Tea Biz

The Leafies International Tea Awards, now in its third edition, attracted almost 400 entries this year and, on Nov. 6, named 26 Gold Award winners. An additional 42 teas were Highly Commended by 16 judges representing each major tea-growing region. Director Jennifer Wood explains that judging teas by region and type enables the panel of experts to evaluate the teas more fairly. All judges collaborate to reassess the gold award winners and select best-in-show. Organizers in 2022 saw “A massive gap in the market for a window to origin. The competition seemed like a great way of recognizing the people who work so hard to produce sensational teas only to struggle to get a voice in the marketplace.”Everyone covets trophies and bragging rights. In this episode, Jennifer describes the far more valuable underlying benefits of tea competitions for those who enter -- and the industry at large.BIO Jennifer Wood has worked in tea for 18 years after a successful career in branding. In 2007, she founded Canton Tea in London to supply fine, artisan tea to Five Star Hotels, Michelin-starred restaurants, and independent coffee shops. Jennifer is the Director of the UK Tea Academy, which she co-founded with writer and educator Jane Pettigrew in 2015. The UKTA trains tea professionals and offers courses for tea enthusiasts. Next year, OCN London, a regulated qualifications body with international recognition, will endorse the academy’s courses and certify the qualification for Tea Sommelier. The UKTA launched The Leafies in 2022 to celebrate the producers and embed best practices in the UKTA's learning program.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tea-biz/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

West Bengal Introduces SOPs For Reopening Abandoned Gardens | Tocklai Looks At CTC Green Tea ProductionSignup www.tea-biz.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tea-biz/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Retailers Hurry to Capture Holiday Cheer | Typhoo Tea is on the Brink of Collapse | Oriental Rise Tea Raises $7 Million from a Nasdaq IPOIndia Tea News | West Bengal Introduces SOPs For Reopening Abandoned Gardens | Tocklai Looks At CTC Green Tea ProductionSignup www.tea-biz.com| GUEST - Jennifer Wood, Director of UK Tea Academy | The LeafiesPLUS | Beyond the Trophy -The Leafies International Tea Awards, now in its third edition, attracted almost 400 entries this year and, on Nov. 6, named 26 Gold Award winners. An additional 42 teas were Highly Commended by 16 judges representing each major tea-growing region. Director Jennifer Wood explains that judging teas by region and type enables the panel of experts to evaluate the teas more fairly. All judges collaborate to reassess the gold award winners and select best-in-show. Organizers in 2022 saw “A massive gap in the market for a window to origin. The competition seemed like a great way of recognizing the people who work so hard to produce sensational teas only to struggle to get a voice in the marketplace.”Everyone covets trophies and bragging rights. In this episode, Jennifer describes the far more valuable underlying benefits of tea competitions for those who enter -- and the industry at large.euF8KiL07jIM5SAknY3uSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tea-biz/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Retailers Hurry to Capture Holiday Cheer | Typhoo Tea is on the Brink of Collapse | Oriental Rise Tea Raises $7 Million from a Nasdaq IPOSignup www.tea-biz.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tea-biz/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Kurush Bharucha is among the foremost tea tasters in the world and a brilliant teacher. As a student of his craft, he has always followed the mantra, 'Practice makes perfect, so perfect your practice' - which describes his apprentice days when he tasted up to 1000 cups of tea daily. His expertise, over four decades, extends well beyond the ability to discern quality tea. Seeing synergies across all links in the beverage chain has enabled him to develop a sharp and holistic appreciation of ground realities, constantly pushing boundaries and QUOTE “asking the right questions to constructively challenge the status quo.”As the former head of global tea expertise at Lipton Tea & Infusions, our guest today is in demand as an advisor, educator, and judge of tea competitions.BIO: Kurush began his career in tea in 1985 with Brooke Bond India Limited, shortly after the Anglo-Dutch major Unilever acquired the storied brand. He worked for 20 years in India, with tenures at all six of India's Tea auction centers as a taster and tea buyer and at the company's blending and packing factories as a tea blender. He then relocated to Dubai, where he spent 8 years as Lipton's Beverages Supply Chain Director, buying, blending, and packing tea for markets across its Asia and Africa region. Over the next decade, his work in the UK focused on consumer research, recipe design, building a tea culture....and training a global cadre of up to 80 tea tasters across Lipton's integrated tea business from bush to brand. He has traveled extensively, partnering with producers and sourcing sustainably certified and organic teas from the world's most exclusive network of growers. He holds a degree in Economics from Mumbai University and plans to return soon from the UK to his home in India.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tea-biz/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

