Honest kombucha back on Whole Foods Market shelves
Honest Tea has reintroduced its kombucha products to store shelves at Whole Foods Market across the US. Following a voluntary withdrawal of all brands of raw kombucha from store shelves in June due to high alcohol content, Honest Tea has developed a proprietary process to brew Honest Kombucha that allows for the benefits of raw, unpasteurized kombucha while ensuring lower, more stable alcohol levels. Honest Kombucha is available in five low sugar varieties: Berry Hibiscus, Lemon Ginger, Peach Mango, Maqui Berry Grapefruit and Apple Jasmine with 35 calories and 7 grams of sugar per serving. Honest Kombucha will be available at Whole Foods Market stores and other natural food stores nationwide the last week in August 2010 at a suggested retail price of $3.49 - $3.99.
Hall of Fame introduces iced tea based on ad character
Hall of Fame Beverages, makers of functional and energy drinks, is the latest company to create a ready-to-drink iced tea. Grand Ma Ma's Sweet Southern Tea is based on the character of Grand Ma Ma from Converse shoe commercials, played by former basketball star Larry Johnson. This line of flavored teas is currently in development and will come in sweetened natural flavors. The beverage is produced in Tampa, Florida and will be distributed initially by Elmira Distributing Company of New York, as well as by direct store delivery process. The launch campaign will be supported by Larry Johnson himself.
Businessman Trump launches own gourmet tea line
Donald Trump, the famous businessman known for many audacious business ventures, has launched a gourmet tea line bearing his name. Trump Tea stems from a partnership between Talbott Teas, a purveyor of upscale teas, and The Trump Organization. The range, comprised of exclusively formulated whole leaf tea blends, includes four varieties: The Park Avenue, The Union Square, The Mar-a-Lago and The Westchester. The premium tea blends are packaged in a keepsake tins, filled with pyramid sachets of whole leaf tea and organic ingredients. The Trump Tea collection will be available at select retailers starting this fall.
Campbell Soup adds tea to fruit and veg drink line
Campbell Soup Company is expanding its lineup of V8 V-Fusion beverages, which combine fruit and vegetable juices, with new products containing green tea. According to the manufacturer, V8 V-Fusion + Tea provides a combined serving of vegetables and fruit (1/4 cup vegetables and 1/4 cup of fruit) in each 8-oz (250ml) serving, along with antioxidants from natural green tea. The line extension includes 3 flavors: Raspberry Green Tea, Pomegranate Green Tea and Pineapple Mango Green Tea. The drinks will be available in the US from October.
Compostable tea infuser receives government grant
The Tea Spot, a company manufacturing a patent pending compostable tea infuser, has received a US government grant to help bring the product to market. The Small Business Innovation Research grant, awarded by the US Department of Agriculture, aims to stimulate technological innovation in the private sector and help address important scientific problems. The bio-based disposable loose tea infuser, called ecosteep, fits in standard to-go cups and allows tea leaves enough room to fully infuse. The grant will allow the manufacturer to select a fitting renewable and biodegradable material and help determine the life-cycle environmental impact of the infuser.
Honest unveils first bottled tea with stevia
After several years in the pipeline, Honest Tea is launching the first ready-to-drink organic bottled tea naturally sweetened with organic stevia. Passion Fruit Green Tea with Maqui Berry combines sweet and tart notes of passion fruit with maqui berry, the South American superfruit. It is the first zero calorie tea naturally sweetened with organic stevia extract,a leafy plant native to South America that is sweeter than sugar, but does not contain any calories. According to the company's CEO, the drink took a while to develop, because the ingredient was not allowed as an ingredient in beverages and it was hard to formulate a drink with the right taste and function. The 16.9oz (500ml) bottle will retail for $1.79.
Whole Foods pulls all kombucha teas from shelves
Whole Foods is removing all kombucha teas from its stores because of concerns over slightly elevated alcohol levels. Data indicates that kombucha, a fermented and sweetened tea, may contain levels of alcohol above 0.5% ABV, which would require a government warning in the US. According to the grocery giant, a couple dozen kombucha suppliers have agreed to voluntarily withdraw the products, available in bottles and on tap, to review these potential labeling issues for a swift resolution. Kombucha is one of the best-selling beverages available at Whole Foods, which has more than 290 stores in the US, Canada and the United Kingdom.
