From Consumer to London Tea Merchant: Our Journey in the Tea Trade

For decades, we have enjoyed tea as passionate consumers, savouring the rich history and diverse flavours from different regions of Taiwan. However, 2024 marked a new chapter in our journey as we took the step to become independent tea merchant based in London, UK. Though this represents a new direction, our focus remains clear: providing the best possible experience for you, our valued customer.

The Evolving Roles in the Tea Industry: Producers, Merchants, and Consumers

Traditionally, the tea industry has operated with distinct roles for each player. Producers focused on growing and harvesting tea, while merchants handled the tasks of sourcing, grading, and pricing. The British tea merchants were instrumental in developing a sophisticated grading system that still plays a crucial role in the market today.

However, in the last decade, we’ve seen a growing trend of producers selling directly to consumers. This shift allows producers to connect more closely with tea drinkers, but it also introduces new dynamics into the industry. It’s important to note that there is no "better" way – whether you prefer buying directly from producers or from merchants like us depends on your individual priorities. Both models have their own merits.

As with any industry, there are instances where pricing may not always align with quality. Sometimes, merchants may seem to make larger profits, but at the same time, there are cases where producers price their products higher than the quality would suggest. It’s a delicate balance that comes down to trust, transparency, and knowing where your tea comes from.

Our Role as Merchants: Striking the Perfect Balance Between Quality and Value

Before entering the tea business, I, like many other consumers, sought the best value for my money. For anyone who genuinely cares about tea quality and spends time sampling different varieties, it quickly becomes apparent how much effort is involved in finding a trustworthy merchant, let alone sourcing directly from producers. Long before we became merchants ourselves, I gained a deep appreciation for the complexities of sourcing tea. The quality of tea can fluctuate dramatically from season to season, influenced not only by external factors like weather and natural events, but also by how tea gardens are managed—everything from staffing to daily operations plays a role.

As merchants, our responsibility is to navigate this intricate landscape and bring the finest teas to our customers. We collaborate closely with partners, understanding their unique challenges, and rigorously assess the quality of each batch before making our selections. While producers must sell their harvest each season, as merchants, we have the flexibility to choose only the teas that meet our high standards.

It’s important to note that producers must sell their tea regardless of quality, even when affected by unfavourable factors such as bad weather—just as a fruit vendor might assure you their fruit is sweet. However, our role as merchants is to be selective. We are not obligated to purchase every tea from any producer if their produce doesn’t meet our standards. This allows us to focus on offering only the teas that strike the perfect balance between exceptional quality and great value for you.

Honouring Personal Taste and Preference

We are confident in the quality and value of the teas we offer, but we also understand that tea, like many things in life, is subjective. What may be perfect for one person might not be to another's taste, and that’s okay. We appreciate the trust you place in us to carefully source, grade, and price the teas that make it into your hands, and we’re committed to continuing to uphold that trust.

Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your tea journey. We look forward to bringing you exceptional teas that reflect both our passion and dedication to this incredible industry.