While innovation and new/upgraded technology are always key themes, similar to most exhibitions of late, the main theme was sustainable innovation, with exhibitors touting their sustainable/eco-friendly machinery and initiatives.

For example, Cimbria’s new SEA.IQ Optical Sorter is designed to recognise all defects and imperfections. It features cameras with integrated RGB, NIR and SWIR or UV working multifrequency to match multiple data collected during thousands of scans per second.

Goglio introduced a coffee capsule equipped with a degassing valve. This design makes it possible to immediately package fresh coffee without having to wait for the degassing process, which reduces storage times and preserves the aroma of the coffee. The capsule is also available in a 100% compostable version to meet the regulations being discussed in Italy and Europe, and is already certified as industrially compostable.

Mikafi, a Swiss startup, launched its electric tabletop roasting machine at Host Milan. The founders believe that in a world where sustainability, personalisation, and quality experiences are becoming more important, coffee roasting must be ‘rethought’. Designed for the HoReCa market, and in partnership with Thermoplan, the MikafiOne is a fully automated roasting system that uses AI and IoT that offers pre-programmed roast profiles – so non-baristas or inexperienced roasters can use it – as well as customisable roast profiles. “Anyone can roast the coffee, you do not need a roast master and it frees up the barista, said co-founder and CPO, Claudio Vögtli. He shared that the MikafiOne roasts 1 kilo of coffee, which enables businesses to offer a special roast daily in addition to their standard coffee assortment.

Caffe Vergnano was highlighting its ‘Women in Coffee’, which is the company’s women-focused sustainability initiative developed by CEO Carolina Vergnano. Launched in 2018 in collaboration with the International Women’s Coffee Alliance (IWCA), the initiative is aimed at supporting women working in small coffee plantations. The initial project in 2019 focused on the Dominican Republic, followed by Honduras beginning in 2020. This year’s project is a further evolution of the Honduras initiative, which will provide equipment for the library (that was built between 2021 and 2022) and a cafeteria. Proceeds from the Women in Coffee items – all pink – that are sold online and in WIC Cafés around the world, contribute to the project. For more information or to purchase items, visit caffevergnano.com.

After being decimated during the pandemic as stay-at-home orders were implemented globally, the office coffee service (OCS) industry is making a comeback this year. At Host Milan, OCS machine manufacturers exhibited a range of products that are stylish, fully automated, offer high quality beverages, and, most importantly, are durable, easy to use and easy to maintain. Bravilor Bonamat, Rancillo and Bunn were just a few of the companies that showcased the latest in OCS technology.

The 44th edition of Host Milan will be held at fieramilano from 17 to 21 October 2025.

• Vanessa L Facenda, editor, Tea & Coffee Trade Journal.
  Keep in touch via email: vanessa@bellpublishing.com Twitter: @TCTradeJournal or LinkedIn: Tea & Coffee Trade Journal

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Coffee grew 5%, primarily driven by the strong performance of Costa® coffee in the United Kingdom and China. Tea grew 1%, primarily driven by growth in Latin America, partially offset by a decline in doğadan® in Türkiye. North America unit case volume declined 1%, as growth in sparkling flavours and juice, value-added dairy and plant-based beverages was more than offset by declines in water, sports, coffee and tea as well as Trademark Coca-Cola®.

Net revenues grew 6% to USD $12.0 billion, and organic revenues (non-GAAP) grew 11%. Revenue performance included 10% growth in price/mix and 1% growth in concentrate sales. Concentrate sales were 1 point ahead of unit case volume, largely due to the timing of concentrate shipments.

Operating margin was 20.1% versus 20.7% in the prior year, while comparable operating margin (non-GAAP) was 31.6% versus 30.7% in the prior year. Operating margin decline was primarily driven by items impacting comparability and currency headwinds. Comparable operating margin (non-GAAP) expansion was primarily driven by strong topline growth and the impact of refranchising bottling operations, partially offset by an increase in marketing investments and higher operating costs versus the prior year, as well as currency headwinds.

EPS (earning per share) grew 34% to $0.59, and comparable EPS (non-GAAP) grew 11% to $0.78. Comparable EPS (non-GAAP) performance included the impact of a 6-point currency headwind.

In terms of market share, Coca-Cola gained value share in total nonalcoholic ready-to-drink (NARTD) beverages.

Cash flow from operations was $4.6 billion year-to-date, an increase of $83 million versus the prior year, driven by strong business performance and working capital initiatives, partially offset by the transition tax payment made during the second quarter. Free cash flow (non-GAAP) was $4.0 billion year-to-date, a decline of $45 million versus the prior year.

“I am encouraged that our all-weather strategy, working together with our bottling partners, has delivered strong second quarter results,” said James Quincey, chairman and CEO of Atlanta, Georgia-based The Coca-Cola Company. “We are executing efficiently and effectively on a local level, while maintaining flexibility on a global level. The strength of our first half results and the resiliency of our business gives us the confidence to raise our 2023 guidance.”

To support the company’s goal to reduce carbon emissions by 25% by 2030, against a 2015 baseline, The Coca-Cola Company and eight leading global bottling partners created a first-of-its-kind sustainability-focused $137.7 million venture capital fund in partnership with Greycroft, a seed-to-growth venture capital firm. The fund aligns with the company’s networked approach to sustainability and has the potential to help advance solutions across its global value chain by investing in sustainability-focused companies at the point of commercialisation. Reducing the Coca-Cola system’s carbon footprint is a top priority for the fund, so it will initially prioritise five key areas with the most potential impact: packaging, heating and cooling, facility decarbonisation, distribution and supply chain.

