Tea Bureau Member News

NEW YORK, NY – JULY 17, 2008 – At a special celebration held in New York City at the Millennium Broadway Hotel, the Specialty Tea Institute (STI) recognized the first group of tea professionals to complete its' Level Three Tea Certification Program. A total of 15 students graduated from the program after completing a series of foundation and advanced courses requiring a total of 80-100 hours of class and study time.

Each student was awarded the title of Certified Tea Professional (CTP) and received a “diploma” awarded by their instructors: Donna Fellman, Phil Parda, Yoon Hee Kim, and Suzette Hammond.

The President of the Tea Association, Joe Simrany was also on hand to personally congratulate the students and wish them well with all their future endeavors. The Chairman of STI, Richard Guzauskas, sent the students a message of congratulations for all of their work and dedication in the program.

The STI Certification Program was launched on July 08, 2002 and is the most sought after educational program in the tea industry. It has attracted students from all segments of the tea industry and is even considered necessary training for many executives from major tea packers, operators of tea rooms, executives from super markets chains and sales brokers because of its’ professional content and because it is offered by the Tea Association of the USA. The Tea Association at 108 years old is one of the first trade Associations in the country and the leading voice for the Tea Industry in the USA.

For more information about STI Certification Programs including future courses offerings and for a list of the recent graduates and their affiliations, visit www.teausa.org or contact Ellainy Karaboitis at ekarabotis@teausa.org.

Press Contact: Ellainy Karaboitis, Specialty Tea Institute, (212) 986-0250, ekaraboitis@teausa.org

is noted as one of the HOT "up & coming" home parties in the nation!
Rochester, NY - July 15, 2008 - A feature article in the August issue of "Family Circle" magazine reveals that Home party Companies are a booming trend in today's home-based business opportunities. According to the Direct Selling Association, "15.2 million people worked as consultants in 2006, up from 14.1 million in 2005; 85% were women who helped generate more than $32 billion in sales."

In the article entitled "Make Big Money From Home" Rochester, NY based Tealightful Treasures was noted as one of two "up and coming home party companies in the nation" Founder and CEO, Charlene Phillips started her tea tasting company from home and launched the business nationally a little over two years ago. The company now has tea consultants in several states across the nation and is projected to reach all 50 states by the end of 2008. The company is continually receiving national press for the unique and timely opportunity of this direct selling business promoting the health and wellness of tea

"We have created a niche in two very dynamic industries. Home parties are on the rise and the tea industry is projected to reach 12 billion dollars by the year 2012," says, Founder & CEO Charlene Phillips. "Many of our consultants are passionate tea lovers who have dreamed of opening tea rooms. Our business model has given them a way to embrace their entrepreneurial spirit without the brick, mortar and necessary costs of a new start up company. Tea is fun and friendly, it's easy to share and easy to embrace for both our customers and consultants!"

Tealightful Treasures, Inc is a home party company based on the tea party concept.
The company features in home tea parties and related products which are sold by independent tea consultants nationwide.

California - On July 19^th Nan Taylor will be signing books and speaking on Social Tea Graces and Etiquette in Old Town Orange at Paris in a Cup Tea Salon. On July 26^th, she will be teaching her course, Let’s Have Tea, at Glendale Community College.

Local author, Nan Taylor, goes national. Victorian Homes Magazine features Taylor, founder of Tea Graces, and author of The Graceful Art of Tea book. Nan teaches at local community colleges the fine art of preparing and presenting a tea party. She is a national speaker at tearooms, women’s clubs, churches, and other women’s events. On April 9^th Taylor was the guest speaker for Santa Clarita’s, Newcomers and Friends tea luncheon held at the Valencia Country Club.

The Graceful Art of Tea is priced at $14.95. It is available in selected gift shops and tearooms nationwide, as well as on Taylor’s website. One can view a list of her future speaking engagements, and tea class schedules. Also featured on her site is a 45- minute tea-time tutorial DVD that shows table settings, how to make a proper pot of tea, how to prepare for large groups and more.

“No matter how lavish or simple the tearoom or tea event, don’t forget the most important ingredient—unhurried conversation,” Nan emphasizes.

