Celebrating a Passion for Afternoon Tea, Victorian Treasures,  & Friendship - Subscribe today!   

 

News-World Tea Expo          

Home
Tea Bureau
About Us
Advertise
SHOP NOW
Subscribe
Events
Books
Tea Room List
Society Page
Tea Facts
Contact
Party Ideas
News
Links

TEA BUREAU CONNECTIONS

SUBSCRIBE TO THE TEA HOUSE TIMES

LATEST NEWS FROM WORLD TEA EXPO

Click news releases listed below or scroll down to read.

 

See articles submitted by World Tea Expo - Click here - opens to Tea Bureau Member Articles.

 

2008 World Tea Expo:

NEWS RELEASE, APRIL 25, 2008 -- Food Safety and Labeling Issues in Tea Industry

NEWS RELEASE, APRIL 8, 2008 -- Hundreds of tea and tea-related products debuting at World Tea Expo®

NEWS RELEASE, MARCH 18, 2008 -- World Tea Expo Launches Executive & Technical Series

NEWS RELEASE, FEBRUARY 28, 2008 -- World Tea Championship™ to provide rating system for specialty teas

NEWS RELEASE, JANUARY 8, 2008 -- Four NEW Programs announced for 2008 World Tea Expo

NEWS RELEASE, NOVEMBER 1, 2007 - World Tea Expo moves to new venue in Las Vegas May 30-June 1, 2008

 

2007 World Tea Expo:

NEWS RELEASE, JULY 11, 2007 - World Tea Expo Wraps Up Most Successful Show to Date

NEWS RELEASE, JUNE 2, 2007 - World Tea Expo, July 9-11, Don't Miss it!

NEWS RELEASE, APRIL 14, 2007 - Over 200 New Tea Products to Debut at 2007 World Tea Expo

NEWS RELEASE, FEBRUARY 12, 2007 - 2007 World Tea Expo overflowing in Atlanta

NEWS RELEASE, FEBRUARY 5, 2007 - World Tea Expo 2007 Keynote Speaker & Strategic Partnerships

NEWS RELEASE, DECEMBER 15, 2006 - BUILD YOUR EXPER-TEAS!

NEWS RELEASE, NOVEMBER 16, 2006 - World Tea Expo moves to Atlanta for 2007

 

 

 

 

BACK TO TOP

 

 

NEWS RELEASE

April 25, 2008

CONTACT: Jacquelyn Clair Marketing Design Group Phone: 619.298.1445 x106 Click here to Email:

For Immediate Release

Loren Israelsen discusses food safety and labeling issues in tea industry.

Loren Israelsen, Executive Director of the United Natural Products Alliance (UNPA), is at the forefront of commercial and regulatory issues facing the global dietary supplement and natural foods industry. He is also one of the renowned speakers for the Executive and Technical Series debuting at the World Tea Expo® May 30 – June 1, 2008 where he will be addressing many critical labeling and food safety issues in his ground-breaking session, “Is my product a tea, a food, a dietary supplement or what? Why it matters and why you need to know.”

Why did the World Tea Expo® select you to present this topic? I have been working with natural products, including dietary supplements, teas and functional food ingredients, for 30 years. I’ve served on the boards of many organizations in the natural products industry, working with government, media and academia. I’m a lawyer by training and was one of the first to work as in-house counsel for a company in this space back in 1980.

What is your current involvement within the Natural Products Industry? We have spent a lot of time on the safety of tea ingredients and related claims. At the World Tea Expo®, I’ll present recent survey findings dealing with actual tea products—both the accurate claims and the mistakes in how the products are promoted and labeled. I’ll point out the opportunities and risks for tea companies as they establish their competitive positioning. My goal is to help the audience understand and think through where they are today and what the future looks like.

How should industry professionals adapt to align themselves with new FDA regulations? Pay attention. Understand the forces at work. You need to communicate quality (and thereby safety) and use it as a strategic position.

In your session, what are the new regulations that the industry should be aware of? As of April 2008, there is new legislation proposed by Congressman John Dingell who wants to dramatically change how foods are regulated, especially imported goods— which would include almost all tea products. This could potentially be very expensive and inconvenient for every tea company on the planet.

Tell us what participants can expect to learn in your session? Companies, from R&D to manufacturing will get the knowledge they need to prepare for the issues that are impacting our industry. In particular, going organic, adhering to food safety legislation, doing business in a global economy and gaining a competitive advantage.

What are the most common mistakes? Not knowing where your product comes from, unreliable lab tests and CEOs who do not have time to see the big picture. When you run a company, you’re driving fast. This seminar is a great chance to pull off the road and get a tune up. It will help you make informed decisions very quickly.

Why is this knowledge so critical for industry professionals? Under the likely scenario for the future, the government is going to get a lot tougher on food manufacturing processes, labeling etc. Mistakes are costly—in lost revenues, market share and reputation.

What else will attendees learn from your session? The food industry is asking companies to regulate food more, because that’s what consumers want. The bill that was proposed last week is a signal for big changes. Additionally, attendees will have a snapshot of the natural foods industry with a focus on safety, quality and establishing competitive advantages in a global economy.

The Executive and Technical Series compliments the more than 40 sessions comprising the World Tea Expo®’s Core Conference Program. For more information on the World Tea Expo®, including a full listing of events and seminars, new features for 2008, a floor plan and an interactive exhibitor directory, visit www.worldteaexpo.com .

For more information on the United Natural Products Alliance (UNPA) visit www.unpa.com .

# # #

The World Tea Expo® is a robust marketplace that brings together hundreds of new products, the latest industry innovations and relevant, cutting-edge educational sessions, providing tea professionals with a one-stop opportunity to help drive their business, fuel industry growth and encourage further exploration of the art and science of tea. As the first and fastest growing North American trade show dedicated solely to the tea industry—the World Tea Expo® attracts more than 4,500 leading tea professionals, merchandisers, R&D executives, scientists and entrepreneurs annually. The World Tea Expo® is produced by SFG Group LLC, headquartered in Las Vegas, NV. For more information, visit www.worldteaexpo.com .