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The new 1,660 sq ft location is the UK-based brand’s 70th with it operating across the UK as well as in Paris and Manila. From its new store at The Sidings, which opened earlier this month, Black Sheep will offer its variety of coffees – including its speciality-grade 100 percent Robusta coffee – and other food and beverages.

The launch of the new location coincides with Black Sheep Coffee introducing a new range of refreshing drinks for the summer, including a mango and dragonfruit smoothie, and a series of bubble tea drinks. It will also continue to serve its range of iced drinks, savoury and sweet treats – from toasties to its signature Norwegian waffles.

Black Sheep Coffee credited the decision to open its latest location at London’s newest destination to the mix of tourists, visitors and commuters passing through one of the UK’s busiest stations. Other brands already open at The Sidings include boutique Belgian chocolatier Neuhaus and luxury skincare brand Kiehl’s, alongside nationwide retailers Sainsbury’s and WH Smiths.

“We are delighted to be expanding to The Sidings, which is a great new development that we can’t wait to be a part of,” Eirik Holth and Gabriel Shohet, co-founders of Black Sheep Coffee.

A new pedestrianised street – Waterloo Curve – has been introduced to connect the station and The Sidings to the wider South Bank area. It has been designed to reflect the area’s creative spirit and the already iconic surrounding locations such as Leake Street Arches, Royal Festival Hall and the National Theatre.

“Black Sheep Coffee is fast developing a reputation for its quality and ability to offer something new. The Sidings, then, represents a natural next location as it continues to deliver its innovative take on coffee, food and cocktails for a mix of commuters, tourists and workers alike,” said Peter Hawthorne, CEO at LCR, the commercial developer for The Sidings. “The South Bank is London’s beating cultural heart, attracting millions of visitors every year. It is important for us that The Sidings echoes that and delivers an experience of its own. Welcoming big-name brands like Black Sheep, alongside innovative, independent operators, will only bolster that ambition.”

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Both the Tea Association of the USA, Inc., and the Tea Council of the USA have been working for the last three DGAC cycles leveraging the healthfulness of tea, to influence tea being incorporated into the DGA. The DGAC is using data analysis, food pattern modeling, and systematic reviews to examine a list of prioritised scientific questions. The questions about dietary patterns reference the effect of beverages on growth, body composition, risk of obesity and risk of type 2 diabetes. Tea, as well as dairy and coffee, are included specifically as these questions are being reviewed. 

This is a significant achievement for tea Peter F. Goggi, president of the Tea Association of the USA said, explaining that “tea has been discussed by the DGAC in the past but has never made it to the final recommendations.” 

The DGAC uses three scientific approaches to examine the evidence: data analysis, food pattern modeling, and systematic reviews. In an email alert to its members, the Tea Association and Tea Council of the USA offered updates on DGAC activities to date in 2023, which included key points discussed at the second DGAC Meeting (the next meeting has not yet been scheduled). 

According to the update, sustainability is an area of interest for the DGA 2025 to better understand how sustainability intersects with food systems, diet, nutrition, and health, highlighting that “information we can provide about the sustainability of tea should be included in our comments.” The DGAC is viewing the 2025 guidelines through a ‘health equity lens’ and they are considering diverse racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, and cultural backgrounds.  

Furthermore, in his letter to members, Goggi said the DGAC committee is looking to recognise that American consumer’s frustration with choosing healthy foods runs deep and is rooted in individual daily battles. The DGAC looks to consider factors such as economic and social aspects of obstacles to food access, health, and healthcare, and works on ways to remove barriers. 

The relationship between beverage consumption and type 2 diabetes is being examined by the committee. The DGAC notes that as beverages are consumed throughout the day, the effect of beverages on blood sugar levels is important to consider. 

The DGAC is also exploring the relationship between coffee and/or tea consumption and growth, body composition and risk of obesity. 

The 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee is examining a list of prioritised scientific questions informed by the proposed list of scientific questions identified by Health and Human Services (HHS) and USDA. The full list of questions, including the beverage-focused ones, may be viewed here. 

Louise Pollock, president, Pollock Communications, which represents the Tea Council of the USA, and has been working with both organisations to promote research findings that tout the many healthy attributes of tea as well as to leverage the healthfulness of tea over the last three DGAC cycles in order to influence tea being incorporated into the DGA, said the [tea] organisations plan to address the research on tea and obesity and diabetes in their comments in late 2023 or early 2024. 

“The Tea Council of the USA will do this by sending written comments to the Dietary Guidelines Committee citing [published] research,” said Pollock. “Additionally, we will work with a highly respected researcher to provide in-person comments, if selected, about the health benefits of tea directly to the Committee.”

The Tea Association and Tea Council will continue to monitor the activities of the DGAC and will offer input when comments are requested, and T&CTJ will continue to provide updates as they become available. 

While on the topic of tea and sustainability, just a quick reminder that T&CTJ’s tea sustainability survey deadline has been extended to 30 June. Please voice your opinion on this critically important topic. Access the survey here. 

