About us
We’re not your typical tea merchant.
As a small family-run boutique, we take pride in curating and specialising what we know best—sharing some of the finest premium loose leaf teas from Taiwan. The kind I’ve been drinking for almost four decades, ever since I was a toddler.
Each of our teas isn’t just single origin; they’re single estate. We provide full transparency on terroir, cultivar, craftsmanship, and vintage—just like fine wine or whisky. The soil, climate, and altitude—the terroir—shape the tea’s unique flavour profile. The character of the cultivar, much like a grape varietal in wine, adds depth. The craftsmanship from the tea masters unlock the full potential of each harvest and the vintage reflects the year and season it was picked.This is what makes our tea truly exceptional: a pure expression of its origin, craft and the land it comes from.
LIVE WELL, DRINK WELL
At Formosa Tea Co., we believe tea is more than just a drink – it’s a way to nourish both body and soul. Discover the difference that sets our oolong tea apart.
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​In today’s fast-paced world, we invite you to slow down and savour the moment.
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Sip on Something Meaningful – One Sip at a Time
Choose quality.
Choose tradition.
Our
Story
Our story is rooted in a deep love for the rich and diverse tea cultures of Britain and Taiwan, a connection that has evolved over centuries. This bond deepened significantly in 1864 when British merchant John Dodd concluded his voyage in search of exotic treasures and made his home in the lush land of Formosa, historically known as Taiwan. Recognising the island’s unique climate—characterised by high mountains, coastal breezes and rich soil, Dodd introduced Formosa Oolong to a broader audience in 1869, when it quickly became celebrated as the "Champagne of teas." This enduring legacy of admiration for Taiwan’s distinctive tea culture remains a source of inspiration for us today. Our commitment is to curate teas from renowned and exceptional producers in Taiwan—artisans whose work is celebrated for its complexity and depth, with their teas often rapidly acquired by a select group of connoisseurs in Taiwan and China. These rare, meticulously crafted teas have hardly been accessible to a wider audience—until now. We focus on bringing these extraordinary teas to the UK market, offering an authentic taste of Taiwan that is truly unique. At Formosa Tea Co., we are dedicated to sharing the richness of Taiwan’s climate, terroir and modernised tea practices with new audiences. The island’s unique geography, with its high-altitude mountains and humid, mist-laden environment, combined with the rich mineral soil, creates the perfect conditions for cultivating Oolong tea with exceptional flavour complexity. Taiwan’s tea culture, which harmonises ancient techniques with modern scientific advancements, allows us to offer teas that are both traditional and innovative. Each cup of tea from Formosa Tea Co. is not just a beverage but a homage to the heritage, passion and craftsmanship that define our story. Our mission is to bring the extraordinary qualities of Taiwan’s teas, cultivated in one of the most remarkable environments on earth, to the UK and worldwide — making them accessible to those who truly appreciate the art of fine tea.
How It Began
"My love for Oolong tea began early and only deepened over time. Fourteen years ago, life brought me to Britain for my education, where I embraced a new culture while holding dear the cherished tea traditions of my heritage. Sharing artisan oolong tea from Taiwan with my friends, colleagues, and extended family here, seeing their eyes light up as they savoured the rich, complex flavours filled me with immense joy. This passion and the joy I found in sharing these moments have formed the foundation of our brand, guiding our commitment to quality and authenticity."
Liu
Founder
Our Approach
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Authenticity: True Taste of Premium Artisan Oolong
​Our teas embody the rich heritage and diverse traditions of Oolong tea culture. Oolong tea, known for its complex production process, requires exceptional skill and dedication to craft. When made well, it showcases the quality of the tea leaves and the artisan's expertise, much like fine wine. We are dedicated to providing authentic artisan teas, carefully selected and sourced from well-managed gardens and award-winning producers who are deeply committed to cultivating their teas with care. Each tea leaf tells a story of craftsmanship, offering a genuine taste of artisan Oolong tea in every cup.
02
Honesty: Genuine, Single Estate Teas
Having been tea enthusiasts for over three decades, we've observed increasing challenges with authenticity, as many products do not accurately reflect their true origins. This issue has become more pronounced locally, and even more so internationally. In a market where counterfeit teas often falsely claim to be from renowned regions, we insist on honesty, guaranteeing our customers receive exactly what is promised. We personally taste and enjoy the teas we procure, ensuring they are genuine and of the highest quality appropriate to their price. Whether it's a premium variety or a more affordable option like Milk Oolong, we are committed to providing teas that are exactly what is written on the tin, reflecting their true origin and quality. This allows our customers to experience the authentic beauty of artisan Oolong teas.
03
Sustainability: A Commitment to the Future
Sustainability is not just a trend for us; it's a core principle of our ethos. We advocate for the use of loose leaf tea, which not only offers a superior taste experience but also reduces environmental impact due to less packaging waste. By working with trusted partners committed to organic and natural cultivation, we provide the highest quality teas while promoting practices that benefit the environment and future generations. Continuously improving our practices and expanding our capabilities is central to our mission, supporting both sustainability and the enjoyment of fine tea.
