Tea Biz

Tea Trade Takeaways | • East Africa: PF1 prices strengthened at Mombasa as buyers favored clean teas; plain leaf discounted. • India: North Indian CTC auctions firm; retail inflation stable at 2.1%. • Sri Lanka: Uva and Western High Growns held premiums amid limited offerings. • Indonesia: Orthodox steady to dearer; Java plains easier on light demand. For expanded coverage, visit www.teajourney.pub → Tea Biz → Tea Price Report (https://teajourney.pub/tea-price-report/). Signup www.tea-biz.com | https://teajourney.pub/newsletter-preferences/ Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tea-biz/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

How Does One Choose What Tea to Drink? The answer is both simple and profound. 101 Teas to Steep Before You Die is far more than a bucket list compiled by four respected tea experts with impeccable credentials. In 256 pages, the book distills a millennium of tea heritage into 101 unforgettable cups. It is both a love letter to Camellia sinensis and a practical guide to brewing and enjoying every style of tea. Each profiled tea is chosen for its flavor, story, and cultural significance. The authors invite us as trusted companions to rediscover familiar favorites, explore rare treasures, and understand how tea connects culture, science, ethics, and pleasure in a single cup. Preorder: https://a.co/d/16LOkDR Release date: Nov. 25 BIO: Authors Nigel Melican, James Norwood Pratt, Maria Uspenski, and Shabnam Weber are among the world’s foremost tea authorities. Melican is a global tea scientist and innovator living in Ireland; Pratt, who authored the Tea Lover’s Treasury in 1982, is the beloved tea historian and “America’s Tea Sage”; Maria Uspenski, founder of The Tea Spot in Denver, Colo., is the author of Cancer Hates Tea; and Shabnam Weber, President of the Tea and Herbal Association of Canada, headquartered in Toronto, is an accomplished retailer and tea educator who created the Tea Sommelier® program. Signup www.tea-biz.com | https://teajourney.pub/newsletter-preferences/ Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tea-biz/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

US Holiday Retail Outlook Dims Ahead of the 2025 Season | Asian Tea Origins Negotiate Trade Treaties with the US| Nanoplastic Research Likely Overstates Concentrations of Particles in Tea Signup www.tea-biz.com | https://teajourney.pub/newsletter-preferences/ Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tea-biz/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