• Vanessa L Facenda, editor, Tea & Coffee Trade Journal.
  Keep in touch via email: vanessa@bellpublishing.com Twitter: @TCTradeJournal or LinkedIn: Tea & Coffee Trade Journal

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T&CTJ, in conjunction once again with Firsd Tea, invites you to add your voice to the 2nd Annual Tea Sustainability Perspectives survey. This survey gauges perceptions of sustainability in the tea industry among business leaders in the tea, coffee and cocoa sectors. It covers social, economic, and environmental issues associated with sustainability.

“The previous survey was a critical mirror for us in the tea industry. This year we want to be aware of any incremental gains or be watchful for any potential regressions. We can then fine-tune our shared actions in a united effort for the betterment of all people, the planet, and the tea plant that is so dear to each of us,” said Jason Walker, marketing director, Firsd Tea North America.

The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete. The deadline has been extended to 31 August 2023.

For every completed response, a contribution will be donated to 1% for the Planet, an international organisation whose members contribute at least one percent of their annual sales to environmental causes. Their mission is to “build, support and activate an alliance of businesses financially committed to creating a healthy planet.”

Access the survey here.

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The new flavour has been created to deliver bold citrus notes and, like the rest of their range, it is light, fizzy and refreshing. Remedy Kombucha Orange Squeeze is a healthier alternative to traditional sugary or artificially sweetened orange soft drinks. Remedy’s kombucha contains live cultures and organic acids to support gut health, and it is also free from sugar and contains only natural ingredients.

Remedy Orange Squeeze is made using Remedy’s 30-day, small-batch brewing process, which creates strong live cultures and complex flavour notes, says the company. This long-age ferment also removes all sugar, creating a shelf-stable, 100% plant-powered kombucha.

Launched in Australia in 2012 by husband-and-wife, Sarah and Emmet Condon, Remedy Kombucha has grown rapidly to become the UK’s most popular kombucha brand, sold in UK retailers such as Tesco, Ocado, Morrisons, Holland & Barrett, Starbucks, M&S, WHSmith, Amazon – and now Sainsbury’s.

Anna Dominey, UK general manager of Remedy Drinks, commented, “We’re delighted to be launching in Sainsbury’s with Orange Squeeze, our exciting new flavour. In partnering with Sainsbury’s, we’re looking forward to continuing to expand Remedy’s audience and surprising customers with just how delicious our sugar-free, all-natural kombucha is!”

Launching into Sainsbury’s with multipacks of 4 x 330ml cans (RRP: £5.50), Remedy Kombucha Orange Squeeze will also roll out within Holland & Barrett from July, in individual 250ml cans (from £1.99). The new flavour is also available now online at Remedydrinks.co.uk. Sainsbury’s will also stock multipacks of 4 x 330ml cans of Remedy Wild Berry Kombucha.

To find out more about Remedy Kombucha, visit Remedydrinks.co.uk.

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This proposed organisational change will enable the European markets to apply a true omnichannel approach, a model the company successfully applies in all its other markets. Additionally, it will allow the company to leverage its brands more effectively and reduce complexity.

Commenting on the announcement, Fabien Simon, CEO of JDE Peet’s, said, “Over the last couple of years, we have successfully implemented various initiatives that have strengthened the foundations and improved the performance of our Out-of-Home business. However, we operate in a dynamic environment, and how our customers and consumers engage with us, buy our products, and use our services continues to structurally evolve. Combining our Out-of-Home and CPG Europe segments will allow us to better leverage our brand power and unlock value.”

If these proposed changes are effectuated, JDE Peet’s will align its segment reporting with the new organisational model. The reporting of the other segments and the total company is not subject to change. The proposed changes described above are subject to information and/or consultation as applicable regulations require.

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These latest options build on the momentum of 2022, when Dorset, England-based Clipper Tea announced a rebrand of its entire everyday line in the US to better differentiate its offerings to a new generation of tea drinkers, including existing flavours Organic English Breakfast Black Tea, Organic Strawberry & Elderflower Herbal Tea, Organic Lemon & Ginger Herbal Tea and Organic Snore & Peace Chamomile & Lavender Herbal Tea, as well as the launch of three new flavours: Organic Earl Grey Black Tea, Organic Orange & Turmeric Herbal Tea and Organic Green Tea & Lemon.

Last fall, Clipper Tea also released two seasonal varieties – Organic Winter Apple & Cinnamon Herbal Tea and Organic Winter Spiced Berry Herbal Tea – that will continue to be available for a limited time to keep consumers warm through the winter tea season.

“At Clipper Tea, we hope to bring delicious innovation to the tea category with a sense of fun that meets our consumers’ wants and needs,” said Heather Black, US marketing manager. “The 80-pack Organic Decaf Black Tea has always been a fan favourite in the UK, so we’re excited to make it available in the US in an easy-to-enjoy 20-pack. Our tea selection box makes it effortless to sample a variety of our teas or gift to a tea lover who appreciates charming packaging and ethical sourcing.”

Clipper Tea’s Organic Decaf Black Tea is a blend of Assam Fairtrade certified black tea that promises a rich, smooth and robust taste with malty notes and a balanced finish. While black tea is typically caffeinated, Fortune Business Insights projects an increase in decaffeinated tea consumption in the coming years, both due to its associated health benefits and increased consumer interest in caffeine-free beverages.

In addition to being a bestseller in the 80-pack currently available through Amazon, the Organic Decaf Black Tea was the 2019 winner of a UK Great Taste Award. The new 20-pack will also include individually wrapped bags with strings and tags, keeping each bag fresh and making them convenient to enjoy at home or on the go.

“As one of our most popular teas, we’re excited to offer this new 20-pack size for the increasing number of tea drinkers looking for a caffeine-free black tea. Our decaffeination process uses carbon dioxide, a completely natural resource, found in the air we breathe, making it a standout decaf black tea,” said Black.

Recent trends showed that variety packs have increased in popularity as they allow consumers the option to test more than one tea to figure out their flavour preferences, without the hassle or cost of buying multiple packs. Clipper Tea released an Organic Herbal & Green Tea Selection Box in August of 2022 that was perfect for samplers and in 2023 is expanding its availability to retail.

The box includes teas sourced from across the globe as Clipper Tea’s expert team travels the world looking for the best tea gardens to source, select and blend every tea flavour to provide a perfectly delectable and balanced cuppa. The selection box includes Organic Lemon & Ginger Herbal Tea, Organic Snore & Peace Chamomile & Lavender Herbal Tea, Organic Strawberry & Elderflower Herbal Tea, Organic Orange and Turmeric Herbal Tea and Organic Green Tea & Lemon, with each bag individually wrapped.

Clipper Tea products come in recyclable packaging, with plant-based, biodegradable, unbleached and non-GMO tea bags that are plastic free. According to the Tea Association of the USA, consumers have started to shift their purchasing preferences, seeking teas that are eco-friendly and benefit the growers. All the continuing and new flavours are USDA Organic, non-GMO Project Verified and Certified B-Corp, with all black and green teas Fairtrade certified. Clipper Tea is the world’s biggest buyer of Fairtrade certified black and green teas, supporting more than 114,000 farmers, workers and their families across the globe.

Clipper Tea products are available for purchase (USD $6.99 MSRP per 20-pack box; $19.99 MSRP per selection box) in select retailers across the country and on Amazon, with distribution increasing through 2023.

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“These are Clipper Teas first seasonal offerings in the US and help us lean into the holiday season when we know consumers are seeking out warming and nostalgic flavours,” said Chris Tandy, US regional sales manager, Clipper Teas, in a previous statement.

Clipper, the first Fairtrade certified tea company in the United Kingdom, has long been celebrated as one of the best-tasting teas on the market, winning Great Taste Awards in the UK every year since 2009. As the brand expands in the US, it has optimised its SKU range to better meet the desires of the next generation of US tea drinkers. The new offerings for the holiday and winter include:

• Organic Winter Apple & Cinnamon Herbal Tea: features a blend of apple, cinnamon, lemongrass, hibiscus, licorice root, chicory root and more.
•Organic Winter Berries Herbal Tea: features a blend of cinnamon, cranberry, black currant, hibiscus, orange peel, licorice root, cloves, rosehip, star anise and more.

The new limited edition teas are USDA Organic certified and non-GMO verified. They have a MSRP of USD $6.99 and are available on Clipper’s Amazon store.

The new varieties continue to uphold Clipper Teas’ commitment to sustainability. In addition to the earth-friendly packaging, the UK-based factory where the tea is blended is carbon neutral and 98 percent of factory waste is recycled, with tea waste used to generate green energy.

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Their signature tea, Nine Ladies Dancing, a black teais joined by the Tea Gardens of Scotland’s roasted green tea — the first of its kind to come out of Scotland.

The Bvlgari Hotel and Residences is a luxury boutique hotel in Knightsbridge, London with a distinctive modern burst that oozes glamour and authentic elegance. The Bvlgari Group has hotels worldwide in major cosmopolitan cities and luxury resort destinations with further openings planned over the next few years.

Commenting on the debut at the Bvlgari Hotel, a spokesperson for Tea Gardens of Scotland said, “We have been delighted by the encouraging uptake of our tea and how well it has been received. Our aim was to produce an authentic, high-quality, hand-crafted tea, it is a real joy when years of hard work pays off. To be included on the tea menu at the Bvlgari Hotel is a dream come true for us all.”

Nine Ladies Dancing is a black tea with amber to light gold liquor, a bright clear cup, and light, delicate, sweet caramel, chocolate, dried fruit, and woody notes. Named Frisky Rascal after a rescued red squirrel, this Perthshire grown green tea has been carefully crafted from the combined leaf of just three independent gardens in the county. It is a roasted green tea with pale green/lemon liquor, a vegetal and floral aroma that is light, smooth with toasted nuts and grilled artichoke notes.

Regarding the new Frisky Rascal tea, Ronnie Murray of the Tea Gardens of Scotland, said, ‘We have spent many hours exploring match making combinations to achieve perfect pairings for our green teas. There is no shortage of food pairings to complement and enhance the wonderful flavours.” We are all delighted with ‘Frisky Rascal’ tea, it is different, smooth, vegetal and nutty notes make it stand apart from so many green teas that we love from elsewhere in the World. It has been amazingly well received, way beyond our expectations, we are all thrilled.’

A spokesperson for Canton Tea, which specialises in high end, rare teas, and which has helped the Tea Gardens of Scotland place their tea into high end hotels, in London said, “Canton supplies some of the world’s top hotels and we are delighted to introduce Nine Ladies Dancing and Frisky Rascal to Bvlgari Knightsbridge to be available on their Fine Tea menu with their afternoon teas. At Canton we are in awe of the dedication and craftsmanship of these ladies of Tea Gardens of Scotland. The feedback from our customers has been positive which is great credit to the astonishing achievement of these Scottish tea growers.”

