Tea in Europe

Tea is the most consumed beverage in the world after water. But still education plays a vital role in making this wonderful beverage popular. It’s a medium and long term process. Tea industry is far behind it’s biggest revelry coffee when it comes to education. We are in an era when baristas are expected to make a perfect cup of tea, not the tea master. But things are changing a bit now. In a time when there is no proper definition for “Speciality Tea”, European Speciality Tea Association created a new definition to describe speciality tea better. The Tea and Herbal Association of Canada, Tea and Herbal Infusions Europe and the Tea Association of the USA have issued a statement in response to the European Speciality Tea Association’s definition of specialty tea that was produced few weeks back.

In the collective statement issued on 28th July 2021, The Tea and Herbal Association of Canada, Tea and Herbal Infusions Europe and the Tea Association of the USA offered the following:

[“We] take great pride in our collective approach of inclusion, representing the tea industry from bush to cup. Our members include all parts of the supply chain operating in what is commonly referred to as the ‘traditional’ tea industry as well as the ‘specialty’ tea industry. The European Speciality Tea Association (ESTA), has recently announced their definition of ‘specialty tea.’

Although we agree fully with their statement acknowledging “…that it will be difficult if not impossible to achieve a definition which is universally agreed by all…”, we are concerned with the language used to then differentiate ‘specialty tea’ from other tea. The ESTA definition of ‘specialty tea’ includes knowledge of supplier, farm, location, production dates and processing methods. These supply chain facts are known and documented by every reputable company operating in the tea industry regardless of ‘specialty’ or ‘traditional’ label. In fact, they are critical to traceability requirements which are at the core of food safety laws in place around the world and must be demonstrated as part of regular audits for large retailers as well as certification programs.

The definition goes on to list five criteria by which quality is defined: dry leaf, aroma of dry leaf, colour and clarity of the liquor, flavour and mouthfeel of the liquor, appearance and aroma of wet leaf. Again, these are the same criteria used by every tea taster in the industry, regardless of ‘specialty’ or ‘traditional’ label. Although all the above may be a part of ‘specialty tea,’ suggesting they are not a part of ‘traditional’ tea is factually incorrect.

As national associations, we celebrate the vast range of teas available to consumers. We believe in accessibility for all and strongly support elevating the value of tea. We encourage all efforts to make the industry more sustainable, thereby benefiting the entire supply chain – from bush to cup.”

Become A Member of ESTA,

1. Membership Options: https://specialityteaeurope.com/membership
2. For Producers: https://specialityteaeurope.com/producers

View More Latest Tea News + Articles: https://www.teawithnipun.com/

References

1. Main Source: https://www.teaandcoffee.net/news/27458/global-tea-associations-respond-to-new-definition-of-specialty-tea/
2. European Speciality Tea Association (ESTA): https://specialityteaeurope.com/

Tea is the most popular beverage in the world after water. Due to the great diversity of tea, it suits many palates all over the globe. Tea World is so interesting and beautiful. By the mean time, tea growers are having a great opportunity amid COVID 19 pandemic to make their various teas popular thanks to “The AVPA Teas of the world Contest. The award ceremony has been scheduled to be held on 16 November in Paris, France.

The AVPA (Agency for the Valuation of Agricultural Products) contest reportedly assists tea producers:

• Attain recognition of their exceptional quality in social and professional environments;
• Stand out from other producers.
• Explore new markets around the world.

The “Teas of the World” contest to be held in Paris is organized in two very distinct parts:

I- Monovarietal teas (Camellia sinensis) whose jury is chaired by Lydia Gautier, International Expert, and recognized Tea Editor.

II- Infusions (infusion plants other than Camellia Sinensis), blends and flavoured teas, the jury of which is chaired by Carine Baudry, Expert in sensory analysis and founder of Quintessence.

The AVPA Tea Contest is unique in its kind, based on gastronomic rather than standardized refereeing, seeking a striking rather than consensual sensory profile. This is the first time that an independent body in a consumer country promotes the good practices of production and trade actors.

In addition to Tea contest, AVPA also organizes, “Coffees roasted at Origin”, “Chocolates processed at Origin” and “World Edible Oils” contests.

This will be a great opportunity for tea producers to gain a great recognition for their signature teas. So it’s really worth for them to attend.

Register Now: https://www.avpa.fr/thes-en

View More Tea News + Articles: http://www.teawithnipun.com/

References

1. Main Source: https://www.teaandcoffee.net/news/24905/avpa-organises-third-international-teas-of-the-world-contest/

2. AVPA Official Website: https://www.avpa.fr/thes-en

Tea was known to Chinese for more than 5000 years. But this wonderful beverage became popular in Europe just few centuries back. Today, Europe is mainly a coffee drinking region. But still there are so many tea lovers who are so passionate on speciality tea. As Tea & Coffee Trade Journal had reported, The European Tea Society is changing the name to the European Speciality Tea Association (ESTA), effective 1 July. This change happens following an overwhelming vote by the association’s members at the Annual General Meeting on 20 May 2020.

According to the European Specialty Tea Association, the reason behind the name change is to more accurately reflect the nature and purpose of the association as below:

• The word ‘association’ is an inclusive and contemporary word, one that aligns with the values of the organisation, which are inclusive.
• The word ‘association’ describes much more accurately what the organisation is, which is a members association.
• Specialty Tea is very much at the heart of what the organisation does and believes in. It is enshrined in the association’s charter and mission and is now appropriately reflected in the name.