 

 

 

 

BACK TO TOP

 

NEWS RELEASE

April 8, 2008

CONTACT: Jacquelyn Clair Marketing Design Group Phone: 619.298.1445 x106 Click here to Email:  

For Immediate Release

Hundreds of tea and tea-related products debuting at World Tea Expo®

Las Vegas, NV——Leading suppliers to the tea industry will be launching hundreds of innovative new products at the World Tea Expo®, May 30 -June 1, 2008. Attendees can expect to see fresh and exciting beverage and non-beverage tea products from around the world—from unique new tea flavors and specialty products, style-setting glassware and ceramics, to must-have tea gifts and accessories. The new products will be conveniently showcased at the 2nd annual New Product Pavilion where buyers can get a first look at everything innovative, refreshing and new. With phenomenal category growth and more than 3,095 non-food products with tea as an ingredient launching in 2007 (reported by the Mintel Global New Products Database), 2008 promises to be the best year yet.

 

According to Kim Jage, vice president of marketing, “if you are in the industry, there is no better buying strategy than World Tea Expo®—where you can see, taste, smell and learn about all the specialty, premium tea and tea-related products under one roof. The industry has seen extraordinary growth in recent years, so it’s no wonder we have been inundated with new product entries from all tea categories.”

Notable product launches in the Ready-to-Drink (RTD) category—one of the fastest growing categories in the market—include Healthy Innovations’ VidaTea, the first sparkling green tea sweetened with organic agave nectar. VidaTea is all natural and enhanced with a super antioxidant formula of vitamins that may boost the immune system, neutralize free radicals and hydrate the skin from the inside out. Additionally, Golden Star will introduce its much-anticipated White Jasmine Sparkling Tea. This nonalcoholic sparkling tea has a lingering cycle of complex flavors that results from a unique fermentation process developed by the Golden Star Tea Company. The delicate flavors pair well with all kinds of food, and will certainly make a lasting impression.

 

Sure to excite the food service and grocery markets, red espresso™ will debut the world’s first tea espresso—a rich-tasting espresso shot coated with saffron crema. red espresso™ is the naturally caffeine-free, antioxidant-rich basis for a range of delicious coffee-style drinks. Maruei Inc. will also create buzz for this category with Matcha Late, a blend of stone milled premium green tea leaves with sugar and dry milk powder. It can be served hot or cold and can be used in cooking to flavor foods such as ice cream, cakes and pudding. Furthermore, Sencha Naturals will succeed its popular Green Tea Mints, with its new Sencha Green Tea Bars. These masterful blends combine fair trade teas, fruit extracts and botanicals to produce truly unique flavors that include Original, Delicate Pear® and Lively Lemongrass™.

 

Red & Green Company and Tracey Stern Salontea will introduce new tea lines from their already distinguished tea portfolios. Red & Green Company’s Organic Line is a spring harvest organic tea freshly picked at early season, with the mountain dew evenly absorbed by the tea leaves. As with all Red & Green Company teas, Organic Line teas are brought to the full-rich aroma and have fresh characteristics, full body aftertaste and beautiful presentation. The Slimming Beauty, by Tracy Stern Salontea, is the perfect blend of loose green tea leaves, cassis yerba mate, orange tree flowers, black tea, passion fruit flower and guarana. It is a grand introduction to the world of health and beauty. Plus, Jayonne Foods, Inc. has added new flavors to its All Natural Fruit Teas. The new Citron (Yuzo) and Ginger flavors can be used as a tea, spread or marinade.

 

Tea-related gifts and accessories will also top the must-see list, with Berkeley Square London’s White Tea Eau de Toilette and Shea Butter Soap-in-a-Tin. The white tea 1920 fragrance is an elegant fusion of fresh tea top notes with lemon zest on a heart of gardenia, mujuet, rose, lavender and clarysage. The shea butter soap is triple milled to create a smooth, deeply moisturizing soap, enriched with white tea. And nothing says thank you like a Royal Thank You Teacup Card by Kimberly Shaw Graphics. These affordable teacup cards are elegantly illustrated and contain their own teabags.

 

For more information on the World Tea Expo®, including a list of new products, product images, event and seminar listings, new features for 2008, a floor plan and an interactive exhibitor directory, visit www.worldteaexpo.com.

# # #

The World Tea Expo® is a robust marketplace that brings together hundreds of new products, the latest industry innovations and relevant, cutting-edge educational sessions, providing tea professionals with a one-stop opportunity to help drive their business, fuel industry growth and encourage further exploration of the art and science of tea. As the first and fastest growing North American trade show dedicated solely to the tea industry—the World Tea Expo® attracts more than 4,500 leading tea professionals, merchandisers, R&D executives, scientists and entrepreneurs annually. The World Tea Expo® is produced by SFG Group LLC, headquartered in Las Vegas, NV. For more information, visit www.worldteaexpo.com.

 

 

NEWS RELEASE - March 18, 2008

CONTACT: Jacquelyn Clair Marketing Design Group Phone: 619.298.1445 x106 Click here to Email:  

 

World Tea Expo® launches innovative program to help participants leverage rapidly growing industry.

Las Vegas, NV—Tea sales in the US are expected to exceed a phenomenal $10 billion in 2010 for both beverage and non-beverage categories—and in 2007 alone, SPINS reports more than 20% growth in sales of Ready-to-Drink (RTD) teas and Mintel Global New Products Database notes 3,095 non-food global new product launches with tea as an ingredient. The statistics confirm that tea is being consumed by more people and in more ways than ever before. As a result, World Tea Expo® has designed an Executive & Technical Series™ (ETS) in order to help participants leverage the demand by staying up-to-date on changing consumer tastes and industry trends. The cutting-edge program provides crucial information and statistics to top executives, research and development scientists, product formulators and ingredient managers who use tea in a wide range of both beverage and non-beverage applications.

 

The Series, debuting May 30th-31st, will begin with an intense Super Data Session with presentations from leading data and consumer trend specialists Mintel, International Tea Committee, SPINS and Canadean. The must-attend session for Executives in the industry will give participants insight on new applications and emerging trends— including food and non-food product applications and functional benefits, tea and RTD tea growth, consumer buying trends, consumption in the context of other beverages and world production statistics. Never before has this group of companies collaborated to provide a data-rich, information-packed presentation on the opportunities available in the

tea industry.

