% went unsold, showing selective buying.Sri Lanka — Colombo saw strong interest in seasonal Uva teas, fetching premiums of 15–20 US cents, while Low Growns remained firm. Exporters remain cautious amid higher costs.Indonesia — Jakarta offered light volumes again, with orthodox teas from North Sumatra firm‑to‑dearer. Direct overseas buying programs were minimal.For expanded coverage, visit www.teajourney.pub and select the Tea Biz Tea Price Report https://teajourney.pub/newsletter-preferences/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tea-biz/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
AVPA’s Teas of the World Competition is a unique event that views tea not just as a commodity but as a culinary product equal to fine wines and chocolates. Conducted by the Paris-based Agency for the Valorization of Agricultural Products, the contest honors excellence in both single-varietal teas and herbal infusions. While winning a medal is indeed a mark of prestige, the real benefit is in gaining visibility, building credibility, and telling stories for small producers—especially those operating outside traditional markets. We’ll see how participating can boost growers’ reputations, connect them with new buyers, and showcase the health and cultural benefits of their teas, whether they win a prize or not. Joining us today is AVPA development director Ksenia Hleap.BIO: Ksenia Hleap is Development Director at AVPA in Paris, where she leads communication and development initiatives. With more than seven years advancing AVPA’s global contests, she champions recognition for agricultural excellence—including teas and herbal infusions—connecting small growers worldwide with the gastronomic community and broader consumer appreciation.Signup www.tea-biz.com | https://teajourney.pub/newsletter-preferences/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tea-biz/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Appeals Court Finds US Tariffs Arbitrary and Illegal | Tariffs Threaten the Flow of India's Exports to the US | Rize Tea Declared Radiologically Safe, 30 Years After ChernobylSignup www.tea-biz.com | https://teajourney.pub/newsletter-preferences/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tea-biz/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Appeals Court Finds US Tariffs Arbitrary and Illegal | Tariffs Threaten the Flow of India's Exports to the US | Rize Tea Declared Radiologically Safe, 30 Years After ChernobylNEWSMAKER – Ksenia Hleap, AVPA Development DirectorPLUS | AVPA’s Teas of the World Competition is a unique event that views tea not just as a commodity but as a culinary product equal to fine wines and chocolates. Conducted by the Paris-based Agency for the Valorization of Agricultural Products, the contest honors excellence in both single-varietal teas and herbal infusions. While winning a medal is indeed a mark of prestige, the real benefit is in gaining visibility, building credibility, and telling stories for small producers—especially those operating outside traditional markets. We’ll see how participating can boost growers’ reputations, connect them with new buyers, and showcase the health and cultural benefits of their teas, whether they win a prize or not. Joining us today is AVPA development director Ksenia Hleap.Signup www.tea-biz.com | https://teajourney.pub/newsletter-preferences/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tea-biz/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Tea Price Takeaways | Quality premiums are back: Clean PF1/BP1s (E.Africa) and bright orthodox (Sri Lanka/Indonesia) drew premiums; plainer leaf faced resistance and higher withdrawals. | Retail inflation picture mixed: India’s historic CPI trough contrasts with modest tea/coffee category firming in the UK/EU and U.S., keeping shelf tags sticky in those destinations. | Volumes high, buyers choosy: Mombasa saw heavy offerings with >40% withdrawals in an earlier August sale; Colombo’s catalogues remain large but low-growns held firm. | Costs & policy still matter: Sri Lanka’s wage environment and logistics/fuel dynamics continue to shape exporters’ floor prices into Q3.For expanded coverage and occasional charts, visit www.teajourney.pub.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tea-biz/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