Tea Gardens of Scotland consists of nine female Scottish tea growers who all grow tea in their separate gardens in Perthshire, Fife, Angus, and Kincardineshire. They began planting tea seeds in 2016. For the Nine Ladies Dancing Tea, they all pluck on the same day and combine their leaf to make this black tea. It is pure, 100% Scottish grown tea. Tea Gardens of Scotland has previously sold to Fortnum & Mason, The Royal Penthouse Suite at the Corinthia Hotel and Canton Tea.

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The campaign will premiere on ITV and Channel 4 and run throughout the London region between 5 – 30 September via hyper-targeted TV and video on demand, airing to over 2.1 million viewers.

Created by Pablo, the 20 second advert tells the story of Clipper as a renowned sustainable tea pioneer, showcasing its blend of natural and fair teas, which have received over 68 Great Taste Awards in the last five years. The production blends illustration with kinetic text, calling on Britain’s tea drinkers to make tea the best way, with the finest organic and 100% natural ingredients, brewed in an unbleached, plastic-free tea bag. Watch the ad via YouTube here.

The launch will be supported by PR, social media, and paid media promotion across the four-week period.

Earlier this year, Clipper rolled out its ‘Make it Better’ marketing drive, challenging consumers not to settle when it comes to their favourite daily brew.

“At Clipper Teas, creating great tasting, responsibly made tea is at the heart of everything we do. Through our new TV advert, we’re bringing to life everything our brand stands for in a joyfully vibrant way,” Bryan Martins, Clipper Teas marketing & category director at parent company, Ecotone UK, said, adding, “the illustrated art direction puts our award-winning, quality blends and unrivalled flavour, centre stage. It’s the perfect crescendo to our Make it Better campaign this year.”

Clipper’s campaign media was planned and bought by Wavemaker Select, with social run by Finn, and PR & Influencer marketing handled by Highlight PR.

Clipper Teas is one of the fastest growing tea brands in the UK tea market, now growing at 20% in a previously declining category.

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The main goal of the redesign is to provide SerendipiTea’s valued customers with a more intuitive and user-friendly visit. The website features a refreshed look, improved navigation, and a handful of features, which will make the overall experience more pleasant on desktops, mobile phones, and tablets.

Now, just a bit behind schedule, the company is thrilled to officially share the unveiling of the new and improved serendipiTea.com. SerendipiTea invites its consumers to have a look around and please feel free to share suggestions and/or feedback on social media, through the website or at tea@serendiptea.com.

Founded on a set of green principles that have guided the company for over two decades, SerendipiTea remains dedicated to the import, handcrafting and promotion of premium quality teas and botanicals and is deeply committed to environmentally and socially responsible practices, certified organic product, recycled, sustainable and biodegradable packaging, as well as to educating the trade and public to raise respect and awareness of tea to levels enjoyed around the world.

SerendipiTea is known for its vast assortment of specialty teas and tisanes, options include certified organic, direct trade, single estates, traditional blends and unique recipes. SerendipiTea’s loose leaf and single serve t-sachets (tea bags) are available in retail and wholesale formats, foodservice, bulk and private labeling. All recipes are dreamed up on location and blending and packing is done by-hand in small batches on site at the company’s New York facility.

In addition to its new, improved website presence for retail customers, SerendipiTea is served nationally at the finest restaurants, cafes and tea houses and can be found in such celebrated foodie meccas as Le Bernardin, Melisse, CIA (The Culinary Institute of America), Fresh Direct, Surfas Restaurant and Supply, Zabar’s and even The Tokyo Station Hotel in Japan.

Visit the new website at: serendipitea.com.

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The Leafies are the first dedicated tea awards in the United Kingdom to highlight carefully crafted teas from all over the world. They will bring together high-profile tea experts to assess and award high grade, artisan teas in over 30 categories. Judging criteria will consider the farming and processing of the teas as well as the stories and the people behind the gardens.

One Gold will be awarded to a tea in each category, with Highly Commended awarded at the judges’ discretion. Tea categories include white, green, dark, oolong, jasmine, matcha and many more. Special awards will be given to those effecting positive change for the environment, the industry and their community.

Jane Pettigrew, co-founder and director of studies at the UKTA said, “We are thrilled to be launching the International Tea Academy Awards, The Leafies, in partnership with Fortnum & Mason. They mark the first dedicated UK tea awards to celebrate the astonishing diversity of crafted teas from every tea-producing region in the world.”

A selection of winners will be given the opportunity to have their teas sold at Fortnum & Mason’s internationally renowned Rare Tea Counter. F&M tea buyer, Ottilie Cunningham, said of the partnership, “Fortnum & Mason [is] delighted to be involved with The Leafies, created to champion the values of family producers, small batch teas and inspiring tea companies. We are looking forward to discovering some exciting new teas for our Rare Tea Counter.”

Jane Pettigrew and Ottilie Cunningham, alongside a selection of the UK Tea Academy’s specialist tutors, are the first of the expert panel of judges to be confirmed.

Entrants can register their interest for the awards now through the UKTA’s website to receive exclusive updates. The awards cost £50 per tea entry. Completed applications and teas will need to be sent during August and September, with judging taking place in October at The Scottish Tea Factory and in London. Winners will be announced at The Leafies Award Ceremony at an iconic London venue.

For those interested in participating in the inaugural The Leafies, visit: ukteaacademy.co.uk/the-leafies.

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Beginning on 1 May, Saint James Tea is hitting shelves at Sprouts Farmers Markets in over 50 stores spread across two key west coast markets, Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Created by the co-founder of AriZona Iced Tea, John M Ferolito, designer Jon Buscemi, Bond Audio & D’Angelico Guitars CEO Brenden Cohen, and beverage industry veteran Roy Warren Jr, Saint James Tea stands out from the crowd as a healthy beverage option that boasts minimal environmental impact.

“We found synergy with LA Libations as, like Saint James Tea, the company prioritizes health, wellness and social responsibility,” explains Ferolito. “Sprouts Farmers Market’s healthy and eco-friendly shopping experience makes it the perfect grocery store to introduce Saint James Tea to customers on a national level, and through our partnership at LA Libations, we are excited to continue expanding our in-store presence this year.”

Saint James Tea puts the planet first by using Tetra Paks created with low carbon materials and made of 70% paper from responsibly managed forests. The packaging also eliminates exposure to air and light, which gives the preservative-free tea a shelf life of up to 24 months, while keeping the product fresh for as long as possible.

“The ‘better-for-you’ proposition that Saint James Tea embodies makes the brand an ideal fit for our Incubation portfolio,” said Jacob Timony, Executive Vice President of LA Libations / Director of SIP. “As we position the brand for launch in the California market scene, the initial feedback from retailers and consumers alike has been overwhelmingly positive. We’re eager to get selling.”

Named in honour of Father James Haggerty – an inspirational figure in Ferolito’s early career – A key component of the company is to encourage consumers to give back. Through its #WhoIsYourSaintJames initiative, individuals will be empowered to recognize those who are helping better their communities. 

Saint James Tea plans to expand distribution to other health and wellness-forward stores and markets on the West Coast in the coming year.

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According to teapigs, the playful and vibrant creative “is a celebration of all the tea nuts out there, living their very best tea life.”

Wanting to stand out from the rest of the category, and dial up their fun and lively nature, teapigs bold new ‘tea life’ campaign is a light-hearted nod to the notion of ‘living your best life’…just with tea! The ad takes a very tongue in cheek glimpse into the world of an eccentric couple, doing exactly that…complete with chamomile earrings, naturally.

“We’re really excited about going on TV for the first time, it’s time to shout a lot louder about the great quality tea we have been sourcing and selling for the last 15 years,” said Louise Cheadle, teapigs’ co-founder and chief tea taster. “We’re lucky enough to have some incredible customers who are absolute tea nuts (true story — someone once proposed to their girlfriend by hiding the ring in their teapigs travel tin!), and we wanted to take this chance to celebrate them, and all the tea lovers out there living their best tea life with teapigs every single day. It’s also a fab opportunity to get in front of a new audience of tea fans and drive sales to coffee shops, cafes, retail spots and wholesalers to try our award-winning range.”

Set to a reworked version of Good Life by Inner City, a series of stills from photographer Dan Burn-Fonti, and the end line ‘Live large. Brew big’ voiced by Tamsin Greig – ‘tea life’ is a high energy ad set to capture the imagination of tea lovers.

Watch the TV ad here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDnz_KJOrRo.

The strategy and creative was the workings of Dog, Cat & Mouse, an independent creative agency. The spot was produced in house by DCM and directed by Dan Burn-Forti, Mark Howard and Jo Tanner and employs stop frame stills rather than live action.

teapigs is available directly on teapigs.co.uk as well as in store at Waitrose, Tesco, Sainsburys, Whole Foods, Selfridges, Amazon and many amazing independent cafés and retailers across the United Kingdom. To find out where to purchase teapigs in the United States, visit: teapigs.com.

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Professor and psychologist Louise Dye, Human Appetite and Research Unit, Leeds University, sparked my curiosity as she shared her findings on tea and cognition. Her research explores how food impacts cognitive development with the hope of discovering how to optimise cognitive performance through diet and nutrition.

Could tea be that magical elixir that could help with this decline? The answer is still inconclusive.

Dye discussed several studies, which despite their differences in methodology, all demonstrate that there appears to be an improvement in both attention and working memory when participants drink tea.

One Japanese study revealed that matcha had a positive impact on attention. The study looked at the impact of matcha on cognition for both young adults and older adults, providing an interesting perspective on the impact of tea on the aging brain. The study found that two grams of matcha over two weeks, for the younger adults, helped to maintain attention. While, in the older adults (ages 50-69), a single dose improved attention, with repeated dosing over 12 weeks increasing their work capacity. The study concluded that matcha combined with caffeine improved both attention and work performance under stress.

“Tea might be quite an important nutrient to help us with attention,” she emphasised. The challenge is that it’s still unclear which components (ECEG, caffeine, or l-theanine) in tea are causing this positive impact.

Dye revealed these findings while simultaneously presenting another point to ponder: could it potentially be tea’s positive influence on stress reduction that is creating that positive impact on attention? There is no question that stress influences our decision-making skills and our cognitive function, but can a cup of tea help with this?

Having a cup of tea might be beneficial simply because it reduces the cortisol response to stress. L-theanine, specifically, has been shown to attenuate cardiovascular responses to acute stress. Green tea, in particular, can moderate the resting state alpha activity helping achieve an increased relaxed state.

Pursuant to the tea symposium, I decided to launch my own tea study, choosing to sip tea throughout the day and silently observe its effects. Did I feel more focused and alert? Were my stress levels reduced? Overall, it was a productive day, but was that because of the tea? It’s hard to say, but if there is one thing that I can take away from the conference is that having a few cups of tea a day may help to keep that doctor away.

• Anne-Marie Hardie, freelance writer, professor and speaker based in Barrie, Ontario.
  Keep in touch via email: annemariehardie1@gmail.com.

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The First or the Spring Flush is the very first growth of tea leaves after the dormancy period. It is considered the best flush of the growing season, bringing in high prices from tea connoisseurs. It contains a high amount of antioxidants or catechins, L-theanine stimulant, and caffeine. First Flush invokes a different image to every tea drinker – one of wonder and excitement; a New Year of sorts for the tea community. The first of these Limited Edition 2022 First Flush teas have now been harvested, and are available online at Teabox – Teabox gets leaves from tea gardens to teacups in just one week.

The first four 2022 First Flush teas available are Singbulli Spring Flowery Oolong, Badamtam Spring White, Goomtee Spring Black, and Upper Namring Spring Clonal Black.

India offers high-quality specialty teas and Darjeeling First Flush tea has made a name for itself in the global as well as domestic market.

Spring Flush teas are light and bright with spring-fresh flavours and are immensely smooth and aromatic. Darjeeling spring white and oolong teas are some of the most prized world-wide and are made in limited quantities. Since Darjeeling tea has received a GI (Geographical Indication) tag, it has brought in a lot of authenticity and tea lovers across the world are willing to pay a premium.

The Kalpana Story – Tribute to the Hands That Pick

Teabox’s 2022 First Flush harvest is dedicated to KALPANA, the tea pickers that bring this magnificent drink to tea lovers across the world.

Teabox says it wants to bring the attention of every tea lover back to the source; to the people, who are so often overshadowed by the distance created by an over-convoluted and old industry, the politics of the region, and a distinct lack of voice. Teabox dedicates this year’s First Flush to them by creating KALPANA – a symbol of the tea picker in the form of a special handmade doll – an embodiment of each and every woman who strives under the sun and rain to pick the finest of the teas.

In Sanskrit, Kalpana translates to ‘Imagination’, a befitting name as it allows the mind to wander across the misty mountains and valleys to create one’s own Kalpana.

Kausshal Dugarr, founder & CEO, Teabox India said: “We wanted to make the idea of bringing this tribe to the forefront more tangible – something that you can touch and see, to bring you closer to the story of these extraordinary women. As we pondered on what exactly that could be, we came up with the idea of handmade dolls. Dolls made from left-over clothes and a little sponge stitched by grandmothers – a perfect symbol for our campaign.”

“To make this happen, we collaborated with Hayden Hall – a private non-profit-making organisation in Darjeeling that dedicates their efforts towards the development of underprivileged women and helping them become self-reliant. With the support of dedicated volunteers, they helped create simple dolls with social and cultural significance. And with each order of our First Flush, we intend to send our customers one of these dolls to highlight their story,” Dugarr added.

Read more about the Kalpana story here, and follow a day in the life of one of the Kalpana tea-pickers here.

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According to the Celestial Seasonings poll, the leading beverages adult Americans are drinking every day include:

•  Water (65%)
• Coffee (58%)
• Tea (30%)
• Juice (28%)
• Soda (24%)

The poll results found that tea is a popular choice among millennials, which make up three in five of those who prefer tea, and more than a third (34%) of this group turns to tea every day. According to the survey results, millennials’ beverage of choice to relax, to wake up, and to stay productive, is tea. Functional teas with benefits like melatonin, probiotics, and high caffeine levels (as much as a cup of coffee) continue to attract younger tea drinkers.

“Whether we’re returning to the office or working from home, we want to feel productive and energized,” said Tim Collins, general manager/vice president of Celestial Seasonings, Boulder, Colorado. “Millennials polled say a simple switch from coffee to tea has the potential to not only sustain that productivity, but also provide multiple benefits. Tea is having a big moment. We’re seeing a record number of consumers across age groups reach for tea, thanks to their new advantages that make healthful choices easier.”

The Celestial Seasonings poll results revealed that:

• While coffee connoisseurs may have the most drive in the morning (65%), less than a third of them (29%) keep that motivation in the afternoon. Meanwhile, (41%) of those who favour tea said they are typically brimming with energy in the afternoon, making for more productive days.
• Those who mainly drink water get the best sleep, as three in five say they get between six to eight hours every night, compared to just 42% of those who primarily sip coffee. More people who primarily choose water over other beverages reported lower levels of anxiety and stress (61%).
• Nearly all primary tea drinkers (93%) place high importance on their health and strive to make healthful choices. While (92%) of coffee lovers say the same thing, nearly two in five report their mental health constantly weighed down by feelings of anxiety or stress (38%). [Editor’s note: the anxiety and stress are more than likely related to the specific individuals/respondents and not the result of coffee consumption.] Among respondents who mainly sip tea (25%), and nearly a quarter of all respondents (23%), said tea is their beverage of choice when they want to unwind.

The survey also uncovered other interesting ‘tea factoids’ such as nearly three in five (58%) dominant tea-sippers live in the eastern United States, while more women (60%) than men (39%) are likely to continue drinking tea throughout the day. Furthermore, 63% of Americans get their fill of tea more than once a week, and nearly half (48%) of those respondents enjoy a cup every day.

The online quantitative survey was conducted by OnePoll, utilizing responses from 2,005 Americans located throughout the United States. Respondents, aged 18 and older, were surveyed based on their beverage consumption and preferences.