 

Following the data session will be a series of technical sessions covering topics such as the analytical truth behind advertised polyphenol counts, regulatory issues, flavoring trends and product formulation. Well-known and respected industry leaders including Mark Blumenthal of American Botanical Council, Loren Israelsen of United Natural Products Alliance and Rob McCaleb of the Herb Research Foundation will lead the sessions.

 

The intellectual property development session will conclude the series with vital information on new product creation—how to take a concept through strategic, value-adding maturation steps in order to yield a finished product that reproducibly works, cannot be copied by others (without risk of penalty), and can emerge as a category disruptor with economic sustainability.

 

“The need for high-level content on how to create, launch, label, protect and market new beverage and non-beverage tea products has never existed until recently,” commented George Jage, Founder and President of the World Tea Expo®. “As the largest trade event in the world dedicated to tea, we are excited to work with some of the top thought leaders and pioneers from the natural products industry to create this unique and powerful program for tea.”

 

The World Tea Expo® will be held May 30th to June 1st at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV. For more information on the World Tea Expo®, including a full listing of events and seminars, ETS registration, new features for 2008, a floor plan and an interactive exhibitor directory, visit www.worldteaexpo.com.

 

# # #

The World Tea Expo® is a robust marketplace that brings together hundreds of new products, the latest industry innovations and relevant, cutting-edge educational sessions, providing tea professionals with a one-stop opportunity to help drive their business, fuel industry growth and encourage further exploration of the art and science of tea. As the first and fastest growing North American trade show dedicated solely to the tea industry—the World Tea Expo® attracts more than 4,500 leading tea professionals, merchandisers, R&D executives, scientists and entrepreneurs annually. The World Tea Exp®™ is produced by SFG Group LLC, headquartered in Las Vegas, NV. For more information, visit www.worldteaexpo.com.

 

 

BACK TO TOP

 

 

NEWS RELEASE

February 28, 2008

CONTACT: Jacquelyn Clair Marketing Design Group Phone: 619.298.1445 x106 Click here to Email:

For Immediate Release

 

World Tea Championship™ to provide rating system for specialty teas

Las Vegas, NV—The highest quality and best tasting hot and iced teas from around the world will be judged and rated by professional tea tasters at the inaugural World Tea Championship™, a premier feature of the World Tea Expo™, May 30th to June 1st, 2008. All teas submitted will receive a World Tea Rating™—providing the tea industry with a rating system for teas similar to that which has brought increased awareness and consumer understanding to the wine industry.

Much like wine, tea characteristics are influenced yearly by weather, soil conditions, manufacturing processes, craftsmanship and skill of tea masters and blenders alike. The World Tea Championship™ and the World Tea Buyers Guide™ will deliver the first comprehensive resource for rating characteristics for those buying tea.

 

“[The Buyers Guide] will be ridiculously valuable to the attendees” commented Charles Cain, Director of US Operations for TeaGschwendner, the largest tea retailer in the world. The World Tea Buyers Guide™ will list the ratings of all entries of the World Tea Championships™ separated into iced and hot tea classes and will be distributed at the Expo to all attendees.

 

In the Hot Tea Class, a total of 24 different categories will be judged along with three Super Categories. Although there are hundreds of varieties of tea, the main categories reflect the most well-known and popular tea types, blends and herbals; including Jasmine Green Tea, Earl Grey, Silver Needle White Tea and Rooibos. The 24 hot tea categories must fall within a set MSRP and will be commercially available at the World Tea Expo™. The Super Categories are focused strictly on three types of tea (black, oolong, and green), have no pricing restriction and must be of a single origin. Hot Tea Class entries will be pre-qualified and pre-judged blind prior to the opening of the 2008 World Tea Expo™ by professional tea tasters from some of the most respected tea companies in the industry. Through the pre-judging process, all entries will receive a World Tea Rating™. The five highest rated teas will be further evaluated during the World Tea Expo™ to determine the best teas of 2008 in each category.

 

The Iced Tea Class is organized by market applications and sales channels. The three categories are ready-to-drink, foodservice and freestyle—focused on the grocer, restaurant and independent tea shop, respectively.

The World Tea Expo™ will be held May 30th to June 1st at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV. For more information on the World Tea Expo™, including a full listing of events and seminars, new features for 2008, a floor plan and an interactive exhibitor directory, visit www.worldteaexpo.com.

# # #

The World Tea Expo is a robust marketplace that brings together hundreds of new products, the latest industry innovations and relevant, cutting-edge educational sessions, providing tea professionals with a one-stop opportunity to help drive their business, fuel industry growth and encourage further exploration of the art and science of tea. As the first and fastest growing North American trade show dedicated solely to the tea industry—the World Tea Expo attracts more than 4,500 leading tea professionals, merchandisers, R&D executives, scientists and entrepreneurs annually. The World Tea Expo is produced by SFG Group LLC, headquartered in Las Vegas, NV. For more information, visit www.worldteaexpo.com.

BACK TO TOP

 

 

NEWS RELEASE

JANUARY 8, 2007 -- Four NEW Programs announced for 2008 World Tea Expo

CONTACT: Jacquelyn Clair Marketing Design Group Phone: 619.298.1445 x106 Click here to Email:  

For Immediate Release

 

World Tea Expo announces most innovative Education Program to date.

Las Vegas, NV—The World Tea Expo®, which offers the largest Educational Program on tea, has announced the addition of four new programs to meet the needs of the rapidly growing tea industry. A New Business Boot Camp, the Executive and Technical Series, Skill-Building Workshops and Super Workshops will compliment more than 40 sessions comprising the Expo’s Core Conference Program. The World Tea Expo will be held May 30 – June 1, 2008 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV. Registration opens online at www.worldteaexpo.com  January 8th.

 

“World Tea Expo’s attendance has grown an average of nearly 40 percent per year since our inception in 2003 and the educational needs of the attendees has changed significantly,” stated Kim Jage, VP of Sales & Marketing for the World Tea Expo. “Whether the attendee is a new tea room owner or a research scientist from a Fortune 500 company, the Expo is committed to providing the most relevant, exciting and useful educational tools to ensure their professional success.”