LB Brewers Launch India's First Tea Beer | Regen Agri Certification Planned | Assam Launches Mobile Medical Units For Tea GardensSignup www.tea-biz.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tea-biz/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

US Climate Commitment Questioned at COP29 | Argentina’s Tea Harvest is Off to a Good Start | FAO Food Outlook Reveals Rising Coffee and Tea PricesSignup www.tea-biz.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tea-biz/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

US Climate Commitment Questioned at COP29 | Argentina’s Tea Harvest is Off to a Good Start | FAO Food Outlook Reveals Rising Coffee and Tea PricesIndia Tea NewsLB Brewers Launch India's First Tea Beer | Regen Agri Certification Planned | Assam Launches Mobile Medical Units For Tea GardensSignup www.tea-biz.com| GUEST – Tea Taster and Educator Kurush BharuchaPLUS | Tasting Insights with Kurush BharuchaKurush Bharucha is among the foremost tea tasters in the world and a brilliant teacher. As a student of his craft, he has always followed the mantra, 'Practice makes perfect, so perfect your practice' - which describes his apprentice days when he tasted up to 1000 cups of tea daily. His expertise, over four decades, extends well beyond the ability to discern quality tea. Seeing synergies across all links in the beverage chain has enabled him to develop a sharp and holistic appreciation of ground realities, constantly pushing boundaries and QUOTE “asking the right questions to constructively challenge the status quo.”As the former head of global tea expertise at Lipton Tea & Infusions, our guest today is in demand as an advisor, educator, and judge of tea competitions.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tea-biz/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Tea grower and organic tea brand owner Zubin Amiri is a champion of the Caspian Sea tea-growing region, an area that produces well-regarded Persian orthodox black teas. Iran’s 92 million residents consume around 80 to 90,000 metric tons of tea annually, most of which is imported. Consumption averages 1.23 kilos of tea per person (less than three pounds per person compared to the more than 6.5-pound average in 2013). In recent years, consumption has declined by more than half due to economic woes, competition with coffee, production declines due to erratic weather, and the burden of sanctions that date back to 1979.Zubin joins us today to discuss the effect of the forced shift in trade from lucrative North America to European markets and, finally, Russia. He reports that while overall production declined last year to 28,000 metric tons, harvest totals could easily double by cultivating idled tea estates to meet domestic and overseas demand for premium, organic, pest-free, third-party certified teas.BIO: Zubin Amiri is the CEO and founder of Zubin Organic, an Iranian agribusiness that produces tea, walnuts, oranges, raisins, and wild pistachios. He is the fifth generation to manage the family-owned business, which was founded in 1898.Zubin has been a member of the board of the Iran Organic Association since 2008 and serves as vice president of the board of directors of Bio COOP of Iran.He graduated cum laude from the Kogod School of Business at American University and holds a degree in French Studies at Ecole de Roches and a diploma from the Institute Le Rosey in Switzerland. More recently, he studied Global Sustainability Management at UCLA.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tea-biz/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

US Tariffs Loom Ominously Over Tea Trade | 2024 Leafies Award Winners Announced | US FDA Advises Oregon Chai RecallSignup www.tea-biz.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tea-biz/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

