Hälssen & Lyon GmbH, with a representative office in Taicang, China, is one of the oldest and most prestigious tea trading and processing companies in the world. Originally founded in Hamburg, Germany in 1879, the company has evolved into a global tea powerhouse, offering a full-spectrum portfolio of teas, herbal infusions, and tea-based innovations for international clients. Their Chinese operations enhance their sourcing, blending, and distribution capabilities across Asia.
Core Business and Product Portfolio
Hälssen & Lyon's business spans the entire tea value chain—from direct procurement and refinement to customized blends and retail-ready formats. Their product offerings include:
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Traditional Teas:
- Black Tea, Green Tea, White Tea, Oolong Tea, Yellow Tea, Pu-Erh Tea
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Herbal and Fruit Infusions:
- Rooibos, Honeybush, Chamomile, Peppermint, Fruit Blends
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Extracts and Innovations:
- Dry Extracts, Instant Tea Powders, Beverage Compounds, Liquid Tea Extracts
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Flavoured and Blended Teas:
- Earl Grey, Jasmine Green Tea, Apple Cinnamon Herbal Tea
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Decaffeinated Teas:
- Decaf Black and Green Tea options for global markets
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Organic and Certified Products:
- Certified Organic Teas, Fairtrade Certified Products, Rainforest Alliance Certified Teas
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Retail and Industrial Formats:
- Loose Leaf Teas, Tea Bags, Pyramid Bags, and Ready-to-Drink Bottled Teas
This extensive catalog allows the company to serve both bulk buyers in the food & beverage industry and private-label clients seeking customized tea offerings.
Manufacturing and Quality Capabilities
While the main manufacturing is based in Hamburg, Hälssen & Lyon’s presence in China allows close proximity to premium Asian tea sources. Key features of their global operations include:
- Blending and Flavoring Facilities equipped with food-grade precision equipment
- Quality Control Labs performing pesticide residue analysis, sensory testing, and microbiological testing
- Production for All Global Markets with compliance to EU, US FDA, and Japanese standards
- Storage and Logistics Centers optimized for freshness and global delivery efficiency
Their Taicang location functions as a liaison office for procurement and customer engagement in Asia.
Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
Hälssen & Lyon’s unmatched heritage and industry-leading innovation make it a distinctive supplier in the global tea market. Core differentiators include:
- Heritage and Credibility: Over 140 years of tea expertise with clients in more than 100 countries
- Innovation: Creator of the world’s first printable tea book and aroma-preserving packing technology
- Customization: Thousands of flavoring and blending options tailored to client specs
- Sustainability: Strong commitment to sourcing from ethically certified plantations
Export Markets and Global Reach
Hälssen & Lyon serves a wide array of international markets, with tea exports spanning across:
- Europe, North America, Middle East, and Asia-Pacific
- Global B2B partnerships with supermarket chains, boutique retailers, cafes, and food manufacturers
- Active contracts with major beverage brands for ready-to-drink tea bases and infusions
According to industry estimates, the company handles tens of thousands of metric tons annually across formats, with significant growth in value-added and functional tea segments.
Target Clients
Hälssen & Lyon caters to:
- Foodservice Distributors
- Private Label Brands
- Tea Boutiques and Cafés
- Beverage Manufacturers
- Health and Wellness Brands
With the capability to deliver everything from single-origin loose teas to RTD beverage compounds, the company meets both artisanal and industrial demand.
Certifications and Quality Standards
The company maintains one of the most comprehensive certification portfolios in the tea industry:
- ISO 22000, HACCP, and IFS certifications
- EU Organic, USDA Organic, JAS Organic certifications
- Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance, and UTZ certifications
- Full traceability from garden to cup
Such compliance ensures market access across continents and credibility with health-conscious consumers.
Customer Reputation and Testimonials
While individual B2B reviews are not public, the brand enjoys strong recognition as a premium European tea source. Long-term client retention, frequent repeat orders, and co-development projects with global beverage leaders underscore customer satisfaction.
The company’s showcase booths at global trade events like ANUGA, SIAL, Gulfood, and World Tea Expo attract premium buyers and showcase their product innovation and technical know-how.
Strategic Vision and Achievements
- Over 140 years of uninterrupted operation since 1879
- Creator of the world's first "tea paper" book—a testament to branding and sensory innovation
- Steady diversification into functional teas, adaptogens, and low-caffeine wellness blends
- Expansion of Asia sourcing and engagement via the Taicang office
Hälssen & Lyon GmbH combines old-world heritage with cutting-edge innovation, offering one of the most diverse and ethically-sourced tea portfolios in the world. The company remains a top-tier partner for global buyers seeking authenticity, flexibility, and excellence in tea.