 

Core Conference Program

Central to the Expo’s Educational Program is the Core Conference comprised of 36 sessions and 6 Focused Tastings from important growing regions in the world, including for the first-time ever Hawaii. In addition, two brand new components added in 2008 include the Skill-Building Workshops and Super Workshops.

 

The three individual Skill-Building Workshops offered are Blending, Cupping and

Brewing/Serving Tea. Each is a 3-hour, intensive, hands-on training led by top industry professionals. Stacie Woods, Director of Education noted, “The limited class size and team-teaching environment created will help aspiring tea professionals hone their mastery of these core skills.”

 

The Super Workshops will be offered in the afternoons, creating a relaxed environment to enjoy the two sessions: Tea & Chocolate Pairing led by Pearl Dexter, Publisher of TEA A Magazine®; and The Way of Tea, with the Grand Master of the Ura Senke Foundation from Japan teaching attendees the art and practice of the Japanese Tea Ceremony.

 

New Business Boot Camp

The New Business Boot Camp (NBBC), held the two days prior to the Expo, May 28 – 29, 2008, will feature 16-hours of intensive, hands-on sessions designed especially for new and aspiring tea room owners, as well as unique and exciting micro-networking opportunities. The inclusive program will feature small class sizes to maximize the student-teacher interaction and covers critical topics such as: Tea 101; Strategic Planning; Marketing & Building Your Customer Base; and Using Technology To Manage Your Tea Room. The NBBC faculty represents some of the top teachers in their respective subjects, such as Jane Pettigrew, “The First Lady of Tea”, and Bruce Richardson, Owner, Elmwood Fine Teas and Benjamin Press.

 

Executive & Technical Series

Designed specifically for the top executives, research scientists, product formulators and ingredient managers of major consumer-products companies, the Executive & Technical Series (ETS) will lead-off with a data-packed never-seen-before Super Data Session featuring stats, forecasts and trend-analyses from Mintel®, SPINS®, UK-based Canadean, and the International Tea Committee.

“Tea is being used as an ingredient in an unprecedented number of new consumer products outside the realm of hot and cold beverages,” said Autumn White, senior market analyst for Sage Group, publisher of the Specialty Tea is “Hot” Report® and soon to be released Tea Ingredients Annual. “In addition to record levels of tea-based beverage products being introduced to the marketplace, tea is being incorporated into

personal care products, functional foods and even pet products to leverage the healthy, nutritive properties of Camellia sinensis (tea),” notes White.

 

Additionally involved in the two-day ETS will be natural products-industry veterans and experts Loren Israelsen, Executive Director of the United Natural Products Association; Rob McCaleb, President of the Herb Research Foundation; and Mark Blumenthal, Founder of the American Botanical Council. “We are excited to offer this level of content to meet the needs of the major companies coming to the Expo each year,” commented Jage.

 

For more information on the World Tea Expo, including a full listing of events and seminars, new features for 2008, a floor plan and an interactive exhibitor directory, visit www.worldteaexpo.com.

 

# # #

The World Tea Expo is a robust marketplace that brings together hundreds of new products, the latest industry innovations and relevant, cutting-edge educational sessions, providing tea professionals with a one-stop opportunity to help drive their business, fuel industry growth and encourage further exploration of the art and science of tea. As the first and fastest growing North American trade show dedicated solely to the tea industry—the World Tea Expo attracts more than 4,500 leading tea professionals, merchandisers, R&D executives, scientists and entrepreneurs annually. The World Tea Expo is produced by SFG Group LLC, headquartered in Las Vegas, NV. For more information, visit www.worldteaexpo.com .

 

 

BACK TO TOP

 

 

NEWS RELEASE

November 1, 2007

CONTACT: Jacquelyn Clair Marketing Design Group Phone: 619.298.1445 x106 Click here to Email:  

For Immediate Release

 

North America’s largest and most important tea event is bigger and better in 2008.

World Tea Expo moves to new venue in Las Vegas, May 30 – June 1, 2008.

Las Vegas, NV—The tea industry is stronger than ever and long-term growth is projected as a virtual sure thing. Take a quick look at the dramatic rise in tea’s popularity in the U.S. over the past two decades and it’s abundantly clear, from under $1 billion dollars prior to 1990, sales are expected to reach nearly $7 billion by the end of 2007. According to market analysts with the leading market research report, The Specialty Tea is “Hot” Report®, growth of total retail sales of tea in the U.S. will accelerate and exceed $10 billion by the end of 2010. Add in thousands of non-beverage, tea-based products enhanced with tea extracts, essences and flavors such as cosmetics, dietary supplements and functional foods, and the total dollar volumes are much higher.

It’s no wonder, then, that the largest and most important tea event in North America is growing, too. When the 2008 World Tea Expo opens in Las Vegas, Nevada, May 30 -June 1, 350 exhibitors will host an anticipated 33 percent more attendees than previous shows. With a larger exhibit floor at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, buyers can expect to see a wider selection of tea and

-MORE­

tea-related products in a broad range of categories, including: tea wholesalers and packers; bulk, bagged and ready-to-drink teas; tea bagging equipment and packaging suppliers; gourmet foods, giftware, tea jewelry, chocolate and other confectionary items.

As the category continues to explode, so does World Tea Expo. In 2008, the event will introduce a variety of new features designed to give participants an enhanced show experience that reflects their varying needs and interests.

Attendees will be able to take advantage of a core educational conference that is leaner and more robust, with targeted sessions to appeal to every kind of tea professional, from tearoom owners to scientists and R&D specialists. In addition, a “New Business Boot Camp” will be held two days prior to the show, for new business owners and those entering the tea market for the first time. The New Business Boot Camp will be an intensive 16-hours of education by expert instructors to catapult new and young tea rooms to high levels of success almost immediately.

A first-rate Cupping Pavilion will be constructed on the show floor to allow buyers the professional resources to cup and compare samples from exhibitors on the spot and place orders at the show. And finding exceptional teas will be aided by the presentation of the first-ever World Tea Championship, a hot-tea competition featuring submissions by exhibitors from around the world and judged by a panel of professional tea cuppers and experts.

