The Ethical Tea Partnership, an association monitoring the social and environmental conditions under which tea is produced, has linked up with The Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International, responsible for the strategic direction of Fairtrade and the Fairtrade standards, to improve the lives of tea workers and promote sustainability in the tea industry. The two bodies will work together to reduce duplication in auditing for tea growers, facilitate Fairtrade certification of producers in their supply chains and implement joint projects to address specific issues facing producers in the tea industry.

Tea production in Kenya, the world’s biggest exporter of black tea, rose 47% in January because of wet weather in the month’s first half. Output climbed to 37.7 million kilograms from 25.4 million kilograms a year earlier, according to the Nairobi-based Tea Board of Kenya. Kenyan tea prices rose last week before an expected decline in the crop as the pruning season starts. Average prices gained to a record $3.12 a kilogram in December after poor weather cut Kenyan output of the leaves, worsening a global shortage.

Sweet Leaf Tea, a manufacturer of organic iced teas from Austin, TX, is launching three new extensions of its ready-to-drink line. Lemon Iced Tea is a mix of black tea and lemons, Citrus Green Tea offers a mix of green tea and citrus flavors of orange, lemon, and lime, whereas Diet Citrus Green contains the same ingredients with less calories. The three new flavors are available in 16oz. (500ml) cans or glass bottles, 20oz. (600ml) plastic bottles or 64oz. (2l) multi-serve plastic containers.

New Leaf Brands, the manufacturer of sweetened ready-to-drink iced teas, has announced three new deals with Anheuser-Busch distributors in North Carolina. RH Barringer, City Beverage Company, and Harris Incorporated of Henderson, all distributors of alcoholic beverages and soft drinks, have begun distributing New Leaf Tea in their respective regions in North Carolina. New Leaf Tea comes in 14 unique flavors and is available in over 8,000 outlets including restaurants, delis, health food stores and other retail establishments.

Cynthia Fazekas, Adagio's US Sales Manager, shares her thoughts on retail and consumer trends for the holiday season and gives some tips to stay ahead of the game in the tea business.

The current year is drawing to a close with the crucial Christmas season upon us. What are some of the trends you have witnessed this year what impact will these may have for the trade in the future?

Emphasis seems to be on quality but affordable teas, and practically reigns supreme in tea wares. Tea shoppers are buying by price point and are seeking less exotics, more tried and true favorites preferable in smartly priced gift sets. They seem to want good looking items, not too expensive and certainly not frivolous.

Gourmet items that the gift receiver might not otherwise splurge on for themselves are trending. Plus the "good health" aspect of tea shows care and concern... read more