US Holiday Retail Outlook Dims Ahead of the 2025 Season | Asian Tea Origins Negotiate Trade Treaties with the US| Nanoplastic Research Likely Overstates Concentrations of Particles in Tea NEWSMAKERS - Nigel Melican, Maria Uspenski, James Norwood Pratt, and Shabnam Weber PLUS | How Does One Choose What Tea to Drink? The answer is both simple and profound. 101 Teas to Steep Before You Die is far more than a bucket list compiled by four respected tea experts with impeccable credentials. In 256 pages, the book distills a millennium of tea heritage into 101 unforgettable cups. It is both a love letter to Camellia sinensis and a practical guide to brewing and enjoying every style of tea. Each profiled tea is chosen for its flavor, story, and cultural significance. The authors invite us as trusted companions to rediscover familiar favorites, explore rare treasures, and understand how tea connects culture, science, ethics, and pleasure in a single cup. Preorder: https://a.co/d/16LOkDR Release date: Nov. 25 Signup www.tea-biz.com | https://teajourney.pub/newsletter-preferences/ Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tea-biz/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week in tea markets, quality continued to earn premiums across major auctions. In East Africa, lighter catalogues at Mombasa helped PF1 and BP1 hold firm, though plainer grades still met resistance. In Sri Lanka, Colombo’s seasonal Uva lines drew keen bids while other orthodox grades traded at irregular rates. India’s Kolkata and Guwahati auctions were steady overall as retail inflation remained contained. On the destination side, Pakistan’s weekly index was mixed, while U.S. beverage prices ticked higher on the month. Bottom line: quality sells, buyers remain disciplined, and premiums are increasingly tied to leaf cleanliness and cup brightness Signup www.tea-biz.com | https://teajourney.pub/newsletter-preferences/ Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tea-biz/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The 8th India International Tea Convention was held this year under the banner “Innovating the Tea Ecosystem for Tomorrow” at the Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty, Kerala. This gathering marked the long-awaited return of IITC after a several-year hiatus under the aegis of UPASI, the United Planters Association of Southern India. The Convention aimed to recharge India’s tea discourse: to reconnect producers, drive innovation, re-examine sustainability, and reassert India’s role in the global specialty tea ecosystem. I spoke at the event and recorded my observations later in this podcast. Signup www.tea-biz.com | https://teajourney.pub/newsletter-preferences/ Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tea-biz/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Deluge Kills Scores in Darjeeling and Ilam, Nepal | International Tea Importers Closes After 35 Years | Kenya Launches an Orthodox Tea Auction, Opening a New Chapter in Specialty Trade Signup www.tea-biz.com | https://teajourney.pub/newsletter-preferences/ Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tea-biz/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Deluge Kills Scores in Darjeeling and Ilam Nepal | International Tea Importers Closes After 35 Years | Kenya Launches an Orthodox Tea Auction, Opening a New Chapter in Specialty Trade PLUS | The 8th India International Tea Convention was held this year under the banner “Innovating the Tea Ecosystem for Tomorrow” at the Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty, Kerala. This gathering marked the long-awaited return of IITC after a several-year hiatus under the aegis of UPASI, the United Planters Association of Southern India. The Convention aimed to recharge India’s tea discourse: to reconnect producers, drive innovation, re-examine sustainability, and reassert India’s role in the global specialty tea ecosystem. I spoke at the event and recorded my observations later in this podcast. Signup www.tea-biz.com | https://teajourney.pub/newsletter-preferences/ Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tea-biz/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This is the Tea Price Report for Week 36 ending September 5, 2025. India — Retail inflation stayed low, softening pressure on domestic tea prices. Auctions at Kolkata and Guwahati trended steady to softer, while direct estate purchases remained limited. East Africa — At Mombasa, Sale 35 cataloged over 160,000 packages. PF1s and BP1s with good leaf held firm, but nearly 34% went unsold, showing selective buying. Sri Lanka — Colombo saw strong interest in seasonal Uva teas, fetching premiums of 15–20 US cents, while Low Growns remained firm. Exporters remain cautious amid higher costs. Indonesia — Jakarta offered light volumes again, with orthodox teas from North Sumatra firm‑to‑dearer. Direct overseas buying programs were minimal. For expanded coverage, visit www.teajourney.pub and select the Tea Biz Tea Price Report https://teajourney.pub/newsletter-preferences/ Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tea-biz/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