Show producers anticipate a very successful event in 2008. “We know why buyers come to this marketplace,” said George Jage, president and co-founder of the World Tea Expo. “They want to see and buy new products. They want to stay competitive. They need to make connections and find resources. With expanded show offerings and the new features we’ve added, we’re providing them with exactly what they want.”

-MORE­

More information about the World Tea Expo, including a full listing of events,

seminars and new features, as well as a floor plan and interactive directory of

exhibitors, is available online at www.worldteaexpo.com.

# # #

The World Tea Expo delivers a robust marketplace that facilitates commerce, showcases hundreds of new products and the latest innovations, and provides relevant, cutting edge education that drives business, fuels growth, builds community and fosters the art and science of tea for tea professionals, manufacturers, suppliers, merchandisers, research & developers, scientists and entrepreneurs. World Tea Expo is committed to providing solutions, catalyzing sales, and delivering leadership to the global tea industry. The annual event is produced by SFG Group LLC, a Nevada-based limited liability company incorporated to produce events and conferences. For more information, contact George Jage at george@worldteaexpo.com.


 

BACK TO TOP

 

 

The World Tea Expo Wraps Up Most Successful Show to Date

 

Las Vegas, July 11, 2007—The World Tea Expo--the world’s largest trade show dedicated to tea and tea-related products—wrapped up its most successful year ever this June at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta.  The Expo hosted 280 exhibiting companies from 15 different countries in an exhibit space totaling 31,350 net square feet.  Over three days, the World Tea Expo welcomed a total of 4456 visitors through its doors.  A full 75% of the attendees were buyers authorized to make purchasing decisions for their companies, and 49.6% came with the specific goal of placing orders at the Expo, while nearly 80% plan on making future purchases based on information gathered at the show.

 

This year’s event reflects a number of significant changes.  The World Tea Expo management changed the show date from March to June, the venue from Las Vegas to Atlanta, and the days of the show to Saturday through Monday.  All were very pleased with the results.  The new location allowed the show to draw in a large number of first-time attendees, with 28.7% of buyers coming from the South Atlantic region.  The day pattern helped spread the traffic over the three days with many corporate buyers and foodservice professionals coming on Monday, the final day. 

 

Whereas most events that leave Las Vegas show a drop in attendance, the World Tea Expo was happy to see a modest 8% growth.  Returning to Las Vegas in 2008, May 30 - June 1 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, the Expo expects to return to double-digit attendance growth.

 

As always, one of the highlights of the show was the Iced Tea Shake-Off competition, the event that sets the standard for iced tea in three categories: Commercially Brewed (Foodservice), Ready-to-Drink (RTD), and Freestyle. The competition was especially pertinent as June is National Iced Tea Month.  This year’s Shake-Off enjoyed a record number of entries, exceeding 60 different iced concoctions.  All entries were judged blind by a panel of tea industry movers and shakers.   

 

Announcing the winners of the Fourth Annual Iced Tea Shake-Off:

 

Commercially Brewed Category

Best Black Tea

·       First Place: Art of Tea, Classic Black

o      Runner-Up: International Tea Importers, Original Iced Tea Blend

 

Best Flavored Black Tea

·       First Place: Mighty Leaf Tea, Ginger Peach

o      Runner-Up: Rishi Tea, Organic Fair Trade Classic Iced Tea

Best Green Tea

·       First Place: Golden Moon Tea, Coconut Pouchong

o      Runner-Up: Art of Tea, Green Pomegranate

Best Value

·       Walters Bay Bogawantalawa Estates, Traditional Black Iced Tea

 

Ready-to-Drink Category

 

Best Flavored RTD

·       First Place: ITO EN, Dr. Weil for Tea - Jasmine White

o      Runner-Up: Z red T, ZT Peach (Red Tea)

Best Sweetened RTD

·       First Place: Papa's Simplici-tea, Inc., Green Tea

o      Runner-Up: ITO EN, Matcha Latte

Best Unflavored RTD

·       First Place: ITO EN, Dr. Weil for Tea - Darjeeling

o      Runner-Up: Adagio Teas, Anteadote Black Tea

Best RTD Packaging

·       First Place: Adagio Teas, Anteadote Black Tea

o      Runner-Up: Adagio Teas, Anteadote Green Tea

RTD Best Overall

o      First Place: ITO EN, Dr Weil for Tea - Jasmine White

 

Freestyle Category

Best Freestyle Tea

·       First Place: Papa's Simplici-tea, Inc., Green Tea Aloe Mixed Berry

o      Runner-Up: Golden Moon Tea, Pu-erh Chai Latte

Best Freestyle Herbal

·       First Place Tie: Puripan, Ginger

·       First Place Tie: Dethlefsen & Balk, Inc., Orange-Grapefruit

o      Runner-Up: Mocafe, Caramel Rooibos Latte

Best Freestyle Mar-TEA-ni

·       First Place: UniquePak, Inc., Asian Sun

o      Runner-Up: Barnes & Watson Fine Teas, White Tea - Ramisu

Best Freestyle Presentation

·       First Place: Barnes & Watson Fine Teas, White Tea - Ramisu

o      Runner-Up: T-Salon & T Emporium, Inc., Sunset in Atlanta

 

For photos, interviews with tea experts, and other media inquiries:

Jennifer Anderson or Stephanie Teuwen, Teuwen One Image: 212-244-0622

jennifer@teuwen.com, stephanie@teuwen.com

 

BACK TO TOP

 

The World Tea Expo Open July 9 - July 11, 2007 in Atlanta

--Register now for three days of Cutting Edge Trends,

Networking, and Education with the Nation’s Premier Tea Experts--

 

Las Vegas, June 1, 2007 – In just one week, the World Tea Expo--the world’s largest trade show dedicated to tea and tea-related products--will open its doors. It’s not too late to register and join over 300 exhibitors and 5,000+ buyers as they gather in Atlanta at the Georgia World Congress Center, June 9-11, for three days packed with new trends, educational workshops, and invaluable networking opportunities.  The World Tea Expo is a must-attend event for everyone serious about profiting from the booming tea industry. 

