Tea grower from New Zealand focuses on tourism and exports
Zealong Tea, New Zealand's only oolong tea grower and exporter, is looking at new ways to create awareness and promote the brand. Zealong Tea relies on tourism to spread the message across Asia-Pacific region. The manufacturer organizes tea walks, as well as tea ceremonies and tastings at its plantation in Waikato, New Zealand. Around 500 tourists visit the 50ha plantation each week. Also, the company is promoting itself abroad and has established ties with TeeGschwendner, Germany's biggest tea retailer, thanks to a sale of 200kg of its oolong tea. Zealong Tea has also penetrated Japanese and American markets, although both remain tough to break into. Owners plan to invest a further $10 million in the plantation over the next years to add a larger tea house and luxury accommodation.