ESTA will provide and participate in a range of international events which engage the specialty tea community and promote tea excellence.

The logo will remain unchanged to assist promoting consistency and continuity, there will be significant changes in many areas of the association, such as a new three-year strategic plan that will continue to foster the association’s growth.

The association will be starting a major membership drive to reach new and potential members across Europe. It will also be introducing new membership categories: one for producers in tea growing countries, and one for a new type of person in the tea community, the tea barista.

ESTA aims to recruit members in some new regions such as Russia. Once the world starts to get back to some sort of normality, ESTA will attend events around Europe in order to promote the association, promote specialty tea, engage with local tea communities, gain new members and deliver knowledge. The association also stated that it is looking to increase the number of competitions that it organizes.

“Education and research are at the very core of the association’s value and mission, and we will be working extremely hard on our initiatives here, helped and supported by our growing team of volunteers,” mentioned David Veal, executive director of ESTA, in a statement.

For those interested in becoming members of the European Speciality Tea Association or for more information, visit: www.specialityteaeurope.com, email: hello@specialityteaeurope.com or call: +44 (0) 1244 515610.

Learn More About ESTA: https://www.europeanteasociety.org/

View More Latest Tea News + Articles: https://www.teawithnipun.com/

References

1. Main Source: https://www.teaandcoffee.net/news/24731/european-tea-society-becomes-european-speciality-tea-association/
2. Association Website: https://www.europeanteasociety.org/

Italy is a coffee dominating market. Coffee culture has been deep rooted in to Italian souls. Even founders of The Coffee Giant “Starbucks” learnt coffee culture in Italy. But tea is emerging in this part of the world due to emerging health concerns. This news is also about a well reputed Italian Tea Company. As Tea & Coffee Trade Journal had reported, Babingtons, one of Italy‘s most traditional tea rooms, is now distributing a limited selection of its Babingtons teas to the world of tea.

This reputed brand has become a legend among tea enthusiasts in Rome and now, a selection of their best blends are available to the world of tea and can be purchased in exclusive locations in Belgium, Germany and Switzerland.

The Babingtons limited edition teas cover classic black, flavoured black, green, white, and Tisanes. Top sellers include the Special Blend, which was the first creation of Valerio Bedini in the 1950’s. Other creations are White Passion, Karha Chai, Imperial Earl Grey, Miss Babington, Moroccan Secret, Sweet Tempation and Blue Lady to name only some. For this exclusive range, London designer Marcello Minale from the Minale Design family created Victorian style tins.

Babingtons Tea Rooms was founded by Anna Maria Babington and Isabel Cargill in 1893 and has served tea in Victorian tradition for over 125 years. The Tea Room in Piazza di Spagna offer nearly 100 various kinds of teas & tisanes along with freshly baked cakes and light dishes.

The company has recently started to distribute their teas worldwide. The range is exclusively all 100% natural and blended in England.

View More Latest Tea News + Articles: https://www.teawithnipun.com/

References

1. Original Post: https://www.teaandcoffee.net/news/23450/babingtons-tea-selection-available-worldwide/

Tea is the most popular beverage after water. But still the industry is suffering from lack of innovation. One would argue that the “Tea Bag” is the only significant innovation in tea industry. I am quite certain that most of my fellow tea lovers are not fans of conventional filter paper tea bags. By the mean time, As CPH Post had reported, Freja Louise Kristiansen, a 16-year-old Danish student from Aarhus, who has not only smashed through barrier after barrier to surpass a Guinness world record, but has broken it 114 times in the last year.

Kristiansen has broken her own Guinness World Record for the largest collection of tea bag covers, increasing it from 1,023, which was documented in June 2018, to 1,237.

This young girl started collecting tea bags in 2010 when she got inspired by her grandmother’s hobby of making rosettes out of them – clearly creative genius for the unexpected runs in her genes.

Later, when she started to lose track of how many she had, her older brothers helped her by listing the collection on Excel spreadsheets.

In 2017 that the record was only 743 (one of our staff members claims to have more than that in his top drawer), and that she was within 100 with her collection of 650.

She had nonchalantly told TV2. “When I found out I was so close, I thought I might as well take the record,”

AC Perchs Thehandel, a tea store located in Aarhus, assisted her to count and archive them, and now Kristiansen keeps her collection in three different folders, all marked in alphabetical order.

“People have been helpful when they have been travelling. For example, my older siblings bought some tea bags from abroad,” she said.

I don’t think she will like too much publicity on my site, since my fellow tea lovers will try to beat her after seeing this news update. Anyway, Tea with Nipun would like to take this opportunity to Congratulate Her for This Great Achievement ! Keep It Up ! Cheers !

View More Latest Tea News + Articles: https://www.teawithnipun.com/

References

1. Original Post: http://cphpost.dk/news/young-dane-breaks-guinness-world-record-for-largest-collection-of-tea-bags.html
2. More Information: https://worldteanews.com/editors-choice/danish-girl-breaks-own-guinness-record-for-tea-bag-collection
3. Old Record: https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/largest-collection-of-tea-bag-covers