 

Over 31,000 Net Square Feet of Exhibit Space

A complete range of tea and tea-related products from all over the world can be found at the event, including tea wholesalers and packers; bulk, bagged, and ready-to-drink tea; tea bagging equipment and packaging suppliers; as well as gourmet foods, giftware, tea jewelry, chocolate, and other confectionary items. 

 

New Products Showcase

For the first time ever, the World Tea Expo will feature a New Products Showcase, where innovation and convenience will sit alongside tradition and quality.  Be among the first to glimpse over 200 new tea products hitting the market this year, including chocolates, brownies, energy bars, and bath and body products all made with tea; invigorating new Ready to Drink iced teas, cutting edge iced tea pitchers, teas from all over the world, and lots more.

 

Over 50 Workshops and Seminars

The nation’s premier tea experts will head up the most expansive program the World Tea Expo has ever offered, with several defined tracks so attendees can get the most out of the conference and find exactly what suits their interests. Tracks include: Mover and Shaker, Small Business Merchandising, Tea & Health, Business Management, Food Service Solutions, Sales & Marketing, Tea Knowledge, Focused Tastings, and Tea & Food Pairings.

 

Cooking with Tea Demonstrations

Georgia’s best chefs will be cooking with tea at the World Tea Expo.  On the demonstration schedule are Hugh Acheson of Five & Ten restaurant (Food & Wine Best New Chef 2002), Virginia Willis, author of Bon Appétit, Y'all: Three Generations of Southern Cooking, and Joël Antunes of Restaurant Joël (James Beard Award winner: Best Chef, Southeast, 2004). Among the tea-infused temptations they’ll be cooking up are: Wild Salmon poached in tea bouillon with Tea-Pickled Cucumbers; Japanese Tea Marinated Chicken with Matcha Rice Pilaf, Tea Crème Caramel with Sweet Tea Soaked Plums, and Green Tea Sorbet with Green Peppercorn Caramel Sauce.

 

Keynote Address

Phil Lempert, Today Show food correspondent and Supermarket Guru® is one of the nation’s leading trend watchers and consumer experts.  In his address, 2007 Tea Trends: The World, Your Customers & Your Business, he will deliver empowering concepts and ideas based on a consumer panel survey, exploring in-depth just how, why and when people consume tea.

 

To register, to sign up to receive the World Tea News, or to find more information on the World Tea Expo--including the floor plan, an interactive directory of exhibitors, and a full listing of events and seminars--visit the website, www.worldteaexpo.com.

 

BACK TO TOP

 

 

Over Two Hundred New Tea Products to Debut at 2007 World Tea Expo

 

“Healthy, delicious, environmentally conscious and innovative products are leading the way.”

 

The World Tea Expo is brimming with excitement to share the news that retailers, café and tea salon owners, restaurateurs, and F&B managers have all been waiting for:  Exhibitors have just unveiled the new products they will introduce at the 2007 World Tea Expo, taking place in Atlanta, June 9, 10, & 11 at the Georgia World Congress Center.

 

For the first time ever, the World Tea Expo will feature a New Products Showcase, where innovation and convenience will sit alongside tradition and quality.  Kimberly Frost Jage, VP of Sales & Marketing for the World Tea Expo notes that “the primary growth in consumer demand for tea is higher quality products like specialty teas and all-natural Ready-to-Drink teas [RTDs].  Healthy, delicious, environmentally conscious and innovative products are leading the way, fulfilling the need, and can all be found at this Expo.”

 

Here’s a glimpse of what 5,000 expected buyers are coming to see at the 300+ exhibitor booths.

 

Specialty Teas Red & Green Company, known for selling some of the very finest teas in the world, introduces its Reserved Ti Kwan Yin, oolong aged 16 years and smoked every two years to achieve a complex fruity taste and smoky palate.

 

From Rishi Tea comes a new line of direct trade premium Japanese green teas.  The line features a variety of classic sencha, matcha infused teas and gourmet blends like ume shiso and yuzu citrus.  Teacraft Ltd. presents Antlers D’Amour, a very rare and unusual white tea from Africa handmade using only tender stems.  Anyone who breathes in the floral aroma will fall in love with white tea.

 

Ready-to-Drink (RTD) Teas

Ready-to-Drink teas are one of the fastest growing categories in the tea market.  From DongSuh comes all-natural green tea in a can, brewed with the finest green tea leaves grown in BoSung, Korea. 

 

ITO EN remains on the cutting edge of RTD Teas, this time with the introduction of Café Sepia in two varieties: Matcha Latte and Tea 

Latte.

 

Chocolate and Confections

Quality tea deserves quality honey.  Bee-Pure Honey comes direct from the beekeeper and is available in Vanilla—mixed with real vanilla bean--or Plain.

 

Torn Ranch introduces new Tea Infused Chocolate Indulges in both milk and dark chocolate.  These dreamy treats combine rich chocolate with teas from around the world.  Berkshire Bark is an irresistible new chocolate bar in four varieties that combine a generous bounty of whole roasted nuts, fresh citrus zest, and dried fruits bound together by top quality Belgian chocolate.

 

Whole Body and Health

New from Androgiennei is Evening Earl Grey Tea Soap, which nourishes the skin with the invigorating combination of black tea and bergamot oil; and Evening Oolong Orange Tea Soap, treating the body to an infusion of fragrant oolong tea and orange essence.

 

An innovation from tea-maven-about-town Tracy Stern is Bathtea--sachets of homeotherapeutic blends of medicinal herbal teas and organic botanicals.

 

CHI TEA Organic Green Tea Extract is a super antioxidant. A 30-drop dose of the concentrated extract is equivalent to 12-15 cups of regular green tea.  Ener-Chi Tea is a delicious Natural Energy Elixir offering a unique blend of herbs and vitamins to provide a sustained energy boost and increase the metabolism.

 

Tea-Based Culinary Products

Salt of the Earth, made by Blessed Botanicals, is a versatile and delicious all-purpose salt seasoning blend accented with rooibos.  It’s a blend of French grey sea salt and organic herbs including nettles, marjoram, basil, tarragon, onion, garlic, and other secret ingredients.

 

Tzu Thé brings something fresh to the world of energy bars with its new line of T-Bar™ Green Tea Nutrition Bars.  The all-natural and organic cold-processed whole grain bars each contain 1.5 grams or 3 grams green tea leaves.  They are also high in anti-oxidants, fiber and essential vitamins and minerals.

