New Zealand's Tea Evolution

March 26, 2016

Until the introduction of specialty coffee into New Zealand in the late 1980's, tea was the Kiwi’s go-to beverage. Today it is experiencing a renaissance. Specialty loose-leaf teas and wellness herbals, tea professionals, and the success of locally produced tea are powering trend changes.

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Felicia Stewart

Felicia earned her Tea Master/Sommelier stripes in Australia and now shares her knowledge and experience with enthusiasts “down-under.” A public relations specialist, historian and writer, she aims to transform the accessibility of authentic tea in New Zealand and companion enthusiasts on their own tea journey.

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7 Comments

Jonathan
on April 15, 2016 at 1:39 am •Reply

Only just found this article but not sure when it was published… the best overview of the New Zealand tea market I’ve read!

Felicia has managed to capture so many different aspects of a broad market very concisely. I’m the in-house ‘tea geek’ and Brand Communication Manager for Dilmah here in Auckland and spend a lot of time giving guest lectures on the broad history and culture of tea including ethics and sustainability for a number of Training Institutes such as AUT, Le Cordon Bleu and Weltec… I’m starting to see a lot more interest from the younger generation, especially now that a number of niche and specialty tea brands are also on the rise.

There is a lot to learn for the general consumer and industry professionals alike but indeed the future is bright, lets hope we can raise peoples value for good tea through greater appreciation so that the future is just as bright for the people who produce it in the countries of origin.
- Felicia Stewart
  on April 15, 2016 at 1:49 am •Reply
  
  Thankyou Jon!
peter_j
on June 22, 2016 at 2:49 am •Reply

Great article, well-written and entertaining, thank you!
- Gleb
  on April 29, 2021 at 7:16 am •Reply
  
  Excellent article!
  Felicia in your expert opinion do you think fresh brewed organic fair trade ice tea would grow in NZ market?
Ian
on March 30, 2022 at 8:22 am •Reply

I am the one who brought the concept of Iced Tea to New Zealand. It was in 2010. Before I came, Kiwis were unaware of this preparation of tea. If you do wish to hear the full story, I will kindly grant an interview.
- Dan Bolton
  on March 30, 2022 at 5:36 pm •Reply
  
  Hi Ian,
  It would be great to hear the story of how iced tea reached New Zealand. Send draft to dan.bolton@teajourney.pub
  Dan
Moy Eng
on July 28, 2025 at 6:35 pm •Reply

would like to know more about tea market in NZ