US Tariffs Loom Ominously Over Tea Trade | 2024 Leafies Award Winners Announced | US FDA Advises Oregon Chai RecallSignup www.tea-biz.com| GUEST – Zubin Amiri, Managing Director Zubin Tea, IranPLUS | Tea with the Taste of PersiaTea grower and organic tea brand owner Zubin Amiri is a champion of the Caspian Sea tea-growing region, an area that produces well-regarded Persian orthodox black teas. Iran’s 92 million residents consume around 80 to 90,000 metric tons of tea annually, most of which is imported. Consumption averages 1.23 kilos of tea per person (less than three pounds per person compared to the more than 6.5-pound average in 2013). In recent years, consumption has declined by more than half due to economic woes, competition with coffee, production declines due to erratic weather, and the burden of sanctions that date back to 1979.Zubin joins us today to discuss the effect of the forced shift in trade from lucrative North America to European markets and, finally, Russia. He reports that while overall production declined last year to 28,000 metric tons, harvest totals could easily double by cultivating idled tea estates to meet domestic and overseas demand for premium, organic, pest-free, third-party certified teas.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tea-biz/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

A Merry Season for Gifting Tea Awaits | India Tea Ban Will Derail the Recent Surge in Nepal Exports | OX Delivers Tea Transport as a ServiceSignup www.tea-biz.com| GUEST – Kristina Tucker, Minister of Enlightenment and Commerce of The Republic of TeaPLUS | The Republic of TeaThe Republic of Tea, headquartered in Larkspur, Calif., is a pioneering specialty tea retailer founded on the idea that a tea brand could inspire a lifestyle of intentional living, embodying tranquility, creativity, and personal well-being. Citizens of the Republic share a sense of mindfulness and practice self-care rituals, brewing a range of more than 350 teas and herbal infusions. Conceived by Banana Republic founders Mel and Patricia Ziegler in 1992 and nurtured by CEO Bill Rosenzweig, the company sources exceptional teas from multiple origins marketed with a holistic narrative that tea is a gateway to healthier, more intentional living.Minister of Enlightenment and Commerce Kristina Tucker joins us today to discuss how The Republic of Tea cleverly transformed an unconscious beverage habit into a mindful lifestyle choice.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tea-biz/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

A Merry Season for Gifting Tea Awaits | India Tea Ban Will Derail the Recent Surge in Nepal Exports | OX Delivers Tea Transport as a ServiceSignup www.tea-biz.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tea-biz/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Republic of Tea, headquartered in Larkspur, Calif., is a pioneering specialty tea retailer founded on the idea that a tea brand could inspire a lifestyle of intentional living, embodying tranquility, creativity, and personal well-being. Citizens of the Republic share a sense of mindfulness and practice self-care rituals, brewing a range of more than 350 teas and herbal infusions. Conceived by Banana Republic founders Mel and Patricia Ziegler in 1992 and nurtured by CEO Bill Rosenzweig, the company sources exceptional teas from multiple origins marketed with a holistic narrative that tea is a gateway to healthier, more intentional living.Minister of Enlightenment and Commerce Kristina Tucker joins us today to discuss how The Republic of Tea cleverly transformed an unconscious beverage habit into a mindful lifestyle choice.BIO: As vice president of sales and communications for The Republic of Tea, Kristina Tucker believes in the beauty and power of the leaf. Her mission is to educate and inspire people worldwide about teas and herbs: their varieties, origins, rituals, cultures, and health benefits. She joined The Republic of Tea in 2003 and was named Minister of Enlightenment in 2007. Before that, she was the national sales manager at Just Desserts and worked as the promotions manager at Whole Foods Market’s Allegro Coffee Company in Boulder, Colo. She is the current chair of the board of trustees of the American Herbal Products Association. Tucker holds a degree in economics from Alfred Lerner College of Business & Economics at the University of Delaware and a master's in strategic communication from the American University School of Communication.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tea-biz/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Africa’s tea stakeholders believe that actions, more than words, are needed to address the global challenges facing the tea industry. East African Tea Trade Association (EATTA) Managing Director George Omuga said the 500 tea professionals attending the 6thAfrican Tea Convention understand the need to reduce production volume to improve quality and raise profitability, which is essential to financing climate resilience and achieving sustainable cultivation at origins worldwide.George joins us on Tea Biz to share key takeaways from the event, including details on establishing a global alliance to benefit tea-producing countries.BIO: George Omuga was named EATTA managing director in January 2024. He was welcomed as a seasoned professional “who brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to lead our dynamic team. We are confident that his leadership will drive innovation, foster collaboration, and propel our association to new heights.” George is a graduate of Egerton University with an advanced degree in community studies and a Bachelor of Science in agriculture and human ecology. He managed fields and factory operations for Sotik Tea Companies as general manager at Ngorongo Tea Company in Kiambu and managed Trans-Atlantic Trading Co. in Nairobi.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tea-biz/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