 

Tea Accessories

The Tea House Times presents CelebriTEA mugs for ChariTEA.  Twelve celebrities, including Nicole Kidman, Samuel L. Jackson, and George Clooney, designed mugs with messages of hope for the future.  Mug sales raise money for charities tackling key global issues.

www.theteahousetimes.com

 

Bodum’s new temperature-safe borosilicate glass Bistro Iced Tea Maker can be used with both hot and cold brewing methods.  Simply add loose leaf tea, fill halfway with hot water and steep, and then remove the infuser, replace the lid, fill with ice and serve. Tzu Thé introduces the innovative T-Buddy, a portable tea bottle with built-

in infuser for full-leaf teas or herbal infusions; hot or cold.  It's ideal for home, office or outdoor activities.

 

The Teapresso LT machine series from KLüb Manufacturing Corp. brews loose leaf tea just like an espresso machine, bringing the intensity and immediacy of espresso to tea drinkers.  Great for coffee and tea houses, the Teapresso is capable of making both espresso and tea at once, using independent systems. From Riensch & Held comes the easy  brew finum Filter Stick, a stylish tea filter holder perfectly sized for one cup of tea.  It’s simple to handle, reusable, and durable.

 

The personal Tea HPLC Analysis Kit from ChromaDex will enable tea buyers and shop owners to determine the identify and quality of teas, tisanes, and herbal extracts.

 

Dee Sharp Jewelry Designs offers beautifully handcrafted tea jewelry, including a new sterling silver Teapot Thimble.  Makes a whimsical gift for either the thimble or teapot collector.  Casablanca Market brings exquisite teacups and trays handmade by expert artisans in Morocco. Use the set to serve traditional Moroccan tea, or use for 

coffee, wine, or juice. All products are Fair Trade.

 

This is just a glimpse of all the new products that buyers will discover first-hand at the show.  To see all the new items to be showcased at the World Tea Expo, go to:

www.worldteaexpo.com

 

Other things to see at the World Tea Expo

Cooking with Tea demonstrations by some of the South’s hottest chefs, including Joel Antunes and Hugh Acheson.

The Fourth Annual Iced Tea Shake-Off competition

Authentic Japanese and Korean Tea Ceremonies Keynote address by Supermarket Guru and Today Show Food Editor Phil 

Lempert Over 50 workshops and seminars with focused educational tracks.

 

To register, to sign up to receive the World Tea News, or to find more information on the World Tea Expo--including the floor plan, an interactive directory of exhibitors, and a full listing of events and seminars--visit the website, www.worldteaexpo.com .

 

BACK TO TOP

 

2007 World Tea Expo overflowing in Atlanta

“The Expo is a must for anyone serious about profiting

from the fast-growing tea industry.” 

 

Las Vegas, February 6, 2007— Named in 2006 as one of the Fastest 50 growing trade shows in North America, the World Tea Expo--taking place June 9, 10, & 11, 2007 at the Georgia World Congress Center--has sold out its exhibit space four months in advance of the event,.  The Expo increased its net exhibit space by 30 % from the year prior and has begun a waiting list of exhibiting companies eager to capitalize on this powerful trade event and this rapidly growing industry.

 

The experts at Entrepreneur Magazine knew what they were talking about when they named tea in their list of Hottest Trends and Best Business Ideas for 2006, calling teas “exotic, enticing and steeping in opportunity” and “one of the strongest beverage markets.”  More and more entrepreneurs, retail buyers, and foodservice operators are recognizing the trend, are witnessing the growth, and know they can’t afford to miss out.  As Kim Jage, VP Sales & Marketing for the World Tea Expo puts it, “the number of new products, new companies, and new players coming into the tea market is amazing.  The fast growth and fast change of the industry makes the Expo a must for anyone serious about profiting from tea and tea-related products.” 

 

The World Tea Expo is the tea industry’s premier marketplace and is the largest tea trade event in the world.    The exhibiting companies—nearly 300 in total—represent virtually all aspects of the industry.  The Expo is enjoying major participation from growers and exporters from India, Sri Lanka, China, Taiwan, Japan, Kenya, Korea, and Nepal as well as hundreds of tea wholesalers, teaware manufacturers, and giftware and gourmet product distributors.  It is the one annual event where everything to profit from tea can be found under one roof.

 

Last year’s World Tea Expo buyer attendance grew dramatically with a 60% increase over the 2005 event.  This year’s Early Bird registration is up 38% and George Jage, President of the World Tea Expo notes, “we expect the Expo to continue to grow at a breakneck pace as tea continues to be embraced as a healthy and enjoyable part of the American diet and U.S. sales continue to soar.” 

 

The World Tea Expo offers an extensive Educational Conference and a packed schedule of exciting special events.  Speakers from Mintel, Progressive Grocer, and Beverage Spectrum Magazine spotlight over 50 seminars and workshops.  Other highlights include Cooking with Tea Demonstrations by leading chefs in Atlanta; Japanese and Korean tea ceremonies; and a keynote presentation by The Supermarket Guru® and NBC’s Today Show Food Editor Phil Lempert.

 

Media in attendance will be avidly interested in the flourishing tea trends and the new and unique products on the market.  Exhibitors at the 2006 World Tea Expo gained fantastic media exposure for their products, featured in TIME Magazine, LIFE Magazine, Fox TV, the Chicago Sun Times, Gourmet Retailer, Gourmet News, and many more outlets. 

 

Register online and save 20% before March 30.  To register, to sign up to receive the World Tea News, or to find more information on the World Tea Expo--including the floor plan, an interactive directory of exhibitors, and a full listing of events and seminars--visit the website, www.worldteaexpo.com.

 

BACK TO TOP

 

Keynote Speaker Phil Lempert and Strategic Partnerships

Fuel Growth for 2007 World Tea Expo

 

Las Vegas, NV, February 5, 2007—The World Tea Expo--taking place in Atlanta, June 9, 10, and 11 at the Georgia World Congress Center --has experienced record-breaking registration numbers for attendees and exhibitors alike.  Not only are pre-registration rates up 38% over last year, but the exhibit hall is nearly sold out.  The Tea Industry’s  Premier Marketplace is bigger than ever at 30,000 net square feet of exhibit space, nearly 300 exhibitors, and over 5,000 buyers expected.