The survey did not specify what types of tea – black or green, for example– consumers may be choosing for their afternoon ‘caffeine pick-me-up’ or which botanical/herbal tea they may be drinking to unwind in the evening — there are certainly many options. Enjoy your cuppa!

• Vanessa L Facenda, editor, Tea & Coffee Trade Journal.
  Keep in touch via email: vanessa@bellpublishing.com Twitter: @TCTradeJournal or LinkedIn: Tea & Coffee Trade Journal

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SerendipiTea was among the winners, achieving Best Charity Based Social/Community Program.

“All of us at SerendipiTea are so very grateful to all in the global tea community who voted for us. Learning that we had won the Best Charity Based Social/Community Program was deeply heart-warming and truly meaningful as charity and service plays a large role in our overall mission,” commented SerendipiTea’s partner/co-founder Linda Villano.

SerendipiTea, an artisanal New York-based importer/manufacturer, was founded in 1995 by Tomislav Podreka and Linda Villano on a specific set of principles which stress Environmental and Social responsibility. The logo was designed to express this very notion: the cup represents tea; the pen represents continuous learning which is communicated to others in writings/various forms of media and the hand represents the need to give back so that balance in life may be achieved. To this end, SerendipiTea selects only tea sources which share its principles, the brand participates in many local charitable events and has created numerous blends which benefit specific local and national charities. “Our sincere thanks to all who voted and to all companies that include a charitable component in their business practices,” said Villano.

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Bright, refreshing and rejuvenating; Blue Ridge Mountain Mint, Lavender Limoncello and Tulsi Rose are ready to bring the vibrant tastes of spring from the farm to the teacup. 

“When we think of springtime in the mountains, to me it is all about renewal – both in our personal lives and throughout nature – so these blends are all very much inspired by the themes of rejuvenation,” said Jessie Dean, Asheville Tea Company’s founder.  

Blue Ridge Mountain Mint is a bold blend of locally sourced herbs and botanicals including Mountain Mint, which is native to Western North Carolina. This blend brews blue, but steeps a fun secret when spritzed with lemon juice to reveal the colours of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Lush and lemony, the second spring seasonal is Lavender Limoncello. This Tuscan inspired blend features white peony tea, lemon balm, lemongrass, lemon peel, lavender flower and calendula flower.

These two blends join Tulsi Rose, a floral and flirty blend with locally-sourced tulsi, hibiscus and sweet rose petals. 

The packaging for the trio was also directly inspired from the vibrant colour palates of a spring sunset in the Blue Ridge Mountains. 

“Coming out of winter, we really wanted to pull energising colors into our blends and packaging,” Dean said. “This speaks to the abundance of new growth, the fresh flavors of spring flowers and herbs and an overall sense of reawakening from winter into the bright colours of spring. It’s all about brightness in the way the teas brew and flavours that evoke a sense of spring.”

Each limited release blend will be available throughout the summer months and as a trio in the Spring Seasonal Gift Box. 

But as the season of new growth begins, larger goals within this Asheville-based company are also beginning to take root. 

This is a cup of tea on a mission and that mission is to intentionally redefine how we source and enjoy our tea.

By partnering directly with regional farmers, Asheville Tea Company sources 80% of its ingredients in the Southeast. A large majority of those farms are located within 50 miles of Asheville’s blending space. 

Last year alone, Asheville Tea Company sourced nearly one tonne of regionally-grown herbs and botanicals. It’s a volume that Dean says helps to grow the company’s goal of creating a sustainable supply chain in the region, thus supporting regenerative agriculture and honouring the plants and the people who grow, blend and produce its products. 

“We want to disrupt the supply chain – that’s truly our goal…after a cup of good tea of course,” Dean added. “We can change the way the tea industry approaches botanical sourcing by creating regional value chains that support farmers in the Southeast.” 

By sourcing regionally, Asheville Tea Company is able to reduce its carbon footprint, while also supporting land and plant conservation and regenerative agricultural practices.

“It’s our mission as a business to impact the earth in positive ways,” Dean said. “We want to not only source sustainably, but also be earth-friendly with the way that we package our teas.” 

Each Tea Box is 100% compostable, including the plant-based cellophane insert. Every tea bag is also plant-based, meaning no plastics are used. 

Dean added that by blending with regionally grown herbs and botanicals, the true flavours of the plants are rich and vibrant.

“We only use real herbs and botanicals,” Dean said. “By using regionally grown ingredients, we provide vibrant flavours not found in many traditional tea-blending methods, which involve artificial flavourings and additives produced in flavour labs.”

While not all of the ingredients sourced for the teas are grown locally, Dean said that in working with its neighbours, the company is still able to lessen the carbon footprint in new, innovative ways.

One zesty community collaboration comes from a local source; lemon peel for blends like Lavender Limoncello are sourced from another Asheville-based beverage company – Devil’s Foot Beverage Co. 

“It’s a collaboration that started a number of years ago when we realized the lemon peels from their juicing could be dried and used for our teas,” Dean said. “It’s an amazing way to collaborate locally and create sustainability with an ingredient that we can’t grow locally. Plus, when life gives you lemon peel, you absolutely make tea.” 

Spring Seasonals and all of Asheville Tea Company’s blends are available online at www.ashevilleteacompany.com and at select grocery and retailers. Each blend will be available through summer and while supplies last. 

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