The Northwest Tea Festival, held each year at Seattle Center’s Exhibition Hall, features tastings, workshops, and lectures. It brings together tea enthusiasts of all skill levels to discover global traditions and modern innovations. Visitors enjoy interactive experiences, meet vendors, and deepen their appreciation for the culture, artistry, and community of tea in a friendly and engaging setting. Festival coordinator Andrew Goodman previews the activities at this year’s event, scheduled for Sept. 27 and 28. Admission is $25, which includes entry for both days.BIO: Andrew Goodman is the founder and Principal of The Happy Tea Man, a Bellevue, Washington–based tea education and consulting brand. As a tea educator, consultant, and photographer, he specializes in creating immersive, visually engaging tea experiences. Andrew is a dedicated volunteer and organizer of the Northwest Tea Festival, helping shape one of the region’s most celebrated tea events. A lifelong tea lover, he attended the inaugural edition of the Northwest Tea Festival and has been involved ever since. He is a graduate of City University of New York, Hunter College, and retired following a career in beverage sales and marketing.Signup www.tea-biz.com | https://teajourney.pub/newsletter-preferences/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tea-biz/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Chinese Tea Exports to the US Drop Sharply After Early-Year Surge | The Hidden Cost of Fertilization: How Phosphorus Is Diminishing Theanine in Tea | Jing Tea Inspires a Scotch Whiskies CollaborationSignup www.tea-biz.com | https://teajourney.pub/newsletter-preferences/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tea-biz/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Chinese Tea Exports to the US Drop Sharply After Early-Year Surge | The Hidden Cost of Fertilization: How Phosphorus Is Diminishing Theanine in Tea | Jing Tea Inspires a Scotch Whiskies CollaborationNEWSMAKER – Andrew Goodman, Northwest Tea Festival OrganizerPLUS | The Northwest Tea Festival, held each year at Seattle Center’s Exhibition Hall, features tastings, workshops, and lectures. It brings together tea enthusiasts of all skill levels to discover global traditions and modern innovations. Visitors enjoy interactive experiences, meet vendors, and deepen their appreciation for the culture, artistry, and community of tea in a friendly and engaging setting. Festival coordinator Andrew Goodman previews the activities at this year’s event, scheduled for Sept. 27 and 28. Admission is $25, which includes entry for both days.Signup www.tea-biz.com | https://teajourney.pub/newsletter-preferences/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tea-biz/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Known for blending traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation, Indi (Gurrinder) Khanna, managing director at Tea n Teas, co-founded The Tea Studio to make a wide variety of teas on demand. This specialty manufacturing facility produces artisanal, small-batch teas, including India’s first compressed teas modeled on Chinese Pu’er. The Tea Studio’s commercial success and award-winning teas over the past seven years reflect both Indi’s and his daughter Muskan’s passion for quality and dedication to expanding India’s presence in the global specialty market. With nearly fifty years in tea, Indi’s continuing journey is as rich and nuanced as the leaves he selects—a perfect metaphor for the conversation that follows.BIO: Indi Khanna says he is proud to have started his career in tea from the very bottom—planting, pruning, and tending the bushes. “That early exposure gave me a deep respect for the craft,” he says. Indi was an assistant estate superintendent at Malayalam plantations in the Kerala high ranges beginning in 1975, and worked as an estate manager in Assam for 11 years. He founded Tea ‘n’ Teas in 1990 and has been offering retailers gourmet quality organic and conventional teas for the past 20 years. His advice as a consultant is widely sought after. “Over time, I realized that tea isn’t just an agricultural product; it’s a living, breathing culture. The people, the landscapes, and the constant learning kept me engaged, and even today I feel there’s still more to discover,” says Khanna.Signup www.tea-biz.com | https://teajourney.pub/newsletter-preferences/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tea-biz/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
US Tariffs Crush and Tear Global Tea Producers. India is singled out for 50% duties. | Lipton Teas & Infusions Introduces Tea Concentrates and Fruit Infusions | Authentic Teas Surge in Alcohol RTD SegmentSignup www.tea-biz.com | https://teajourney.pub/newsletter-preferences/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tea-biz/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