“It is the defining event shaping the next 12 months of the industry” says Kim Jage, World Tea Expo VP of Sales & Marketing.  

 

An Inspiring Start to the World Tea Expo

The conference will get off to an entertaining and thought-provoking start with keynote speaker Phil Lempert, best known as the Supermarket Guru® and food trends editor and correspondent for NBC’s Today Show. He is a leading expert on the retail environment and new marketing trends, and has an uncanny ability to identify and explain trends to both consumers and industry professionals. Lempert will be conducting a major consumer panel survey, the results of which he will discuss in his presentation on opening night.

 

In his address, 2007 Tea Trends: The World, Your Customers and Your Business, Lempert will empower the audience with in-depth insight and consumer panel results on just how, why, and when people consume tea.  He will focus on major consumer buying trends and how members of the tea business can make the most of them.  Attendees will learn more about the phenomena of the “aging baby boomer” and “America the Green,” the way handheld devices and RFID technologies are altering the buying environment; changing health and wellness issues; why advertising to the masses is over, and how to evolve with the times. 

 

A Gathering of Key Players

The World Tea Expo collaborates with major players in the worldwide tea industry to make this a definitive tea event.  George Jage, World Tea Expo President & Co-Founder notes, “our strong relationship with these industry influencers and major publications continues to provide greater leverage to the commercial market the Expo creates.”

 

Mintel (Platinum Sponsor) is one of the world’s leading consumer intelligence and research companies.  Lynn Dornblaser, Mintel’s well-known research presenter, will co-present “Super Trends,” a fast-moving data-packed workshop with Brian Keating, Founder of Sage Group Int’l LLC and publisher of The Specialty Tea is “Hot” Report™.

 

For over 25 years, American Botanical Council (Gold Sponsor) founder and president Mark Blumenthal has been committed to providing reliable, scientifically sound information about medicinal herbs to healthcare professionals and the public.  The ABC has collaborated with the World Tea Expo to provide content for the free World Tea News e-newsletter.  Blumenthal will be part of the Hot Topics Super Panel, where industry heavyweights and pioneers weigh in on the hottest topics in the tea industry today.

 

The Tea Association of the USA continues to support the growth of the Expo as the Marquis Sponsor.  In lieu of its annual convention, the Tea Association will host an international networking gathering prior to the opening of the Expo.  Additionally, Tea Association President Joe Simrany will participate in the World Tea Expo Educational Conference with a seminar on Demystifying the Health Benefits of Tea. 

 

In the Tea Board of India’s (Gold Sponsor) pavilion spanning 14 booths, attendees can become acquainted with the many products of the world’s leading tea producer.  A Focused Tasting workshop will allow participants to taste the vast range of flavor profiles from the well-known regions of Darjeeling, Assam, and Nilgiri.  The Sri Lanka Tea Board (Gold Sponsor) will have a pavilion in the expo hall covering 10 booths and will lead a Focused Tasting to explore the varied flavor profiles of Ceylon teas from Kandy to Uva to Dimbula.  The Tea Association of Canada proudly continues its participation and promotion with the World Tea Expo this year as well. 

 

The World Tea Expo’s additional Gold Sponsors include Gourmet News, Beverage Spectrum Magazine, Hotel F & B Executive, Fresh Cup Magazine, Tea Experience Digest, and Tea A Magazine.

 

Tea Ceremonies and Workshop by the Ura Senke Foundation

New this year at the World Tea Expo is a special workshop series from the Ura Senke Foundation--preserving the Japanese cultural tradition of “The Way of Tea” (or Chado) for centuries.  The Ura Senke Foundation will share “The Way of Tea,” a special two-part workshop under the direction of tea master Matsumoto Sosei and sponsored by leading matcha tea wholesaler AIYA America Inc. (Gold Sponsor). The workshop will present the philosophy surrounding The Way of Tea, in-depth education on the tea ceremony, and how to identify true matcha.  There will also be two performances of the Japanese Tea Ceremony conducted in the Special Events area on the exhibit hall floor open to all attendees.

 

Registration for the World Tea Expo is open now.  Registrants will save 20% before March 30.  To register, to sign up to receive the World Tea News, or to find more information on the World Tea Expo--including the floor plan, an interactive directory of exhibitors, and a full listing of events and seminars--visit the website, www.worldteaexpo.com.

 

BACK TO TOP

 

BUILD YOUR EXPER-TEAS!
--Trends, Business, Tastings, Pairings: it’s all in the largest 
conference program ever at the World Tea Expo 2007--
 
Las Vegas, NV, December 14, 2006—The World Tea Expo has just announced 
its conference program for 2007.  With more than 50 workshops and 
seminars, 30,000 net square feet of exhibit space, 300 exhibitors, and 
over 5,000 buyers expected, the World Tea Expo is the nation’s premier 
marketplace for tea.  The Expo will take place at the Georgia World 
Congress Center in Atlanta, June 9, 10, and 11.
 
Biggest Conference Program Ever
This is the most expansive program the World Tea Expo has ever offered, 
with several defined tracks so attendees can get the most out of the 
conference and find exactly what suits their interests. Tracks include: 
Mover and Shaker, Small Business Merchandising, Tea & Health, Business 
Management, Food Service Solutions, Sales & Marketing, Tea Knowledge, 
Focused Tastings, and Tea & Food Pairings.
 
The three-day program features panel discussions including “Tea Room 
Survivors;” seminars such as “Super Trends: What’s New and What’s Next” 
presented by Mintel and “Specialty Packaging Strategies to Increase 
Sales;” a special workshop, “The Way of Tea” presented by the Ura Senke 
Foundation; and many more.  A series of focused tastings will feature 
specific growing regions including India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and 
Zheijiang, China. Additionally, the Specialty Tea Institute will be 
holding certification classes in conjunction with the World Tea Expo on 
June 12 & 13.  Members of the tea trade can’t afford to miss this 
invaluable and exciting educational program.
 
A Lineup of Experts