The last decade has seen a boom in what the industry calls "specialty tea," but if you ask for a definition you will come away confused.
What is so special about specialty tea?
Not much. A close examination reveals commodity tea that has been adulterated in some way, typically by blending pieces of fruit, exotic herbs or flower petals. Since these ingredients are dried, tea blenders spray (yes, spray) on lots of flavor. In my view, commodity tea includes any large-scale tea manufacturer
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Extremely interesting and understandable article. I look forward to reading more on the successful development of standards for specialty tea. I do find it interesting that China would lead the way with providing quality specialty tea when most media sources would lead us to believe that Chinese produced items/products are below standards and quality. My eyes, mind, and palate are encouraged to explore more Chinese tea.
Austin makes all of us proud and sets a leadership example by consistently pushing the envelope in forward thinking paths and refusing to allow complacency or capitalistic sheep herding to overtake the quality of leaf we were drawn to in the first place. If you’re like me, you’ve struggled with this since hanging your shingle and Austin has lit a path for all of us. You hear a lot of people complain, but see few meaningfully trying to do something about it. Nothing wrong with a decent blend, just don’t set it beside a beautifully crafted Tieguanyin lumped the same “specialty” category, which is where industry data currently puts them both when you read data supporting “specialty teas are on the rise”, and subsequently how consumers are being trained to view them. Standards will only clarify and create integrity where it is due, which will set all categories up for greater future success. (As a Nutritionist I like to ask, “don’t you want to know more about something you’re going to put in your mouth?”). Bravo, Austin and count me in.
I love this topic – thanks for keeping it at the forefront of our minds! I agree!
Thanks so much for your comments. Please see future issues for similar information. –John
John Lawo
Audience Development Director