Iced tea winners named in US Tea Championship
Organizers of the World Tea Championships announced winners of the 2010 North American Tea Championship Iced Tea Class competition. The first place winners in 13 different categories, ranging from unflavored to herbal varieties in ready-to-drink and food service sectors, go to: Adagio Teas, Ito En, China Mist Brands, New Leaf Brands, The Republic of Tea, Rishi Tea, S&D Coffee, Shangri-La Tea Company, TeaGschwendner and True Brew. The championship, held for the third year in a row, received more than 80 applications from premium tea manufacturers. According to market research, ready-to-drink teas were the fastest-growing category of refreshment beverage in the U.S. last year.
Steaz displays packaging makeover
The Healthy Beverage Company, the manufacturer of Steaz iced tea brand, has redesigned the packaging of its Steaz Sparkling Green Tea line. The goal of the new look, created by Wallace Church branding firm, was to create a design that expressed the very essence of the brand: vitality, energy and passion. The central element of the new design is a lotus flower constructed of repeating tea leaves, an icon that radiates energy and vitality while embodying the brand's holistic sensibility. Adding to the impact of the brand on shelf is the color of each label, which mirrors the color of the teas themselves.
Lipton refreshes tea bag range design
Lipton is redesigning its pyramid tea bag range to give it a more premium and upscale feel on the US market. Moxie TM, an international brand design and development firm, has created new visuals with vibrant colors, real photography, and flavor imagery to help fulfill the tea’s promise of indulgence, excitement and affordability. Lipton is thereby trying to position its products in the gourmet category tea and capitalize on the growing awareness about the health benefits of tea drinking. According to a market research firm, US tea sales will double from $7.4 billion in 2007 to $15 billion by 2012.
Hydro One introduces green tea line
Hydro One Beverages, manufacturer of premium functional drinks, has unveiled an new category of green tea beverages. Hydro One TRUE Green Teas will be available in three flavors: Naturally Sweetened Green Tea, Sugar Free Green Tea and Sugar Free Organic Green Tea. The products are scientifically formulated with natural plant sterols, scientifically proven to help lower your cholesterol. Hence, the beverage line has achieved the Heart Choice Certification. The products will be available online and in The Fresh Market and other gourmet health stores across the US.
Cooper Tea in retail tea fountain deal
Cooper Tea has struck a deal with 7-Eleven stores to offer its organic iced tea on beverage fountain machines in many retail points across the US. The organic iced tea was developed by international tea master Barry W. Cooper and the Cooper Tea Co. The tea concentrate, with no artificial colors or added flavors, has received USDA organic certification earlier this year. It will be available on the Big Gulp fountain machine in nearly 70% of 7-Eleven stores that have previously carried its conventional variety.
Coke banks on tea to enhance Sprite brand in China
The Coca Cola Company, the world's leading beverage manufacturer, has introduced a tea-flavored version of its Sprite brand to try to tap into the huge Chinese soft drinks market. The drink, called Spritea, contains a carbonated blend of local green tea flavors. The product has undergone a massive consumer testing to define the right amount of sweetness and percentage of bubbles. Ready-to-drink tea consumption in China has increased over 30 percent annually in recent years, with tea and sparkling beverages representing over 20 percent of the entire Chinese beverage sector.
Inko's introduces range for NYC public schools
Inko's, a beverage company focused on ready-to-drink white teas, has launched two new flavors aimed at New York City's Public High School vending machines. Inko’s Blueberry and Inko’s Strawberry White Teas meet the requirements of NYC's Wellness policy, which mandates to improve the quality and nutritional value of foods and beverages that are available to children. Drinks available in schools must not contain any artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners, and contain a maximum of 25 calories per 8oz. (25ml) serving. For the launch, totally new graphic art, including a new logo, was created to appeal to a younger audience.
Tazo introduces zero calorie RTD teas
Tazo Tea, owned by Starbucks, is expanding its bottled tea line with a new range of naturally sweetened zero calorie teas. The Zero Calorie Naturally Sweetened iced teas come in three varieties: Zen (lemongrass and spearmint), Passion (hibiscus flowers and exotic fruits) and Refresh (peppermint and spearmint). They are sweetened using stevia leaves, whose extracts have up to 300 times the sweetness of sugar. The range will be available in Whole Foods and other natural food markets in the US beginning in April 2010.
Sweet Leaf Tea introduces three new flavors
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.
Two tea drinks scoop 'Best of 2009' awards
Steaz and Guayaki products were singled out at this year's BevNet 'Best of 2009' awards. Steaz Zero Calorie Sparkling Green Tea won in the 'Best New Organic Beverage' and 'Best New Carbonated Beverage' categories, whereas Guayaki Lemon Elation claimed the 'Best New Tea' and 'Best Packaging Design' awards. Coconut water was declared product of the year for the strongest track record in terms of evolving into a new category.
Sweet Leaf Tea brews up a line of cans
Sweet Leaf Tea, maker of natural and organic beverages, is launching a new line of 16oz. (0.5l) aluminum cans to complement its bottled range. The new ready-to-drink offerings include four classic Sweet Leaf Tea flavors and two new flavors - Lemon Iced Tea and Citrus Green Tea. All six varieties are USDA Certified Organic and the two newest flavors are scheduled to launch in January 2010. The cans have a suggested retail price of $1.29, or 99 cents on promotion.
Yorkshire Tea introduces seasonal tea range
Yorkshire Tea brand, part of British-based Taylors of Harrogate coffee and tea manufacturer, is launching a new range of seasonal tea varieties. The range is meant to underscore the brand's specialist tea knowledge and cater to customers' demand for seasonal produce. Yorkshire Gold Season’s Pick line includes Assam Gold, Rwanda Gold and Kenya Gold, with each tea available for select four month seasonal periods. Retail price is £2.99 for a box of 80 tea bags.
Whittard withdraws products with traces of nuts
Whittard of Chelsea was forced to withdraw some of its products recently due to their macadamia and almond nut content, which was not specified on the label. UK's major tea manufacturer had to pull Rooibos Cream Caramel Flavored Tea, Sticky Toffee Pudding Tea and Spiced Chai Green Tea products off the shelves to prevent complaints from people allergic or intolerant to nuts. The company is in touch with relevant allergy support organizations, which will inform their members of the withdrawal.
Red Mango launches first probiotic iced tea
Red Mango, a manufacturer of frozen yogurt, will be the first retailer to sell made-to-order iced teas fortified with probiotics. The new beverage line contains a patented strain of probiotic shown to help support the immune system and regulate the digestive system. Probiotics are dietary supplements of live microorganisms that aim to improve intestinal microbial balance. The range contains three flavors: lemonade green tea, vanilla black tea and wildberry hibiscus tea, all sweetened with natural cane sugar.
Arizona introduces energy-boosting tea shots
Arizona beverages has just launched a line of compact beverages comprising of two energy shots and one relaxation shot. Scientifically formulated Fast Shots are based on green tea and mixed with ingredients such as vitamins, minerals and taurine in order to give a jitter-free boost of energy or to help relax. The products contain no chemical preservatives, no artificial flavors or colors and come in 2 oz. (60 ml) PET bottles.
Arizona partners with Nestlé for tea-infused water
Arizona Beverages has teamed up with Nestlé Waters North America Inc. to create a line of tea-infused waters. Arizona Tea Waters is an organic low-calorie, tea-infused beverage line made using spring water, green tea, sugar cane and fruit extracts. The drinks will start off using Nestlé's Poland Spring water and will later be made from company's other regional water sources. The 20-ounce (600ml) amber PET plastic bottles with an oxygen barrier retail for $1.49.
Peet's Coffee & Tea launches RTD line
Peet's Coffee & Tea introduced a new line of ready-to-drink iced teas made from whole tea leaves. The new range includes five lightly sweetened beverages with natural flavors such as peach, mint or honey, and an unflavored version. The teas are initially available at 25 Peet's retail outlets in California, as well as select gourmet food stores in the region. According to the company, cold tea is the primary way in which people consume tea in the U.S. and the bottled tea market has grown steadily at about 15 percent in recent years.
Coke launches green tea flavor in Japan
Coca Cola has recently released a green tea flavored beverage in Japan. Coca Cola Light Plus Catechin contains green tea antioxidants, called catechins, and is aimed at young, health conscious women. Its arch-rival, Pepsi, also plans to bring a similar health-focused drink on the market, which will go by the name of Pepsi Shiso and is based on basil.
Arizona and Bigelow partner for RTD line
Arizona Beverages and Bigelow Tea have formed a partnership to introduce a new line of organic ready-to-drink iced teas. The new line of 20 oz. (600ml) green tea beverages will benefit from Bigelow's expertise in the specialty tea sector, whereas Arizona will supply its know-how in packaging and distribution. The range includes the following flavors: Acai White Cranberry, Original Green, Lemon Ginger and Mango Lychee.
Energy drinks tap into benefits of L-theanine
In an attempt to create the next generation of energy drinks, companies are increasingly looking into an amino acid found in tea, called L-theanine, to enhance concentration and focus. Preliminary studies suggest the substance might calm the brain to increase concentration and mental stamina, instead of a quick energy boost currently provided by caffeine and taurine. L-theanine is readily absorbed in large quantities, crosses the blood-brain barrier and gets into the brain fast. Products such as SoBe lifewater, Vitamin Water, ViB and new Gatorade drink Tiger, all contain L-theanine.
Lipton's Rainforest certified teas hit the US
Lipton is beginning to sell Rainforest Alliance-certified tea in the US this month. The Anglo-Dutch food giant, which launched the sustainable teas two years ago in Europe, expects all of its teas to sport the sustainable logo by 2015. Rainforest Alliance certifies farms that meet specific criteria for worker welfare, farm management and environmental protection. Unilever accounts for approximately 12% of the world's tea.
Three new organic iced teas from Arizona
Arizona Beverages has recently introduced three new varieties of organically-produced iced teas. Green Tea, Yumberry Green Tea and Pomegranate Green tea varieties use organic sweeteners such as honey and cane juice, and contain no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. The new products will be available in the northeast US this spring and countrywide shortly thereafter. The suggested retail is $1.79 per 20oz. / 600ml bottle.
Teas Etc wins Best New Product award
The new line of Tea Etc's loose leaf teas has won the 2009 "Best New Product" award, the World Tea Expo has announced. Get Real Get Loose tea range was singled out as creative and eco-friendly. The packaging is made of pre and post consumer recycled steel, water based inks, environmentally friendly adhesives and recycled paper. Compostable brew filters are included on the outside of each package, offering a novel way to brew loose tea. The range features twelve types of organic and conventional varieties.
Inko expands RTD range with eleventh flavor
Inko has debuted its eleventh low-calorie, low-caffeine ready-to-drink white tea beverage. Inko’s Lemon White Tea has 56 calories and only 5.8 milligrams of caffeine per bottle, which makes it one of the lowest calorie-sweetened teas on the North American market. Medical studies suggest that white tea, at the center of Inko's brand, may prevent certain forms of cancer, hence the company's continued support for definitive cancer research in that area.
Snapple CEO announces brand revamp
Dr Pepper Snapple Group Inc. chief executive officer Larry Young has revealed that Snapple tea brand is currently getting a makeover. Products will be sweetened with sugar instead of high-fructose corn syrup, with bottle and label designs evolving as well. Young believes that the timing is right to invest in a makeover now, in order to take full advantage of the economic upswing later on. Speaking about the state of the beverage industry and the broader US economy, Young expects for things to pick up in the second half of 2009, with "a new start" occurring in 2010.
Ito En expands lineup with naturally sweet teas
Ito En, the world’s largest manufacturer of green tea products and beverages, added a line of Naturally Sweet iced teas to its Tea's Tea range at Expo West 2009 in Anaheim, California. The new beverages are targeted at consumers looking to switch from sweetened to unsweetened tea. They contain only 8 grams of natural cane sugar and 40 calories per serving, and come in Blueberry Green, Citrus Black and Mango Oolong flavors. The range retails for $1.99 per unit and is available at grocery and specialty food stores nationwide.
Enviga to drop weight-loss claims
An agreement has been reached by the Coca-Cola Co. and joint-venture partner Nestle to settle a dispute with 27 states over claims that Enviga green tea burns calories, resulting in weight loss. The companies will pay $650,000 for the settlement and have agreed to re-label Enviga to add disclosures and disclaim weight-loss benefits. Any marketing of Enviga or a similar beverage that uses the terms "the calorie burner," "negative calories" or "drink negative" must clearly disclose that the product doesn't lead to weight loss without diet and exercise. Coca-Cola introduced Enviga in the U.S. in November 2006.
Revolution Tea in premium iced tea push
Revolution Tea is introducing a new line of premium iced teas aimed at restaurant businesses in the US. The teas will be packed in unique one-gallon (3.8 l) containers that enable shelf-stable liquids to be dispensed safely over extended time without refrigeration, and will be available in five flavors, including Classic Iced and Golden Peach. The products will be distributed nationally by Revolution Tea and through the company’s distribution agreement with Kraft Foodservice North America.
Sustainable wrapping for Twinings Everyday range
Twinings is opting for a sustainable and compostable packaging film for its Everyday tea range in the UK. The material, called NatureFlex, is a cellulose-based film, made from renewable wood pulp and metallised in-house. The company behind it, Innovia Films, claims the biodegradable film breaks down in a home compost bin within a matter of weeks because of its low metal content. According to the manufacturer, the packaging also offers high gloss and transparency, resistance to grease and oil, as well as good barrier to gases and aromas.
Frito-Lay turns to tea-flavored snacks in Japan
Frito-Lay Japan is turning towards tea and coffee for a more exciting alternative to the conventional snacking concept. The Caramel Macchiatto and Green Tea Latte flavor corn chips, recently introduced in Japan, are made of puffed corn and contain real coffee, chocolate, tea and milk. The chips, dubbed caffeine snacks, pack 150 mg of caffeine, the equivalent of two cups of coffee. Previously the Japanese arm of the company has introduced unusual snack flavors such as Strawberry Cheetos and Honey-Butter Doritos.
Steaz iced teas pick up BevNet award
Steaz Organic Iced Teaz picked up top honors in BevNet's Best of 2008 Best Tea category. Facing a large field of contestants, from Arizona to ZT Tea, the product line was singled out as high-quality, organic and Fair Trade certified canned tea, with a balanced amount of sweetness and rich fruit flavors. As a symbol of company's commitment to fair trade practices, the front of each can features photographs of fair trade farmers from Sri Lanka, China and Africa where Steaz sources its tea. Steaz also tied for first place in Best Organic Beverage rankings.
Numi launches Pu Erh line
The latest addition to Numi Tea's range of organic teas comes in the form of Pu Erh, a tea with a unique fermentation and ripening process from the Yunnan region in China. Promising health benefits and an age-long tradition that characterize Pu Erh tea, mixed with Numi's innovative spirit, have inspired four flavors: Emperor's, Chocolate, Magnolia and Mint. A box containing 16 tea bags retails for $9.99.
Pu Erh price bubble bursts in China
Similarly to stock markets worldwide, the Chinese speculative bubble on the price of Pu Erh tea, driven in large part by China's new rich for whom it has been a status symbol of sorts, has recently crashed. The fermented variety from the country's southwestern Yunnan province has reportedly dropped by up to 85% since peaking in May last year, due to overproduction and a diminished appetite for exotic assets. A 100g brick of 60-year-old Pu Erh sold for 300,000 yuan ($39,400) last February.
