ITMA certification supports budding tea expert industry
As the tea industry expands and demand for experts grows, the International Tea Masters Association and its three certifications are becoming the standard-bearers for tea masters and shop managers alike. Over the course of the last 8 years, the organization has trained tea sommeliers from some of the finest dining establishments in the world, including The Ritz in London and Eleven Madison Park in New York City. There are three levels to the program that covers topics from provenance and production methods to tasting and vocabulary, with a particular focus on sensory memory and descriptions. Testing consists of questionnaires, tastings and dissertations. Most participants either go on to become tea sommeliers at restaurants and hotels, or start their own businesses as tea shop or tea room managers.