4th Edition of Assam FolkTea Festival Announced | Tata and HUL Announce Hike in Tea Prices | Japan's ILEM Launches Tea Range in IndiaSignup www.tea-biz.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tea-biz/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Nepal Tea Exports Surge as India Prepares to Close Down Tea Production in the North | A Closer Look at India’s Ambitious 400 Million Kilo Tea Export Goal | Hainan Tea: A Breakthrough Discovery in Camellia Sinensis ResearchSignup www.tea-biz.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tea-biz/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Nepal Tea Exports Surge as India Prepares to Close Down Tea Production in the North | A Closer Look at India’s Ambitious 400 Million Kilo Tea Export Goal | Hainan Tea: A Breakthrough Discovery in Camellia Sinensis ResearchIndia Tea News4th Edition of Assam FolkTea Festival Announced | Tata and HUL Announce Hike in Tea Prices | Japan's ILEM Launches Tea Range in IndiaSignup www.tea-biz.com| NEWSMAKER – George Omuga, Managing Director, East African Tea Trade AssociationPLUS | A Global Tea AllianceAfrica’s tea stakeholders believe that actions, more than words, are needed to address the global challenges facing the tea industry. East African Tea Trade Association (EATTA) Managing Director George Omuga said the 500 tea professionals attending the 6thAfrican Tea Convention understand the need to reduce production volume to improve quality and raise profitability, which is essential to financing climate resilience and achieving sustainable cultivation at origins worldwide.George joins us on Tea Biz to share key takeaways from the event, including details on establishing a global alliance to benefit tea-producing countries.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tea-biz/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Brazil is a vast beverage market with a well-established tradition of tea and herbal infusions. Coffee and yerba mate dominate, but at-home tea is projected to generate $8 billion in sales this year, and restaurant, delivery, and takeaway tea sales will add $6 billion more. Growth is powered by evolving health and wellness trends that favor diverse and distant teas and blends. Conversations among young, urban consumers seeking healthier lifestyles now center on origins, styles, and functionality. Low-calorie, preservative-free beverages are associated with relaxation and well-being.This week, editor Aravinda Anantharaman interviews veteran importer and retailer Elizeth van der Vorst. Her business, Amigos do Chá (Friends of Tea), is located near São Paulo, the hub of specialty tea, a market she has served for 30 years.Bio: Elizeth van der Vorst has been a Brazilian tea importer since 1994. Her company, Amigos do Cha, embodies her love of tea and its power to bring people together. Elizeth has been our friend at Tea Journey for several years. Among other things, she feels a deep love for India, particularly Darjeeling. In 2022, Elizeth and her husband Gerard made their maiden trip to India, that was years in the planning. She has returned yearly and plans to lead a tour group from Brazil, South America, and Europe to India in 2025. Elizeth speaks about her love for India and why she can’t wait to bring tea lovers here.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tea-biz/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Singtom Tea Garden Bungalows In Darjeeling Burn | Kangra Tea Promotion Plans Announced | Ratan Tata Passes Away at 86Signup www.tea-biz.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tea-biz/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy