New Zealand's oolong grower eyes overseas expansion
Zealong, New Zealand's only premium oolong tea grower, hopes to capitalize on recent health and radiation scares from Japan and elsewhere. The Taiwanese family-owned company, which has invested $10 million in its plantation and tourist and export venture, cultivates tea that is free of chemical sprays, fertilizers and additives. It claims to grow the purest oolong tea in the world. Until now, Zealong has exported its crop mainly to Taiwan, where oolong tea is prized as a corporate gift and for socializing. But the company is now attracting increasing interest from buyers from Germany, Japan and other countries due to recent radiation fears. There are also plans to go on a marketing offensive in New Zealand and stimulate domestic demand. Owners plan to invest at least another $10 million in the venture over the next few years, despite not yet making a profit since launching early last year.