Tea industry reaches out to Japan
The tea industry across the world is stepping up efforts to help the victims of the disaster in Japan. Sri Lanka's tea companies have donated 3 million tea bags for the people affected by the tsunami and earthquake. The country has also donated $1 million and has requested the state-run airlines to continue flying to Japan. In the US, private enterprises in the tea sector have created initiatives to contribute to the relief effort. Online tea retailer Adagio Teas is donating 15% of sales of Japanese teas to the Red Cross. Rishi Tea has pledged 10% of its overall sales to the same cause. Teavana has promised to match all customers' donations up to $50'000 to a relief fund. Japan grows some of the most famous green tea varieties, such as Gyokuro, Sencha, Genmaicha and Kukicha.