For more information on children’s etiquette and manners classes, speaking engagements, tea consulting, etc. Visit Taylor’s website at www.teagraces.com or give a ring to

Mt. Dora, Florida – June 13, 2008 -- Tea Time Finery (a division of My Fayevorite Things) recently launched with great excitement and response at World Tea Expo. Specializing in designer and vintage-look aprons – made in USA by sassy Southern ladies – Tea Time Finery offers quality goods for women who love tea, and for the special men and children in their lives. These include items such as full and half aprons, chef aprons, mother-daughter aprons, tea cozies, adult bibs and shawls. Also you will find accessories such as unique fabric tea pockets, which come complete with a teaspoon, tea bag and sugar packet. These are very convenient for your purse, travel, or to complete your packed picnic lunch. Tea Time Finery also introduces a “charming” boxed gift set appropriately named Purse-anali”teas”. The set includes a fabric tea bag holder, accentuated with a tea charm, which holds an individual tea bag and sugar packet, as well as a fabric tissue holder with one pack of tissues. These are also convenient for your purse or pocket.

Inspired by her mother who recently passed away, Faye (owner of Tea Time Finery), is a tea specialist who wishes every woman will get back to the simplici-“tea” of life on the front porch, make memories for yourself and your loved ones that you can cherish for a lifetime, and feel the beauty and sereni-“tea” that comes with doing so.

Faye Fitzgerald is the published author of “Life is Like a Tea Bag”, as well as a designer of tea greeting cards. You may see her new fashions and accessories at www.teatimefinery.com as well as at AmericasMart in the Fall.

Las Vegas, NV--June 10, 2008—With a record number of participants flooding the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, the World Tea Expo^®was a true reflection of the growing category it serves. For five consecutive years, the Expo has increased in size and scope, this year hosting 284 exhibiting companies and 4,632 attendees. Participants hailed from 49 countries including Germany, Canada, Korea, India, and South Africa. "In light of current economic conditions, this year's Expo was highly successful—especially in terms of the quality of buyers present," said George Jage, World Tea Expo^®President. "This is a testament to the strength and vitality of the tea industry in North America."

The quality of the buyers was a common theme among exhibitors who attended the event, May 30-June 1, 2008. Many exhibitors stated that this was the best World Tea Expo^®yet for attracting key decision makers with purchasing power. According to Joel Rosenberg from Golden Star Tea Co. “It was our first time exhibiting at World Tea Expo^®and I was impressed by the diverse types of accounts visiting our booth, which included domestic and foreign retailers, as well as distributors. The interest and orders generated were significant.” Those comments were echoed across the exhibit floor and supported by post-show statistics, stating that more than 85 percent of attendees played a role in the purchasing process. Buyers included those from mega corporations such as HomeGoods, McDonalds, Amazon.com, Wegmans, Whole Foods Market, Bellagio Resort, Wynn Las Vegas and more.

The Expo also debuted a number of new features including the much-anticipated World Tea Championship™, a two-day intensive New Business Boot Camp™ for new and aspiring tea business owners and an Executive and Technical Series™ for top executives, research scientists, product formulators and ingredient managers. On the show floor, participants enjoyed Cooking With Tea demonstrations by celebrity chefs; Japanese, Chinese and Korean tea ceremonies; and a new cupping pavilion where exhibiting tea companies could conduct tastings with prospective buyers.

The expo has touted a 34 percent annual compounded average growth since its inception in 2003 and will continue to mirror the industry’s phenomenal growth. The World Tea Expo^®will return to the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, May 2-4, 2009. For more information on the World Tea Expo^®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.

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

Las Vegas, NV—June 5, 2008 -- The winners of the inaugural World Tea Championship™ were announced at the World Tea Expo^®, May 30-June 1, 2008. The championship, touted as one of the decade’s most groundbreaking initiatives in the tea business, is expected to elevate the perception of tea, the independence of the category and increase consumer awareness—much like the Parking Rating System did for the wine industry. In fact, the parallels between tea and wine are astounding. Like its alcoholic counterpart, tea characteristics are influenced yearly by geographic location, weather, soil conditions, manufacturing processes and craftsmanship. All participating teas in the competition were critically evaluated by the brewed color, brewed aroma, brewed flavor, brewed mouthfeel and brewed harmony. The winners will be able to use the results on packaging and promotions to further assist consumers in anticipating what to expect from their purchase. According to George Jage, World Tea Expo^®President, “This competition was an undeniable success. The excitement and support from the industry was phenomenal, we had more than 200 teas submitted by 30 companies from around the world. It’s time the tea industry broke with its constant comparison with its distant cousin, coffee, and assumed its rightful place alongside its closer kindred, wine.”

The Hot Tea Class is divided into 22 different categories, plus three Super Categories, reflecting the most recognized and popular tea types, blends and herbals. The top five finalists in the Hot Tea Class were selected prior to the event and were evaluated again live on the show floor, Friday, May 30 to determine the “Best Tea” in each category. Judges included professional cuppers and industry recognized experts Charles Cain,

TeaGschwendner; Joshua Kaiser, Rishi Tea; Jane Pettigrew; James Norwood Pratt, Tea Society; Thomas Schulze, Dethlefsen & Balk; Mike Spillane, G.S. Haly Company; Anthony Tellin, Tazo Tea and David Walker, Walker Tea. Judges whose teas made it to the finals were not allowed to judge that category. Hot Tea Class winners are below:

Black Blended/Flavored: Black Celebration, Qtrade Teas & Herbs Breakfast Blend (tie): Organic China Breakfast, Rishi Tea; East Friesian Breakfast Tea, SpecialTeas Darjeeling 2nd Flush: Darjeeling Jungpana 2nd Flush, Qtrade Teas & Herbs Earl Grey: Organic Earl Grey, Rishi Tea OP: Chamraj Orange Pekoe, The United Nilgiri Tea Estates Co.

Green Blended/Flavored: Genmai Cha, Sugimoto USA China Style: Zhejiang Green Tea, PeLi Teas, LLC Hand-Tied Flowering: Jasmine Bloom, Adagio Teas Japan Style: Organic Sencha, Rishi Tea Jasmine Common: Jasmine Mao Feng, Qtrade Teas & Herbs Jasmine Premium: Organic Jasmine Pearl, Rishi Tea

Herbal Chamomile: Organic Chamomile Lavender, Teas Etc. Hibiscus: Hibiscus Blossom, TeaGschwendner USA Mint: Organic Peppermint Rooibos, Rishi Tea Red Rooibos: Superior Cut, International Tea Importers Herbal Rooibos Blend: Rooibos Lemon Chiffon, SpecialTeas

Oolong Blended / Flavored: Mandarin Silk, Art of Tea Dark: Formosa Superior Taifu, TeaGschwendner USA Green: Ti Quan Yin (Autumn), PeLi Teas, LLC

Super Black: Assam Marangi, TeaGschwendner USA Green: Top Liu An Gua Pian (Melon Slice), PeLi Teas, LLC Oolong: Phoobsering, Chamong

White Bai Mu Dan: China Pai Mu Tan, TeaGschwendner USA Blended/Flavored: Organic Osthmanthus Silver Needle, Rishi Tea Silver Needle: Organic Silver Needle, Rishi Tea

The Iced Tea Class evaluation was done entirely at the Expo on Saturday, May 31 and is categorized by the three primary market applications and sales channels: ready-to-drink, foodservice and freestyle. The World Tea Championship™ Iced Tea Class winners are below:

Foodservice Best Value: Walters Bay -Black Unflavored, Walters Bay Bogawantalawa Estates Black Flavored: Gold Rush, International Tea Importers Black Unflavored: Bl Blend, International Tea Importers Green Flavored: Organic Pomegranate Melon Green Tea, Shangri La Tea Co. Green Unflavored: Organic Green, Shangri La Tea Co. Herbal Flavored: Natural Berry, Ceylon Teas/Silkenty

Freestyle Best Presentation: Tea in a Jar – Citron, Puripan Herbal: Citron Tea, Jayone Foods Mar-Tea-Ni: Tipu's Tiger Chai, Tipu's Tiger Chai Tea: Iced Capateano, dr. teas

RTD Best Packaging: White Jasmine Sparkling Tea, Golden Star Tea Co. Black Flavored: Cha Dao Black Tea & Coffee -Yin Yang, The Cha Dao Tea Company Black Sweetened (tie): Tea Mango, Ito En; Tipu's Tiger Chai Concentrate, Tipu's Tiger Chai Black Unflavored: Anteadote, Adagio Teas Green Flavored: Teas' Tea Green Jasmine, Ito En Green Sweetened: Vida Tea Desert Pear, Healthy Innovations Green Unflavored: Oi Ocha, Ito En Herbal Any: Cha Dao Chrysanthemum, The Cha Dao Tea Company Oolong Unflavored: Teas' Tea Golden Oolong, Ito En White Flavored: White Jasmine Sparkling Tea, Golden Star Tea Co.

The World Tea Expo^®will return to the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, May 2-4, 2009. For

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

Introducing a new line of coordinating Dressed To A Tea products exclusively for Tea Rooms and Tea Gifts Shops

Double Oak, TX, June 4, 2008 - Karen Hattaway, owner of Sweet Necessi-Teas, an e-boutique with a focus on tea clothing, accessories, and accoutrements, has just announced plans to expand her business for a Fall launch of a wholesale division. The expansion comes after just 4 ½ years in business.

Karen began selling her products online through the artisan section of an e-commerce mall, Ruby Lane, in late 2003 under the shop name, Dressed For Tea. Her focus was on tea clothing and accessories. In 2004 she designed and introduced her Tea Cup Tote. She left Ruby Lane in 2006 and opened her e-boutique, SweetNecessi-Teas.com, to be able to include tea sets and accoutrements in her product line.

In 2008, her plans include the Fall launching of a wholesale division exclusively for tea rooms and tea gift shops. Karen states, “ I have been inundated with wholesale inquiries for my Tea Cup Totes and other exclusive products for over a year. This expansion is the logical progression for my business and will allow me to concentrate more on product design and development.” The wholesale line will include some of the more requested items as well as an exciting new line of coordinating Dressed To A Tea products. A test market survey is in progress. For more information on taking the survey and being included on a contact list, please see contact information below.

If you would like more information about Sweet Necessi-Teas, contact Karen Hattaway at teatogs@aol.com or phone 817-657-3843.

May 21, 2008 - Lafayette, IN Victorian House Scones has recently added another facet to their growing enterprise. Private labeling, (seen by many small business owners as a way to continue to put their name in front of their customer after the sale is completed) will now be offered as an option when ordering wholesale scone mix.

“We have been asked frequently about private labeling, and until now have always had to turn away the request”, says Debbie Anderson, founder of Victorian House Scones. “A number of pieces have recently fallen into place, giving us and our customers the opportunity to pursue this option to its fullest extent.”

While the cost to the customer is slightly higher, should they choose to go with private labeling, it is not expected to be a deterrent of any kind. “If the interest and requests we have seen over the years are any indication, we expect this option to really take off,” says Anderson. “If they already have a label design, we can work with that—or we can design one specifically suited to their business. Since we are ourselves a small business, we understand the importance of product and name identity. We are very pleased to now offer this option to our customers.”

For more information about Victorian House Scones’ wholesale scone mixes and private labeling options, please contact:

The Elegant Eccentric Teapot - A Juried Multi-Media Exhibition - June 13-July 3, 2008 at The Barron Arts Center, Woodbridge, NJ

May 16, 2008, Woodbridge, NJ - The Barron Arts Center in Woodbridge, New Jersey announces a juried multi-media exhibition based on the subject of the elegant eccentric teapot. The juried exhibition, open to three dimensional artist designed teapots and 2D & 3D media utilizing teapots as a theme, will open with a free opening gala where the public can meet the artists on Friday Evening, June 13, 2008 from 7:30-9:30 pm Guest curator of the exhibition is Judith Krall-Russo, artist, food historian and tea specialist. Jurors for the exhibition are Jeffrey A. Kesper, former Executive Director of the NJ State Council on the Arts and the Southern Arts Federation, Atlanta and Linda Vonderschmidt-LaStella, ceramic artist and educator from Earthsongs Studio, Metuchen, NJ. The work is juried for acceptance and awards based on originality, craftsmanship, the use of the chosen medium and excellence in presentation among other criteria.

An accessible facility housed in an historic building, The Barron Arts Center is located at 582 Rahway Ave, in Woodbridge, NJ. The exhibition is sponsored by the Woodbridge Township Cultural Arts Commission chaired by Dr. Dolores Capraro Gioffre with support from the Woodbridge Township Arts Council and Mayor John E. McCormac. Director of the Barron Arts Center is Cynthia Knight; Program Coordinator is Nancy Casteras.

For further information, please call the staff of the Center at 732.634.0413 weekdays between 8:45 am and 4:15 pm

The Elegant Eccentric Teapot at the Barron Arts Center, 582 Rahway Ave., Woodbridge, NJ 07095 (732.634.0413)

Las Vegas, NV—More than 200 teas entered into the World Tea Championship^®have been judged, ranked and assigned their World Tea Rating™. The top five entries spanning all hot tea categories will now go head-to-head at the World Tea Expo^®, May 30 – June 1, 2008. Here, professional tea testers will reevaluate all finalists in order to determine the “Best Tea” in each category.

Developed to help discriminating buyers and tea connoisseurs, the World Tea Rating™ system is expected to revolutionize the tea industry as the Parker Rating System did for wine. The World Tea Rating™ is based on evaluation of the brewed color, brewed aroma, brewed flavor, brewed mouth feel and brewed harmony of each tea. Participating companies will be able to use the rating on their packaging, websites or catalogues to promote the quality of their teas, helping to increase customer understanding, awareness and interaction with premium and specialty tea. All finalists and their World Tea Ratings™ will be published in the World Tea Buyers Guide™, available to participants of the World Tea Expo®.

In the Hot Tea Class, there are 25 different categories including three Super Categories, reflecting the most recognized and popular tea types, blends and herbals. The World Tea Championship™ finalists can be found at www.worldteaexpo.com

The Iced Tea class is organized by the market applications and sales channels: ready-to-drink, foodservice and freestyle. The Iced Tea Class will be judged and rated live during the show on Saturday, May 31.

All World Tea Championship™ participating teas will be commercially available at the World Tea Expo^®, 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.

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

DRINK TEA. WIN $20,000. EXPERIENCE THE

"CALM-A-SUTRA OF TEA"
Tea Council of the USA, Inc. launches $20,000 Nationwide Scholarship Competition with Celebrity Spokesperson Megyn Price of the CBS Hit Sitcom, Rules of Engagement

May 9, 2008 - NEW YORK, NY - The Tea Council of the USA, Inc. announced today the launch of the 2008 Calm-A-Sutra of Tea™, a nationwide scholarship competition awarding one creative student $20,000 towards their education, in an effort to introduce America's young people to the health-related benefits of drinking tea.

The Calm-A-Sutra of Tea is a nationwide search for the most unique and creative way or depiction of drinking tea, specifically black, green, white or oolong tea, all from the Camellia sinensis plant, explained in a one-to-two minute Internet video that incorporates some aspect of tea's many health-related benefits.

As the world's most widely consumed beverage (next to water), tea is great tasting and calorie-free. It contains flavonoids that are believed to be health-protective antioxidants, which ultimately make drinking tea part of a satisfying, healthy lifestyle.

"While educating the public on the emerging science supporting the health-related benefits of drinking tea is one of the Tea Council's main objectives, we also strongly support America's young people seeking a higher education," said Joe Simrany, President of the Tea Council of the USA. "With rising tuition costs, the Calm-A-Sutra of Tea scholarship competition is an ideal vehicle for this Internet generation to pursue in their search for financial aid for the upcoming 2008-2009 school year."

The Tea Council of the USA, Inc. has partnered with sitcom star Megyn Price of the CBS hit series Rules of Engagement as the official Calm-A-Sutra of Tea celebrity spokesperson. Price, a new mom and big fan of healthy foods and beverages plus nutritious cooking, supports the Tea Council's platform on educating young Americans about the health benefits of drinking tea through the immensely popular and ever-growing trend of using online video as the newest form of mass communication.

"As a new mom, I believe education is crucial to a happy future for our children and our country," said Price. "I funded my own education in large part with outside scholarships, without which I never would have been able to graduate from college. I am so proud to be working with the Tea Council in support of education in America and to promote the many health benefits of tea."

The participant who submits the most creative and unique video, which emphasizes the health-related benefits of drinking black, green, white or oolong tea, will be selected by a panel of Tea Council representatives to receive a scholarship of $20,000 paid directly to the school or educational institution on the winner's behalf.

All entries must be original Internet videos created by the entrant and must contain at least one valid message regarding Tea's health-related benefits, specifically black, green, white or oolong tea. Open to legal residents of the United States and Puerto Rico, who are at least 16 years of age, all entries must be received electronically at www.teausa.org/calmasutra no later than midnight on Wednesday, August 6, 2008.

Final judging will be conducted by a panel of representatives of the Tea Council of the USA, Inc. based on the following criteria: HEALTH-RELATED MESSAGE (50%; Entry must contain at least one valid message regarding Tea's health-related benefits, specifically black, green, white and oolong tea), CREATIVITY (20%), INDIVIDUALITY (20%) and POPULARITY (10%). Entries that contain any nudity, sexual content, inappropriate language, unsuitable behavior or adult material will be automatically discarded and not considered for submission.

For more information, please visit www.teausa.org/calmasutra.

###

ABOUT THE TEA COUNCIL OF THE USA:

The Tea Council of the USA is a non-profit association that was formed in 1950 as a joint partnership between tea packers, importers and allied industries within the United States, and the major tea producing countries. It functions as the educational arm of the tea industry with a primary goal of increasing overall awareness of tea by providing information about its many positive attributes. One of the Council's primary objectives is the dissemination of key scientific findings about tea to the public. The Tea Council does this in several ways including: funding scientific meetings to bring tea researchers from around the world together to share key information and identify next steps for future research projects; and working with health organizations and international scientists to disseminate information about potential positive health effects of tea consumption on a public level. Additional efforts of the Tea Council include outreach to the health professional community, support and monitoring of key scientific meetings internationally, and ongoing interaction with leading tea researchers.

Sri Lankan Tea Estates Roll the Dice in Las Vegas

at 2008 Specialty Estate Tea of the Year Competition

The Sri Lankan Specialty Estate Tea of the Year Competition to be held at the

World Tea Expo in Las Vegas on June 1, 2008

LAS VEGAS, NV, May 6, 2008 – The Specialty Tea Registry, the Tea Association of the USA, and the Tea Council of the USA announced today that the 2008 Specialty Estate Tea of the Year Competition, focusing on estate teas from Sri Lanka, will be held in conjunction with the World Tea Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada on June 1, 2008.

The primary objectives of the Sri Lankan Specialty Estate Tea of the Year Contest is to raise general awareness for Specialty Teas from Sri Lanka and the many health benefits associated with drinking tea, as well as raising money for Tsunami relief efforts through an auction of the estate teas immediately following the competition.

“We are thrilled to be bringing the best of the best tea that Sri Lanka has to offer and to have the opportunity to showcase it in this exciting venue,” said Ranjith Abeykoon, Acting Director of Promotions for the Sri Lankan Tea Board. “With the devastation that our country has faced in recent years, it is a joy to be able to bring one of our most successful and delightful commodities to the American public and at the same time raise money for relief efforts in our homeland.”

Solid evidence is mounting that drinking tea can inhibit cell damage that leads to cancer, cardiovascular disease and other chronic diseases. Black, green, white and oolong tea, which are all from the Camellia sinensis plant, have comparable health benefits; these benefits are conferred whether the tea is served hot or over ice.

“It’s wonderful to see Americans discovering and enjoying specialty estate teas from Sri Lanka and other tea-producing countries. Like fine wines, these single estate teas have so much to offer in terms of flavor variations and unique characteristics,” stated Joe Simrany, president of the Tea Council of the U.S.A. “In addition to its great taste, tea can be an important contributor to an overall healthy lifestyle. It provides certain scientifically-supportable, disease-preventive health benefits, contains flavonoids that are believed to be health-protective compounds, and is a calorie-free beverage, making it appealing on many levels.”

The event will take place at the Mandalay Bay Hotel (Palm B on Level 3 of the South Convention Center) on Sunday, June 1, 2008. The day's activities will consist of the following components:

9:30 – 11:00 AM Formal judging of the finalist entries from each of seven (7) different growing regions within Sri Lanka
9:30 – 11:00 AM Ongoing Commentary concerning the judging process and relevant facts concerning each growing region as it is being judged
11:00 – 12:00 PM Tea Break/Recess
12:00 – 12:30 PM Announcement of the winning teas including the overall winner and opportunity for the audience to view and taste each tea
12:30 – 1:00 PM Auction of the individual region winners as well as the overall winning tea.

The Specialty Tea Registry first held an Estate Tea of the Year Competition in conjunction with the Tea Association of the USA Annual Convention in October 2002. The event introduced the concept of buying tea by the Estate, stimulated competition amongst individual estates throughout Sri Lanka, encouraged more estates to improve the quality and quantity of the Specialty teas that they produced, and raised awareness amongst tea buyers and consumers within the United States.

For more information regarding the Sri Lankan Specialty Estate Tea of the Year Competition, please visit www.pureceylontea.com. For more information about tea, or the role of tea in a healthy diet, please visit www.teausa.org

# # #

ABOUT:

The Tea Council of the USA is a non-profit association that was formed in 1950 as a joint partnership between tea packers, importers and allied industries within the United States, and the major tea producing countries. It functions as the educational arm of the tea industry with a primary goal of increasing overall awareness of tea by providing information about its many positive attributes. One of the Council’s primary objectives is the dissemination of key scientific findings about tea to the public. The Tea Council does this in several ways including: funding scientific meetings to bring tea researchers from around the world together to share key information and identify next steps for future research projects; and working with health organizations and international scientists to disseminate information about potential positive health effects of tea consumption on a public level. Additional efforts of the Tea Council include outreach to the health professional community, support and monitoring of key scientific meetings internationally, and ongoing interaction with leading tea researchers. For more information about tea, or the role of tea in a healthy diet, please visit www.teausa.org.

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

Victorian 'Window Shoppers' Haven Enters Fifth Year
May 3, 2008 -Victorian Heart Shoppe is a bustle of activity entering their fifth year as one
of the web's most unique online Victorian shopping malls. The shoppers haven has received much acclaim with their recent page-one article in VICTORIANA MAGAZINE'S March issue, their Vendor Spotlight in QFLEA SHOPPING NEWS - April 19th, and their brand new membership in Tea Bureau.

'Victorian' and 'Tea' have a long term relationship equivalent to the marriage of milk and honey. Victorian Heart Shoppes is happy to showcase their many merchants with tea party accoutrements, tea time accessories, and that 'afternoon tea' ambiance within each virtual parlor. Take your tea with with Victorian Heart Shoppes and browse through the Avenue Shops where looking is compulsory, shopping is heavenly, and purchasing is pure delight. You might even win their brand new $100 Sweeps with prizes and gift certificates from selected merchants' shops.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Visit the unique Victorian mall ...
because women love to window shop!

###

Contact: Victoria Laurian Otto, Victorian Heart Shoppe, info@victorianheartshoppe.com
www.victorianheartshoppe.com Unique Victorian 'Window Shoppers' Haven

BACK TO TOP

Where is Granny Going?

- Granny's Tea Cozies Announces Upcoming Events

May 2, 2008 -- Where will you find Granny next? For the past three years, Granny has been to every event, festival, show, opening and picture of cozies(at least her picture has been there)...but where will she be next?

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.