AVPA’s Teas of the World Competition is a unique event that views tea not just as a commodity but as a culinary product equal to fine wines and chocolates. Conducted by the Paris-based Agency for the Valorization of Agricultural Products, the contest honors excellence in both single-varietal teas and herbal infusions. While winning a medal is indeed a mark of prestige, the real benefit is in gaining visibility, building credibility, and telling stories for small producers—especially those operating outside traditional markets. We’ll see how participating can boost growers’ reputations, connect them with new buyers, and showcase the health and cultural benefits of their teas, whether they win a prize or not. Joining us today is AVPA development director Ksenia Hleap. BIO: Ksenia Hleap is Development Director at AVPA in Paris, where she leads communication and development initiatives. With more than seven years advancing AVPA’s global contests, she champions recognition for agricultural excellence—including teas and herbal infusions—connecting small growers worldwide with the gastronomic community and broader consumer appreciation. Signup www.tea-biz.com | https://teajourney.pub/newsletter-preferences/ Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tea-biz/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Appeals Court Finds US Tariffs Arbitrary and Illegal | Tariffs Threaten the Flow of India's Exports to the US | Rize Tea Declared Radiologically Safe, 30 Years After Chernobyl Signup www.tea-biz.com | https://teajourney.pub/newsletter-preferences/ Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tea-biz/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Appeals Court Finds US Tariffs Arbitrary and Illegal | Tariffs Threaten the Flow of India's Exports to the US | Rize Tea Declared Radiologically Safe, 30 Years After Chernobyl NEWSMAKER – Ksenia Hleap, AVPA Development Director PLUS | AVPA’s Teas of the World Competition is a unique event that views tea not just as a commodity but as a culinary product equal to fine wines and chocolates. Conducted by the Paris-based Agency for the Valorization of Agricultural Products, the contest honors excellence in both single-varietal teas and herbal infusions. While winning a medal is indeed a mark of prestige, the real benefit is in gaining visibility, building credibility, and telling stories for small producers—especially those operating outside traditional markets. We’ll see how participating can boost growers’ reputations, connect them with new buyers, and showcase the health and cultural benefits of their teas, whether they win a prize or not. Joining us today is AVPA development director Ksenia Hleap. Signup www.tea-biz.com | https://teajourney.pub/newsletter-preferences/ Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tea-biz/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Tea Price Takeaways | Quality premiums are back: Clean PF1/BP1s (E.Africa) and bright orthodox (Sri Lanka/Indonesia) drew premiums; plainer leaf faced resistance and higher withdrawals. | Retail inflation picture mixed: India’s historic CPI trough contrasts with modest tea/coffee category firming in the UK/EU and U.S., keeping shelf tags sticky in those destinations. | Volumes high, buyers choosy: Mombasa saw heavy offerings with >40% withdrawals in an earlier August sale; Colombo’s catalogues remain large but low-growns held firm. | Costs & policy still matter: Sri Lanka’s wage environment and logistics/fuel dynamics continue to shape exporters’ floor prices into Q3. For expanded coverage and occasional charts, visit www.teajourney.pub. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tea-biz/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Northwest Tea Festival, held each year at Seattle Center’s Exhibition Hall, features tastings, workshops, and lectures. It brings together tea enthusiasts of all skill levels to discover global traditions and modern innovations. Visitors enjoy interactive experiences, meet vendors, and deepen their appreciation for the culture, artistry, and community of tea in a friendly and engaging setting. Festival coordinator Andrew Goodman previews the activities at this year’s event, scheduled for Sept. 27 and 28. Admission is $25, which includes entry for both days. BIO: Andrew Goodman is the founder and Principal of The Happy Tea Man, a Bellevue, Washington–based tea education and consulting brand. As a tea educator, consultant, and photographer, he specializes in creating immersive, visually engaging tea experiences. Andrew is a dedicated volunteer and organizer of the Northwest Tea Festival, helping shape one of the region’s most celebrated tea events. A lifelong tea lover, he attended the inaugural edition of the Northwest Tea Festival and has been involved ever since. He is a graduate of City University of New York, Hunter College, and retired following a career in beverage sales and marketing. Signup www.tea-biz.com | https://teajourney.pub/newsletter-preferences/ Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tea-biz/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Chinese Tea Exports to the US Drop Sharply After Early-Year Surge | The Hidden Cost of Fertilization: How Phosphorus Is Diminishing Theanine in Tea | Jing Tea Inspires a Scotch Whiskies Collaboration Signup www.tea-biz.com | https://teajourney.pub/newsletter-preferences/ Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tea-biz/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Chinese Tea Exports to the US Drop Sharply After Early-Year Surge | The Hidden Cost of Fertilization: How Phosphorus Is Diminishing Theanine in Tea | Jing Tea Inspires a Scotch Whiskies Collaboration NEWSMAKER – Andrew Goodman, Northwest Tea Festival Organizer PLUS | The Northwest Tea Festival, held each year at Seattle Center’s Exhibition Hall, features tastings, workshops, and lectures. It brings together tea enthusiasts of all skill levels to discover global traditions and modern innovations. Visitors enjoy interactive experiences, meet vendors, and deepen their appreciation for the culture, artistry, and community of tea in a friendly and engaging setting. Festival coordinator Andrew Goodman previews the activities at this year’s event, scheduled for Sept. 27 and 28. Admission is $25, which includes entry for both days. Signup www.tea-biz.com | https://teajourney.pub/newsletter-preferences/ Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tea-biz/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Known for blending traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation, Indi (Gurrinder) Khanna, managing director at Tea n Teas, co-founded The Tea Studio to make a wide variety of teas on demand. This specialty manufacturing facility produces artisanal, small-batch teas, including India’s first compressed teas modeled on Chinese Pu’er. The Tea Studio’s commercial success and award-winning teas over the past seven years reflect both Indi’s and his daughter Muskan’s passion for quality and dedication to expanding India’s presence in the global specialty market. With nearly fifty years in tea, Indi’s continuing journey is as rich and nuanced as the leaves he selects—a perfect metaphor for the conversation that follows. BIO: Indi Khanna says he is proud to have started his career in tea from the very bottom—planting, pruning, and tending the bushes. “That early exposure gave me a deep respect for the craft,” he says. Indi was an assistant estate superintendent at Malayalam plantations in the Kerala high ranges beginning in 1975, and worked as an estate manager in Assam for 11 years. He founded Tea ‘n’ Teas in 1990 and has been offering retailers gourmet quality organic and conventional teas for the past 20 years. His advice as a consultant is widely sought after. “Over time, I realized that tea isn’t just an agricultural product; it’s a living, breathing culture. The people, the landscapes, and the constant learning kept me engaged, and even today I feel there’s still more to discover,” says Khanna. Signup www.tea-biz.com | https://teajourney.pub/newsletter-preferences/ Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tea-biz/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