US Tariffs Crush and Tear Global Tea Producers. India is singled out for 50% duties. | Lipton Teas & Infusions Introduces Tea Concentrates and Fruit Infusions | Authentic Teas Surge in Alcohol RTD SegmentNEWSMAKER – Indi (Gurrinder) Khanna, The Tea Studio| PLUS | The Tea Studio | Known for blending traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation, Indi (Gurrinder) Khanna, managing director at Tea n Teas, co-founded The Tea Studio to make a wide variety of teas on demand. This specialty manufacturing facility produces artisanal, small-batch teas, including India’s first compressed teas modeled on Chinese Pu’er. The Tea Studio’s commercial success and award-winning teas over the past seven years reflect both Indi’s and his daughter Muskan’s passion for quality and dedication to expanding India’s presence in the global specialty market. With nearly fifty years in tea, Indi’s continuing journey is as rich and nuanced as the leaves he selects—a perfect metaphor for the conversation that follows.Signup www.tea-biz.com | https://teajourney.pub/newsletter-preferences/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tea-biz/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Cydian Kauffman brings a rare clarity to the chemistry of water and its deep connection to taste—especially in tea.“A water molecule is like a tiny magnet,” he explains, “pulling apart other molecules, including tannins and polyphenols in tea.” As a solvent, water doesn’t just carry H₂O but a host of dissolved minerals, trace metals, and hydrogen ions that directly shape a tea’s flavor, aroma, and mouthfeel.Cydian is the CEO at Pure Water Northwest, helping people make better, science-backed decisions about their water by combining technical expertise with practical solutions. Whether addressing London’s hard water or Seattle’s softer profiles, he emphasizes the importance of consistency and control — often recommending reverse osmosis systems to optimize the brewing experience.BIO: Cydian has been with Pure Water Northwest since 2019. What sets him apart is his ability to demystify water treatment, exploring fringe topics such as structured or hydrogenated water, while also addressing challenges like industrial runoff, high iron levels, arsenic, and bacterial contamination. He is certified by the Water Quality Association as a water treatment representative and holds a degree from North Seattle College. “Water clarity,” he says, “should mean more than just how it looks-it should mean transparency about its true contents and impacts.”Signup www.tea-biz.com | https://teajourney.pub/newsletter-preferences/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tea-biz/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Trade Agreements Lock in High US Tariffs | Christmas Retail in July: Holiday Sales Projections | Karnataka Tea Vendors Halt Sales in GST ProtestSignup www.tea-biz.com | https://teajourney.pub/newsletter-preferences/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tea-biz/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Trade Agreements Lock in High US Tariffs | Christmas Retail in July: Holiday Sales Projections | Karnataka Tea Vendors Halt Sales in GST Protest| GUEST - Cydian Kauffman, CEO Pure Water Northwest| PLUS | The Science of Sip | Cydian Kauffman brings a rare clarity to the chemistry of water and its deep connection to taste—especially in tea.“A water molecule is like a tiny magnet,” he explains, “pulling apart other molecules, including tannins and polyphenols in tea.” As a solvent, water doesn’t just carry H₂O but a host of dissolved minerals, trace metals, and hydrogen ions that directly shape a tea’s flavor, aroma, and mouthfeel.Cydian is the CEO at Pure Water Northwest, helping people make better, science-backed decisions about their water by combining technical expertise with practical solutions. Whether addressing London’s hard water or Seattle’s softer profiles, he emphasizes the importance of consistency and control — often recommending reverse osmosis systems to optimize the brewing experience.Signup www.tea-biz.com | https://teajourney.pub/newsletter-preferences/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tea-biz/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
The Regenerative Tea Farming Action Project collaborates with smallholder tea farmers and cooperatives to promote the adoption and commercial benefits of regenerative organic farming. The project has advanced from strategic planning to field-level implementation, targeting in-depth agronomic and ecological innovation through four “deep dives” that address soil health and ecosystem resilience, biodiversity, nutrient density, regenerative certification, and carbon and tea.Founder Annabel Kalmar joins Tea Biz to describe the project’s pioneering effort to transform the global tea sector into a regenerative powerhouse, integrating agronomic innovation, ecological integrity, and financial sustainability.BIO: Annabel Kalmar established Tea Rebellion to transform the tea industry through direct trade, transparency, and single-origin sourcing. Since its launch in 2018, the B Corp-certified brand has won more than 20 international tasting awards. A graduate of the University of California, Davis, and the London Business School, Kalmar holds degrees in agricultural economics and business management and has conducted fieldwork in Latin America. She divides her time between Toronto, Canada, and London, UK.Signup www.tea-biz.com | https://teajourney.pub/newsletter-preferences/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tea-biz/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
US Reciprocal Tariffs Increase | India Tech Brew 2025 Champions Named | Chinese Discover Yet Another Species of TeaSignup www.tea-biz.com | https://teajourney.pub/newsletter-preferences/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tea-biz/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
US Reciprocal Tariff Rates to Increase Starting Aug. 1 | India Tech Brew 2025 Champions Named | Chinese Discover Yet Another Species of TeaNEWSMAKER – Annabel Kalmar, Founder of The Regenerative Tea Action ProjectPLUS | The Regenerative Tea Action Project (RTAP) collaborates with smallholder tea farmers and cooperatives to promote the adoption and commercial benefits of regenerative organic farming. The project has advanced from strategic planning to field-level implementation, targeting in-depth agronomic and ecological innovation through four “deep dives” that address soil health and ecosystem resilience, biodiversity, nutrient density, regenerative certification, and carbon and tea.Founder Annabel Kalmar joins Tea Biz to describe the project’s pioneering effort to transform the global tea sector into a regenerative powerhouse, integrating agronomic innovation, ecological integrity, and financial sustainability.Signup www.tea-biz.com | https://teajourney.pub/newsletter-preferences/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tea-biz/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Founders often create tea products out of deep personal passion. They believe if they love it, others will too. But translating that belief into a message that resonates is challenging. Success starts with knowing your product meets a real need — then communicating not just what it is, but how it makes people feel. Emotion matters, says our guest this week, food and beverage consultant Debbie Wildrick.She explains that sampling helps, but it’s slow and costly. The key to establishing a successful tea brand lies in authentic storytelling, clear messaging, and fostering an emotional connection. That’s how you turn passion into awareness, and awareness into loyal customers.BIO: Debbie Wildrick has over 30 years of leadership experience in sales, marketing, operations, and channel strategy within the consumer-packaged goods industry.A recognized expert in brand building and distribution, she specializes in helping entrepreneurs scale through strategic growth. Debbie spent six years as Chief Strategy Officer and Co-Founder of MetaBrand and now leads her own consulting firm.Her executive background includes roles as President of the Beverage Division at Frey Farms, Executive Vice President at HempFusion, and CEO of Bazi, a Colorado-based nutritional beverage company. She began her career in marketing after earning a degree from the University of Texas at Dallas and previously served as Senior Director of Vault and Proprietary Beverages at 7-Eleven.Signup www.tea-biz.com | https://teajourney.pub/newsletter-preferences/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tea-biz/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Scotland Tea Fraud Trial Ends in Unanimous Conviction | India Tea Exports Resume as Israel-Iran Ceasefire Holds | Will Tea Thrive in Lunar and Martian Soil?Signup www.tea-biz.com | https://teajourney.pub/newsletter-preferences/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tea-biz/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Scotland Tea Fraud Trial Ends in Unanimous Conviction | India Tea Exports Resume as Israel-Iran Ceasefire Holds | Will Tea Thrive in Lunar and Martian Soil?GUEST | Food and Beverage Brand and Distribution Consultant Debbie WildrickPLUS | Translating Brand Passion into Profits | Founders often create tea products out of deep personal passion. They believe if they love it, others will too. But translating that belief into a message that resonates is challenging. Success starts with knowing your product meets a real need — then communicating not just what it is, but how it makes people feel. Emotion matters, says our guest this week, food and beverage consultant Debbie Wildrick. She explains that sampling helps, but it’s slow and costly. The key to establishing a successful tea brand lies in authentic storytelling, clear messaging, and fostering an emotional connection. That’s how you turn passion into awareness, and awareness into loyal customers.Signup www.tea-biz.com | https://teajourney.pub/newsletter-preferences/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tea-biz/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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