Red Tea expands Nestea's range of RTDs
Nestea recently added a Red Tea Pomegranate Passion Fruit flavored drink to its ready-to-drink iced tea range in the US. The beverage is derived from the South African Rooibos, or red bush, plant and is mixed with the sweet taste of Pomegranate and Passion Fruit juice. It boasts no artificial colors and all-natural fruit flavors. The new drink, licensed by The Coca-Cola Company, will be available nationwide in 20oz (600 ml) and 16.9oz (500 ml) PET bottles from February 2009.
Honest Tea launches new flavor Ade
Honest Tea introduced the latest addition to its line of Honest Ade drinks, the Superfruit Punch, at the National Association for Convenience and Petroleum Retailer's annual showcase in Chicago. Superfruit Punch contains two antioxidant-rich berries - Yummberries and Goji Berries - which have proven popular amongst health-conscious consumers in the New York area, where the product was on trial since August. Superfruit Punch is available in a 16.9 fl. oz. (500 ml), fully-recyclable PET 1 bottle with a suggested retail price of $1.59 and is expected to roll out in other markets in the coming months.
Unilever recalls contaminated milk tea powder
The Anglo-Dutch food giant Unilever is recalling several milk tea powder products in Hong Kong after tests found them contaminated with melamine. In a public statement, the firm said the recalled products were made using locally-manufactured milk powder with traces of melamine, a chemical used for making plastics and fertilizer. This comes just a week after the company had to proceed to similar actions in Taiwan. Powdered formulas with melamine, ingredient used to boost products' protein levels, were blamed for killing four babies and sickening more than 50,000 others in China.
Pepsi and Unilever welcome Tazo
Starbucks has agreed to a licensing agreement with the Pepsi and Unilever to manufacture, market and distribute its Tazo brand of ready-to-drink beverages in the US and Canada. Tazo's range consists of over a hundred of tea, fruit and herbal beverages in bottled, filterbag, full leaf and tea latte concentrate varieties. It will be integrated into the Pepsi/Lipton Tea Partnership, the leading distributor of RTD tea products in the U.S., expanding the joint venture between PepsiCo and Unilever created in 1994. Acquired by Starbucks in 1999, Tazo is the exclusive tea brand offered at Starbucks coffeehouses worldwide and Seattle's Best Coffee cafes in the U.S.
Suntory and Nestle to target US green tea market
Suntory Ltd, a Japanese drink manufacturer, plans to team up with Swiss food giant Nestle to offer its green tea drinks in the US. The deal covers exclusive rights to Iyemon green tea brand, which will be initially sold on the West coast, and will commence in May. The companies are looking to tap into America's booming tea market, expected to double in size and reach nearly $15 billion in sales by 2012. The ready-to-drink teas come with a price tag of $2.50 per 12oz/360ml bottle and are anticipated to generate annual sales of $19.4 million.
PG Tips get Rainforest Alliance seal
Healthy Beverages aim to improve kids' health
The Healthy Beverage Company introduces its line of Steaz Sparkling Green Tea drinks set to promote healthier drinking habits and offer an alternative to regular sodas. Unlike the majority of soft drinks containing high fructose corn syrup, which is thought to contribute towards ailments like diabetes, heart disease and osteoporosis, it is sweetened using organic sugar cane and provides the usual health benefits associated with green tea - antioxidants and polyphenols. To reinforce products’ appeal to the young - and their more grown-up and increasingly health-conscious entourage - the company simultaneously launches a program promoting healthier dietary habits at schools. Taking advantage of growing skepticism towards the availability of junk food on educational premises, the company from Newton, PA has found a promising niche for beverages that ally the sweet taste that kids are used with the health benefits that their parents care for.
Coca-Cola and Nestlé launch slimming tea drink
Tea & Chocolate - Perfect Together
Cooking with Tea - Online Recipes
An Affinitea for Speed
Ito En Sweetens Its Products
Loose Leaf Quality Tea In Bags
One of the world's busiest online tea stores, Adagio Teas, is introducing a new line of gourmet teabags delivering the superior flavors of loose teas within the convenience of a disposable tea bag. The new bags have a pyramid shape, thereby allowing plenty of room for expansion of large leaves during the brewing process as was previously only available in finer, loose gourmet teas. The company notes its new bags are in sharp contrast to typical teabags containing what the industry terms "dust," the least expensive tea grade.
New Tea Book "Tales of a Tea Leaf"
Publisher Contact: Anthony Pomes @ 516-535-2010 x105
Timely Tea Kettle Brews On Command
Glass Device Brews & Filters Teas
The Health Tea Wand™ is a hand crafted glass straw that brews and filters tea leaves through specially designed strainer holes in the convenience of your own cup. The new device is packaged in a transparent carry case that contains a compartment to transport your favorite loose tea.
Celestial Seasonings Adds Two Chais
Celestial Seasonings announced two TeaHouse Chai flavors: Vanilla Ginger Green Tea, a combination of black and green tea spiced with vanilla, ginger and cinnamon, and Sweet Coconut Thai Decaf, combining decaffeinated black tea, with rooibos and Thai spices. Both products - available in teabags - will be available in stores beginning Fall 2005, where they'll join four existing Chais: Original India Spice, Decaf Original India Spice, Honey Vanilla White Tea and Chocolate Caramel Enchantment.
Choice Organic's Fair Trade White
Choice Organic Teas is introducing organic Fair Trade Certified White Tea to US consumers this October in tea bags and loose leaf. According to the company this is the first Fair Trade Certified White Tea to reach US consumers in tea bag form. Choice Organic White Tea is produced in the unique style known as White Peony. Choice Organic Teas became the first tea crafter in the US to Fair Trade certify all qualifying teas.
Four Organic Hot Teas from Teaology
Teaology tea has introduced four organic hot tea flavors to compliment its line of travel iced tea mixes. Teaology hot teas, soon to be rolled out nationwide, will be available in recyclable boxes of 20 oxygen bleached tea bags, individually wrapped in biodegradable packaging, printed with soy based inks, and certified kosher. The four varieties include lemon myrtle kiwi green tea, grapefruit ginger yerba mate, pomegranate peach blueberry green tea, and zinc echinacea peppermint.
Organic Teas from Celestial Seasonings
Celestial Seasonings introduces a new line of Organic Teas with four unique flavors: Decaf Lemon Myrtle Green Tea, Mango Darjeeling Black Tea, Vanilla Apple White Tea, and Sweet Clementine Chamomile Herb Tea. The company is also adding the organic version of its traditional Black and Green teas. Packaged in boxes of 10 tea bags, the new teas will be available in stores in the Fall of 2005. The new teas bring the overall number of varieties offered by Celestial Seasonings, a brand of The Hain Celestial Group, to more than 90.
Green Tea Vodka
A Napa Valley distillery has introduced a vodka infused with Chinese tea. The new product, called 'Charbay Tea Time', contains extractions of four tea varieties from China's Anhwei province. Master distiller Miles Karakasevic apparently spent three years sourcing the teas and perfecting his techniques for extracting and distilling them. "I wanted to highlight the delicacy, lightness and flavor of green tea, but in a martini or rocks glass," said Mr Karakasevic. "It was no small feat to combine the two distinctive worlds of tea and vodka."
Tea Brewers for Espressos
Affinitea Brewing Technologies has released its patented Affinitea Tea Caddy. This revolutionary patented technology enables any espresso machine to brew high quality loose leaf tea. The novel technology enables foodservice companies the ability to brew loose-leaf tea beverages within 45 seconds. The Affinitea Beverage Infuser is a patented apparatus similar to an espresso machine coffee filter that allows the operator to provide customers either hot or iced brews in 30-45 seconds.
Teapot Doubles As High-Tech Guardian
A new generation of ultra-high technology "elder-tech" devices targeted at the world's senior citizen population is making waves. In Japan, an electronic teapot called the I-pot, is connected to the internet and notifies friends or relatives if a daily routine is skipped, thereby noting a possible problem; sort of a safety check-in for seniors living on their own without assisted care. The device was created by electronics-maker Zojirushi, Fujitsu Corp. and phone giant NTT.
Starbucks Sales Go Green
Tazo green tea beverages, a summer promotion at Starbucks locations in US and Canada, helped increase company’s July sales to $495 million, a 21% growth over the same period last year. Made with matcha tea - tea leaves that are picked young and pulverized into powder - the drink debuted in Taiwan and Singapore in 2001, and has since been added in Japan, the Philippines, Thailand, Korea, Hong Kong and Malaysia. The new drinks will be in stores on these shores through Sept. 30.
South American Iced Brewed Beverage Lineup
Aviva, a Sandpoint, Idaho manufacturer of Yerba Mate beverages (the South American brewed beverage), announces the availability of its new summer iced tea offerings. The company has blended Yerba Mate with various fruits, essences and botanicals to create a line of brewed beverages for warm weather enjoyment.
Numi's Gift Set Wins Gold at NASFT
Numi's Flowering Tea Gift Set was awarded Gold in the Food Gift category as part of the NASFT 2005 Awards Competition taking place in New York during the Summer Fancy Food Show. The Flowering Tea Set offers a bouquet of nine individually wrapped tea rosettes. These are hand-sewn organically grown teas from China, that beautifully unfurl when placed in water. Teas include black, green and white varieties. All are packaged in Numi’s signature mahogany and sustainable bamboo.
Ito En Adds Two RTD Varieties
Ito En is adding two new flavors to its catalog of ready-to-drink teas. Lemongrass Green and Rose Green increase the Teas’ Tea line to nine unique flavors. These claim three out of the top five fastest selling RTD beverages. The market for ready-to-drink teas is growing at 26%. According to SPINSscan, Ito En products are contributing to 7.4 points of this increase.
Rishi Launches Iced Teas
Rishi Tea has introduced a line of Artisan Iced Teas. All are original recipes hand crafted by Rishi's master blender using organic loose leaf tea, botanicals and fruit. Each box contains five 1-quart filter pouches. The filter pouches as well as the packaging are biodegradable. Rishi Organic Artisan Iced Teas are now available in gourmet natural and specialty food stores nationwide.
Revolution Adds Five Tea Flavors
Revolution Tea is adding five new flavors to its popular Infuser Tea Bag line. The five additions are Organic Green, Citrus Spice Herbal, White Pear, Black Citron, and Organic Green Earl Grey. These expand the company’s hot tea line to fifteen flavors, available in 16 count retail box (suggested retail $4.99), as well as the single serving boxes.
Standardized Green Tea Extracts
Taiyo International, the North American sales office for Taiyo Kagaku Japan, has rolled out a highly purified, standardized green tea catechin extracts for use in bottled drinks without the color or astringency typically associated with such extracts. These green tea catechins act as both potent natural antioxidants and antimicrobial agents. Taiyo also recently launched standardized natural green tea caffeine extracts.
Blueberry Ice Cool Brew Iced Tea
Celestial Seasonings introduces Blueberry Ice Cool Brew Iced Tea. The new tea is a blend of blueberries and black tea formulated to brew in cool water. The other Cool Brew flavors are: Peach Ice, Raspberry Ice and Lemon Ice. The company notes both black tea and blueberries are high in antioxidants.
Green Tea Liqueur
Suntory International and Allied Domecq Spirits, North America have launched ZEN(TM) Green Tea Liqueur, a novel blend of the finest Japanese green tea leaves, premium herbs and natural flavors. The new super-premium liqueur is set to create a new spirits category in the US. Suntory already markets several green tea liqueurs in Japan, but developed ZEN to suit the American palate, with an alcohol content of 20 percent. ZEN is packaged in elegant 750ml bottles with an MSRP of $29.99. It will be distributed by Allied Domecq Spirits, North America, Westport, CT.
Nectar-Flavored Teas
Liberty Imports USA, Inc. (Bethlehem, PA) is expanding its product line with four new nectar-flavored gourmet teas combining the "flavor of paradise with the healthy lift of iced tea." The domestically produced nectar teas will be available in 16-ounce textured glass bottles and four tropical flavors: Mango, Guava, Passion Fruit, and Mango-Passion Light. Suggested retail price for the 16-ounce bottle is $1.99.