US Tariffs Crush and Tear Global Tea Producers. India is singled out for 50% duties. | Lipton Teas & Infusions Introduces Tea Concentrates and Fruit Infusions | Authentic Teas Surge in Alcohol RTD Segment Signup www.tea-biz.com | https://teajourney.pub/newsletter-preferences/ Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tea-biz/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

US Tariffs Crush and Tear Global Tea Producers. India is singled out for 50% duties. | Lipton Teas & Infusions Introduces Tea Concentrates and Fruit Infusions | Authentic Teas Surge in Alcohol RTD Segment NEWSMAKER – Indi (Gurrinder) Khanna, The Tea Studio | PLUS | The Tea Studio | Known for blending traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation, Indi (Gurrinder) Khanna, managing director at Tea n Teas, co-founded The Tea Studio to make a wide variety of teas on demand. This specialty manufacturing facility produces artisanal, small-batch teas, including India’s first compressed teas modeled on Chinese Pu’er. The Tea Studio’s commercial success and award-winning teas over the past seven years reflect both Indi’s and his daughter Muskan’s passion for quality and dedication to expanding India’s presence in the global specialty market. With nearly fifty years in tea, Indi’s continuing journey is as rich and nuanced as the leaves he selects—a perfect metaphor for the conversation that follows. Signup www.tea-biz.com | https://teajourney.pub/newsletter-preferences/ Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tea-biz/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Cydian Kauffman brings a rare clarity to the chemistry of water and its deep connection to taste—especially in tea. “A water molecule is like a tiny magnet,” he explains, “pulling apart other molecules, including tannins and polyphenols in tea.” As a solvent, water doesn’t just carry H₂O but a host of dissolved minerals, trace metals, and hydrogen ions that directly shape a tea’s flavor, aroma, and mouthfeel. Cydian is the CEO at Pure Water Northwest, helping people make better, science-backed decisions about their water by combining technical expertise with practical solutions. Whether addressing London’s hard water or Seattle’s softer profiles, he emphasizes the importance of consistency and control — often recommending reverse osmosis systems to optimize the brewing experience. BIO: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Signup www.tea-biz.com | https://teajourney.pub/newsletter-preferences/ Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/tea-biz/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy