World Tea Expo 2025

In today's competitive tea market, sourcing tea directly from origin can offer a significant edge. This session will provide a detailed guide on how to establish direct trading relationships with tea producers, ensuring quality, authenticity, and a unique market position. We'll explore the benefits, challenges, and practical steps involved in sourcing tea directly from its origin.TakeAways:

• Build initial relationships with Growers: 
• Resources on how to make the first contact with tea growers. 
• Logistics and Legal Considerations: Sourcing tea directly involves navigating complex import regulations. 
• The session will provide an overview of the necessary paperwork, permits, and certifications required to import tea in the US. Marketing Your Direct-Sourced Tea: 
• One of the biggest advantages of direct sourcing is the story behind the tea. Learn how to effectively share this story with your customers through your website, social media, and packaging.

Step out of the Camellia Sinensis world to learn about other botanical supply chains.
What are the key differences in growing, harvesting and processing?
How do the supply chains work?
What are the main things to consider when purchasing botanical ingredients for my business?
What are the key drivers of quality when producing botanical ingredients?
The growth in fruit and herbal tea sales has outpaced those of black and green tea in recent years and this trend looks set to continue. Increasing awareness of health benefits and a desire for healthy beverage choices is driving innovation and increasing consumer demand.
Come away from this talk with a broader understanding of the complex supply chains behind individual fruit and herbal tea ingredients before they are used in finished products.
Learn about different production processes for fruit and herbal ingredients versus black and green tea and how they impact quality.
Gain a better understanding of purchasing options for botanical ingredients whether you are a startup, small, medium or large-scale operation.

The supply chain for teas, herbs, and spices is a complex and intricate system that begins with cultivation in diverse climates around the world. Growers harvest these products, which then undergo processing, including drying, grinding, and blending. From there, they are transported around the world to brands, contract manufacturers, distributors and retailers. Along the way, stringent quality control and compliance with food safety standards are crucial. Each step, from farm to cup, involves coordination among farmers, processors, logistics companies, and retailers, all working together to deliver high-quality products to consumers around the world.